Beer mugs and retro rock

Oshiwara has a new friendly neighbourhood pub where booze comes cheap and bonding is comfy

Noisy nightclubs and laidback lounges have their merits. But there are some days when you would rather down drinks over idle talk than shake a leg. Ye Ol' Watering Hole, which threw its doors open barely a week ago, seems just right for days like these. More like a relaxed neighbourhood British pub, this dive is bang on with its liquor pricing and complimentary munchies. Walls coloured solid in orange and blue, dark wood cube stools and glass tables and a warmly lit bar keep things informal, with the only oddity being the giant LCD on the wall across.



Black-clad waiters invisibly replenished our diced cucumber and carrot, chana dal and sev that came free with the drinks. Rock-bottom priced booze is probably what first drew the studio and production house crowd talking shop over draught beer (Rs 250 for a pitcher) on the Wednesday night we dropped in. With cocktails priced between Rs 225 and Rs 335, a small vodka at Rs 90, and a large glass of whiskey at Rs 160-Rs 180, this place might well outlast its predecessors Just Like That and Hungama.

To further reduce your unwinding expense, drop in during Happy Hours. Between 6 pm and 9 pm on weekends or up to 1 am from Mondays to Thursdays, they are running the offer: Buy 2 drinks and get 2 free on the first order, and from there on buy 1 and get 1 free.
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Eats on the menu are mostly grilled Indian and Chinese appetizers, with main course available on request.

Vegetarians stumped for options can try the Stir Fried Schezwan Vegetables (Rs 110), and mildly spiced and grilled Tandoori Paneer (Rs 150). The Chicken Adraki (Rs 150) was first-rate but the surprise was the Tandoori Egg (Rs 120); boiled eggs and veggies skewered in desi spices.

At:u00a0Star Ship, opposite Tarapore Garden, New Oshiwara Link Road, Andheri (W).
Call: 9323460067

Ye Ol' Watering Hole didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.