We just didn’t feel right about dropping Rs 800 for a pint at a bar best described as wannabe-Ghetto, where every table but ours was empty and the speakers were blasting Gloria Gaynor. But despite the pitfalls, we too survived our night out at Cerveza, the much-anticipated beer lounge that opened at Kala Ghoda last week and ended up being, as one friend pointed out, a damp squib.

The Dark Horse?

Perched above Silk Route, Cerveza features a tangerine orange wall stamped with a beer atlas of the world, low ceilings and dreadfully dim lighting that makes the already cramped space look even smaller. There is also a smattering of bar stools, DJ console, bar.

Mitigating the decor a bit is the long list of international brews - lager, stout, draught, fruit, ale, white, wheat and dry – that  some beer lovers may not mind being in a tight spot for. Like we mentioned in an earlier story, these include over 30 varieties such as Saison Dupont, Leifmans, Chimay Red (8% alcohol content) and Irish Murphy’s Stout along with usual suspects like Tsing Tao, Miller High Life, Kingfisher (all except Kingfisher Blue). Get any or all, but stay away from beer cocktails, which taste weaker than the Shandy we surreptitiously downed as fourteen year olds.

Oh My Nosh! We suggest that the  poison of choice –Leifmans  fruit  beer  and  Saison Dupont farm fresh  ale are particularly  nice -  be mopped up with an order of Mongolian chicken,  spicy, tangy, tender and  dry enough to serve as a convenient bar snack; or greasy, crispy sesame toast – essentially, corn curd on fried bread, coated with  sesame seeds. Those looking for variety can also order appetizers (wantons, water chestnuts) from Silk Route downstairs.

Sip Over This

Despite the fancy beers,  passable food and great location, we’re pretty sure we’ll not return to the current avatar of Cerveza. Who knew that a slatted wooden ceiling, low wattage bulbs, high prices and cringe-worthy playlist (by the time we left they were playing Susanna) could wreck so much damage?

Getting there: 8, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, call 22818572, Rs 200 for a Kingfisher and Rs 850 for Chimay Red.