Sidecar team to open bar in Nepal
The duo behind New Delhi’s Sidecar, Minakshi Singh and Yangdup Lama, will launch their fourth cocktail bar in Nepal next month.
For their latest venture, the pair have turned their attention to the Himalayan region after securing a spot on Durbar Marg, an avenue in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu.
Named The Old House, the bar is said to be inspired by the Newari way of life and sits under a 100-year-old Banyan tree.
The venue will transport guests to 1970s and 1980s Kathmandu through its interior, fully-decked with woodwork, tapestry and floorwork that is characteristic of traditional Newari architecture (think closely spaced joists and a subfloor of terracotta tiles and wooden planks, which are adorned with a layer of fine yellow clay).
Lama and Singh have also partnered with the founders of The Park for the project, an upmarket retail-come-food and beverage space.
Lama said: “Born and brought up in Darjeeling with roots in Nepal, I have always had a special affinity for the region, its rich heritage and beautiful produce, it almost feels like a homecoming, and I am looking forward to sharing our craft with everyone.”
Regarding details for the drinks programme, Singh and Lama are said to be bringing the best cocktails from their other venues (Sidecar, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy and The Brook) to The Old House, so guests expect old favourites like the Zing Thing, Cilantro, Foghorn, and Duk Ley.
Meanwhile, Dhendup Lama will be tasked with the food, who said of his menu: “We are translating staples from the Newari kitchen in a refreshing new narrative without losing out on the heart of the cuisine.
“Inspired heavily by the ‘Sekuwa’ culture, a traditional technique of barbecuing, where a multitude of marinated meats are cooked, hot and fast directly over a pit, complimented with a fair bit of ‘spirited’ conversations.”
Alongside the booze, a selection of teas and freshly-roasted coffee by Nepal Coffee Company will be offered, as well as non-alcoholic options made with the ‘finest ingredients’ from the region.
Live bands have also been lined up to perform at the venue.
Singh added: “We are most excited for our first international project, with a dream setting a beautiful indoor and outdoor area, I am sure you will love it as much as we loved creating it.”
The Old House will be open daily from 12pm to 1am.
Beyond their own bars, Singh and Lama also co-founded the first India Bartender Week, which took place in February.
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