The Bandra outlet of one of the oldest pubs in Mumbai, tries to be "one above". We checked in to see if it really is

Pub chain On Toes has taken the restaurant way out in Bandra. Unlike the other outlets, One Above On Toes has a pub as well as a restaurant with an attached bar, on level one of a building under-renovation. The idea has struck home for upper crust families, who were happily lunching there on the Saturday afternoon we dropped in. We couldn't quite place a finger on the concept behind the curious mix of du00e9cor. Somewhere between South Mumbai mansion and Greek beach house seems like a possibility. Irrespective, comfort and exclusivity are the order of the day, with special group seating arrangements and large sofas.

One Above On Toes' pub is big on animal print and vibrant colours. Pic/ Nimesh Dave

Much smaller and emptier, the pub is big on animal print and vibrant colours. Roping in cocktail queen Shatbhi Basu to do the look and bar menu for this queen of suburbs outlet, was a good idea. Expensive though it reads cocktails are priced at Rs 400 and an Ice Tea costs 200 bucks the bar menu is one of the most innovative we've seen recently. It stays true to the chain's name (it started as a fast food joint serving combi-food in disposable containers in 1986).u00a0

The chain has come a long way from its fast food days. The richly-stuffed signature dish Locha Naan (Rs 190) was tops while the Wild Mushroom Strudel (Rs 275) was a feast of cheese and at least four varieties of mushroom. The mildly spicy Achar Ghosht (Rs 275) passed our test of authenticity but the Tulsi Paneer Tikka (Rs 220) disappointed. The Italian menu is sparse but you have the option of customising your own pasta. The chef did a great job of our Penne Pasta with Char Grilled Veggies and Mascarpone Lemon Sauce (Rs 275). This place is a good bet if you want to be one above in the spending department.

At: VN Sphere, Nav Chandra Premises, first floor, near Swarovski, junction of Turner Road and Linking Road, Bandra (W).
Call: 26425411