Culturally, India is a challenging country to visit. I initially went to attend India Bar Show (which was unfortunately cancelled), but instead was embraced into a vibrant, intoxicating and inspiring bartending scene. Delhi is a melting pot of differences and a truly invigorating city. Travelling alone, I was exceptionally lucky to be introduced to, and looked after by the one and only Arijit Bose. His hospitality and introductions changed my entire experience of this hectic city.
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Every day in Delhi I was surrounded by new flavours and erratic driving along with bars that ranged from grandiose to speakeasy. Everyone I met was friendly, hospitable and ‘yes ma’am we can do that.’ If you have visited India you will know what I mean by this.
I digress, meeting wonderful friends with several years in-country experience such as Tim Judge and Maxime Grivel I was shown the heart of Delhi’s bar scene and able to discuss bartending in terms of Indian culture. Whether it was creating a ‘mini bar-show’ at PCO (Pass Code Only, Speakeasy) or discussing booze limitations, there was a wealth of knowledge shared.
Interesting points to note about bartending in India:
- In some parts of the country, women are not allowed to bartend after 9pm. Why? In Delhi a few years ago, a customer got angry that a female bartender wouldn’t serve him a drink after the bar had closed. The next day he came back and shot her in the head. There has since been a movie “Jessica Lal” been made, and whilst women are allowed to bartend, many owners prefer for this not to be the case.
- Here, competitions and bartenders that have competed in international competitions are an inspiration to many aspiring bartenders. There is exceptional talent, with a completely unique take and concept of flavours – that work! Like South Africa, there are limited products, but interesting flavours that bartenders are being inspired to incorporate into their concoctions. Its these twists and a traditional cooking ingredients combined with educated professionalism that is excelling bartenders to higher standards, breaking rules, and moving the craft forward.
- Whilst now many bartenders see bartending as a career, majority see it as a stepping stone into a management position – something that is of cultural importance (being able to be either in a management or ownership role) being seen as successful in the eyes of your family and loved ones. These mores will not change – like in many countries – unless you are able to credit recognition and begin to culturally redefine being a ‘success.’ Without this, bartenders will continue to see bartending as merely another rung on the ladder in the path to the ‘Top.
- In terms of growth, it’s prudent to note the substantial investment being made by foreign alcohol companies into the Indian market with local and international products making significant headway.
- On a final note, I’d like to thank Arijit Bose, Tim Judge, Maxime Grivel, Andy Gaunt, Devender Sehgal , and everyone at PCO for a truly amazing Delhi Experience. Cheers! Till we meet up again
Posted by globalbartenderexchange on January 20, 2013
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