Oval and out

Don't expect dazzling display of fine food or drinks at this new pub, but you might just find your second wind in this solace island at Mantri Mall

Not a place for the amiable bar-hopper, Mantri Mall's Oval Bar is on first sight, a random location bang in the middle of the newest mall in town.

The bar, which is shaped exactly like its name, offers a view of the giant mall throbbing with footfalls; but turn around and you will find solace from the busy mall scene outside and can put your feet up and relax with a drink.

Located on the third floor of the mega shopping complex, the bar currently sits in an island of space surrounded by unfinished stores and a selection of well known food venues.



Upon entering the bar, we were greeted by friendly staff who sat us by the railed fenced wall that shelters you from the hustle and bustle of frantic shoppers in the mall. From this perspective, you almost feel as if you are waiting in an airport lounge. Clean and stylishly furbished with dark couches and drop lighting, the atmosphere of the bar is open yet intimate enough to hold a private conversation.

An interesting array of finger foods, snacks and cocktails are available from the menu, but don't be surprised when the waiter tells you that only six dishes are available from the 30 mentioned on the list. Although a chef was standing in the central kitchen preparing dishes, we were disappointed to find out that the pizzas and appetizers we wished for were not available that day.

With a sigh, we started with the Mozzarella Fritters (Rs 125), that entailed a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese patted with a parmesan bread crumb batter and fried. The result was some tasty morsels of warm gooey cheese with a crunchy exterior.

The Onion Rings (Rs 125) made up our second appetizer that needed some more salt and that aromatic onion flavour. For our mains, we had a Vegetarian Club Sandwich (Rs 150) that was heavily doused in a sweet mayonnaise and overpowered the fresh lettuce and tomato it was served with. The presentation was fine, with crispy French fries and ketchup, but overall it was a fairly dismal exhibition of food.

Hoping to add brownies to our experience with some cocktails, we ordered a Cosmopolitan (Rs 300) that had a sweet orange blossom flavour and was refreshingly chilled. The Apple Martini (Rs 300) lacked the zesty apple taste and was fairly bland, similar to over-watered juice.u00a0

But, thankfully the Long Beach Iced Tea (Rs 350) was originally delicious to taste, with an aromatic spice and cola scent mixed with quality tequila, though it didn't leave a very pleasant aftertaste.

After a chaotic few hours of racing around Mantri Square, if you want to take a breather and nurse a drink in a quiet place, head to your own private Idaho right in the middle of all the chaos.

At 3rd floor, Mantri Square Mall, Malleshwaram Callu00a0 3190 1122
Drinks and food for two:u00a0 Rs 1,400
Oval Bar didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals