THE GUIDE freeze frames Ice Lounge, Delhi's first sub-zero 'chillout' zone

THE GUIDE freeze frames Ice Lounge, Delhi's first sub-zero 'chillout' zoneu00a0

Remember the snazzy ice hotel in Bond blockbuster Die Another Day? Its cousin's just taken birth in the capital. Christened Ice Lounge, its the coolest bar to hang out at, both literally and otherwise. Don't waste your curiosity on why they chose winter to throw it open; there's much more to be awestruck about.u00a0

Cold vibes: The ice arena, designed by world famous architect
Julian Bayley, can accommodate upto 40 people

North Pole to neighbourhood
The first stunning feature comes in the form its entrance, the door of which is like a massive cold storage compartment, and the moment it throws itself open, you stop believing you're in a city that makes you sweat more than you can pee. And the wonders don't cease. There're all-ice sculptures that freeze Mughal magnificence, tables, thrones and walls, all made of 35 tons of crystal clear and transparent ice, imported from Canada. Only the floor is wooden.

Your drinks, too, are served in ice tumblers. The choices, unfortunately, are limited due to technical reasons. "Ice bars across the world serve only vodka, because its freezing temperature is -16," says Puneet Tayal, co-owner. However, there's there's a complementing restro-bar where all liquor variants are served, along with Lebanese, Oriental, Continental and other cuisines. The owners also claim that the light and sound systemsu00a0 installed here are the most sophisticated when compared to other such concept bars in the world. Too bad we haven't been to the others, so no comments here.

The backup story
The maintenance mechanism of this place is a story in itself. Althoughu00a0 one condensing unit can keep the ice in place, two additional backups have been installed. These machines get to action automatically when the mercury reads -2, and stop functioning at -6 degrees. The managers explain that water cannot be used to the clean the ice because it makes the melting faster. Even the service staff changes every 45 minutes, for the inhospitable conditions make it tough.

"According to surveys done by ice bars across the world, even guests don't stay in an ice bar for more than 45 minutes at one go. Anyone who walks in, including the bartenders,u00a0 have to wear the thinsulate attire that we provide. Girls will get gloves and moon boots," informs Puneet.

The ice spice here includes hip-hop and psychedelic music, drinks and cocktails, art exhibitions for works in oil, exclusive watches on sale, photography and the jazz. The place can also be used for private parties.
One totally unmissable place this summer.

Ice Lounge
Opens its doors on Jan 30
Add: First Floor, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Saket
Timings: Noon till 1 am
Ring: 9654127171, 41017171
Meal for two: Rs 1,100 onwards