For Carrie Bradshaw and the like

South Mumbai gets a ladies-friendly lounge. Here, chicks walk in free, and men are allowed only if accompanied by women

South Mumbai gets a ladies-friendly lounge. Here, chicks walk in free, and men are allowed only if accompanied by women

You've had a crazy day at work, the kids just drove you off the brink and then there were the in-laws to deal with. But the day's finally over and you get dressed to go for a drink with friends. The music's great, the Cosmo is working its magic, and then a guy shows up, smiles cockily and says, "Can I take your picture...so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas?"

We are told the menu at Diva and adjoining Three Flights Up, (here, ladies pay a cover charge of Rs 750 and men pay Rs 1,000) is the same. The ambience at Diva seems to have been almost deliberately imbued with all the sensuality of Agent Provocateur lingerie (envision a racy pink teamed with a kinky black), while Three Flights Up is illuminated in turquoise. Both places have a club-like vibe, and the playlist is clearly selected for dance.

We loved that the wine selection at Diva boasted brands like Gossips, an Australian wine, which, unfortunately, we couldn't sample because it was only sold by the bottle. And while the beverage list also featured interestingly-christened potions like VViagra Falls and Botox Shot, we decided to be different and opt for a virginal Tropical Kiss. Priced at Rs 177, this was a painfully sweet, unexciting blend. There's no main course here and vegetarian options dominate the diminutive list of appetisers. But we enjoyed a scrumptious serving of spinach and cheese patties, dubbed Fauladi Kababs (Rs 222). Mushroom Magic (stuffed, batter-coated and deep-fried mushrooms served with mayonnaise and priced Rs 222) is worth trying too.

On: 1st floor, Narang House, Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Call: 22829934 / 22829935

Diva and 3 Flights Up didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pay for meals

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