Colaba's old-school pub is back as city's 1st all-day pub

A frenzy back in the '90s, watering hole HQs is revamped and all set to please the crowd that grew up hanging out on its dance floor. Cafe Royal next door gets a makeover too

A frenzy back in the '90s, watering hole HQs is revamped and all set to please the crowd that grew up hanging out on its dance floor. Cafe Royal next door gets a makeover too

There is more than an alphabet that separates Gen X and Gen Y. Possibly a whole nightclub. While Gen X may have whiled their "JC heydays" at Cyclone or 1900s at the Taj, HQs stands for every 1980-85-born SoBo collegian's Saturday night hotspot. Short for Head Quarters, HQs was the place to meet new batchmates, steal a glance at seniors or manage an awkward "hi" to that cool dude you had been eyeing all week on campus.

This week, when we walked into the all-new HQs, there was no sign of Sisqo singing the Thong Song or Sonique doing her classic soprano from High. And yet, we swam in a whirlpool of memories. It still stands cooped up in the hunched mezzanine, but now, the bar is in focus. The dance floor is out.

"We realised that the crowd that patronised HQs wouldn't fancy hanging out at an HQs-type of club any longer. They've grown up, they prefer lounge bars to noisy nightclubs," says Gaurav Sethi, Promoter, Cafe Royal. "But the name had to stay. There is too much attachment involved," he smiles.

HQs is Mumbai's first all-day pub

The once dark and dingy interiors have given way to a well-lit green and oak wood English-style pub. The bar is strategically plotted in the centre and you can grab a drink from any four sides. A plasma screen on one wall has the company of witty law-and-order-inspired paraphernalia and beer kegs.

Rock and Retro make up the new playlist, with a little of Jazz and Blues or a live performance thrown in. No Bollywood. No Trance, emphasises Sethi. "The place is meant for those who want to chill out, drink, eat, and maybe even conduct an informal meeting with colleagues."

HQs has a wide variety of fresh beer options, close to 15, Hoegaarden and Kingfisheru00a0 spewed right out of the tap.

Cafe Royal mixes old world charm with new needs

Downstairs at Cafe Royal, you may spot a vintage telephone and retro leather sofas next to a live sandwich bar that stocks fresh bread and desserts. A few new-age dishes like the Paprika Roasted Garlic Cheese Fondue (Rs 250), creep into the dining menu. We love that their famous Hollywood-meets-The Last Supper painting has been injected with Bollywood flavour; Aishwarya and Salman give Brad and Angelina company. The new ambience is far more inviting with its simple and cafe-like decor.

The menu has gone through a minor facelift, and dishes see a small influx of various flavours and cultures, from Indian and Italian to Chinese and Mexican. "A lot of the fast-moving dishes like the Cottage Cheese Pearls and Seasame and Chilli Cheese Toast from the old menu have been retained. And of course, ouru00a0 USP the steaks and sizzlers stay too." The treatment varies, he shares. For instance, grills will not be prepared using the old school Burgundy or Wine sauces.

The Guide recommends:
Stuffed Mushrooms (Rs 130), Salisbury Steak (Rs 300) and Blueberry Cheese Cake (90)

At: 166, Indian Mercantile Mansion, opposite Regal Cinema, Colaba.
Call: 22883982 / 83 / 84. Timings: 11 am to 1 am. Cafe Royal and HQs are currently not accepting credit cards.

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