Craft Beer Asia took a little trip to Mumbai in 2015 to check out the local craft beer scene in the city. For those of you with a day to spare and want to check out some great local craft beer, here is what you need to know.
Our craft beer day begins in Colaba where art deco buildings and history are abound. Opposite the historic Regal Cinema is The Woodside Inn, a Gastropub featuring American and European fare along with some local spins. One of the most important local spins at this establishment is the lineup of Gateway Beers on tap. Gateway is Mumbai’s first microbrewery offering various styles of craft beer on tap throughout the Mumbai area.
After a great lunch and fine ales, time to walk off a few calories before making our way to stop #2 on our Craft Beer trail through Mumbai. It’s off to Lower Parel district to the North and The One Indiabulls Center. This is an office complex and inside the facility is The White Owl, a brewpub featuring house brews and a very delicious menu for dinner. You may have to ask the guard how to find the pub, but once you do, you will be glad you did.
Brewer, Mayhul Patel, came from a history in the India wine industry before shifting gears into the craft beer world. Mayhem is passionate about his craft and has big dreams for the craft beer culture in India.
After a very satisfying dinner. It’s time to make a short hike or taxi ride to Mumbai’s original brewpub, The Barking Deer. The Barking Deer is the creation of American, Gregory Kroitzsh who after a lot of patience to obtain a license in Alcohol paranoid Mumbai, opened a world class brewpub to set the stage for the craft beer scene in the city.
The Barking Deer features ongoing special events including a great comedy night when I was there. I had the privilege of meeting brewer, Varsha Bhat, whose passion and intelligence will serve India’s craft beer scene well in the years to come. A tip for a late night snack to go with your Barking Deer craft beer is the Chicken Tikka grilled on the patio. Mmmmmmmm……
As late night settles in and the need to burn a few calories becomes evident, head next door to The Blue Frog Lounge for some fantastic live music, dancing and of course… Craft Beer. The Blue Frog has taps flowing that contain Mumbai’s Gateway Brewing.
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