Hitchens is envisioned as an establishment that celebrates the joy of connection, the thrill of intellectual discovery, and the art of indulgence.
There’s a chic new cocktail bar in Khar West and it promises to delight lovers of the literary and other arts. Hitchens – Cocktails & Views opened its doors in November 2024. It is founded by Rakesh Singh, a film producer, and Aparna Sud, an acclaimed production designer. The Foundation is also supported by a group of acclaimed creative entrepreneurs from literature, theatre, film and art. The team tells us that they have tried to create a space that can foster intellectual curiosity and stimulate conversation while one feasts on delicious food and drinks. Although it is named after the iconic author Christopher Hitchens, he is not the only source of inspiration.
Photo credit: Hitchens
The walls of the first floor are decorated with quotes from Hitchens and other literary legends – designed to make patrons feel (metaphorically) ‘surrounded’ by great minds. This upper level is dedicated to live performances. There are plans to host a variety of events that aim to foster community and spark dialogue, ranging from spoken word sessions to Urdu blues. Hitchens’ kitchen is helmed by Chef Gracian de Souza and supported by Chef Harsh Parakh. The food menu features modern European flavors with unique Asian influences. Chef Anunita Ghosh is in charge of the dessert section.
Hitchens’ remarkable bar program is the brainchild of mixologist Pawan Singh Rawat, whose renowned career includes stints at award-winning bars in India and Shanghai. Pavan says, “The bar menu at Hitchens is a mix of powerful flavor combinations and unexpected ingredients. It is designed to surprise and challenge the palate.” Cocktail names are witty references to works by bar names or particular intellectual/literary concepts.
Photo credit: Hitchens
Signature drinks include the Foxhole Atheist (gin, pineapple, kaffir, watermelon, citrus), the 7 O’Clock Feminist (rum, ganache, molasses, absinthe, sherry, citrus) and the Editor’s Choice (whiskey, umeshu, sherry, absinthe, bitters) . Each drink has been thoughtfully designed to tell its own story, creating a unique and memorable experience for patrons. There is also an array of creatively concocted void-proof options. Highlights include a blip in time (beetroot, apple, shiso, honey bush) and a long short (papaya, turmeric, honey, citrus, seltzer).
Photo credit: Hitchens
The food menu leans toward modern European fare, but the Asian touches expand the possibilities. Chef Gracian says, “I love looking at old-school fare through a modern lens, and I don’t mean any of that molecular stuff. I’m more into elevating known classics with surprising and novel textures and flavors. “Interested.” Some must-try dishes include juicy jackfruit tostadas, creamy sweet potato gratin, fiery sambal tofu, lip-smacking market fish escabeak and comforting Kerala mutton fry. In the House Special, the mushroom cooked three ways from ‘One’s Own Room’ stood out for us. End your meal with indulgent mini eclairs, a satisfying apple crumble or a shared plate of petit fours.
Photo credit: Hitchens
The surroundings are characterized by subtle aesthetic details that reveal themselves throughout the stages and you discover a space that is infused with creativity. Open the menu and you’ll be greeted not only by the names of the dishes/drinks, but also by the bar’s bites being “foreshadowed” and primarily titled “The Plot Thickens.” Look around and you can appreciate the captivating centerpiece of Hitchens (and other writers’ illustrations), brought to life by artists Atharva Ghatulkar and Nagnath Mankeshwar. Greet the staff and you’ll see uniforms created by Bollywood costume designer Priyanjali Lahiri. Even the bill folders incorporate a whimsical touch.
Photo credit: Hitchens
Hitchens is envisioned as an establishment that celebrates the joy of connection, the thrill of intellectual discovery, and the art of indulgence. It offers an exciting blend of sophistication and accessibility. The team explains, “Christopher Hitchens believed that great ideas could not be born without the right setting. Here at Hitchens, we hope to give you the right setting. What you do with it – the man himself Would agree – up to you.”
Where: Hitchens, 494-486, 17th Road, Khar West, Mumbai.
Photo credit: Hitchens
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