True blue

BlueBar at The Claridges, Surajkund, totally turns the colour around

This is not just a bar. It is a watering hole for tired souls. Though it may sound a tad too titillating, the Bluebar at The Claridges Surajkund offers the best remedy for frown lines. The moment you push open its doors to enter the plush lounge with soft blue lighting, your stress levels plummet. Must have something to do with the soothing effect of blue and the musical fountains dancing in the middle of a landscaped courtyard that the bar overlooks!

Sink into the sofas lining the wall or sprawl out on the mini-bed. And let the barman take charge. (Avoid the sitting arrangement in front of the DJ alcove, unless looking at wirings of woofers and speakers is your idea of fun.)



Clink tank
The bar offers and extensive selection of Champagnes and wines, and a range of signature cocktails and mocktails in blue. The blue drinks are interesting to look at, but nothing to write home about.u00a0 What you must try are the cocktails made with grilled fruits and nuts. Taking off from the theories of molecular mixology the talented barman Dhiren has tweaked common cocktails with grilled and smoked flavours. These drinks are a treasure trove of flavours. Even my regular Bloody Mary tasted exotic!

Herbi-more
The Vodka cocktail looked slightly thicker than usual and at the first sip itself, I could savour the flavour of grilled tomatoes. Unlike the run-of-mill Bloody Maries made with canned tomato juice, the drink had muddled grilled roma tomatoes with a hint of herbs. I guessed basil, but Dhiren just smiled. I have never sipped the drink faster, and fear it has spoilt me forever.

Malt-o-meter
The rum with roasted walnut was equally adventurous. As I sipped the cocktail, I felt I was also biting into crispy toasted walnuts.u00a0 The woody scents were headier than the alcohol! A must, must try.

And for those of you who prefer it straight, chilled beer is served from the tap. At the bar counter, order your beer or single or double malts and share the company of an expat jilted lover, who has made the Blue Bar the cathartic ground for his blues!

While the drink menu is an eye-opener, the snack platters have been kept simple yet tasty. The duck spring roll with the sweet dip was pleasing but the chilli cheese poppers stole the show. You couldn't stop at one! I couldn't even after six!

Bluebar
Where: The Claridges, Shooting Range Road, Surajkund
Timings: 6 pm to 1 am
Ring: 0129 - 4190000