British raj may have fled from the country but it has left behind a distinct mark on everything they have touched. You can easily see the handprint of British era on art, architecture, culture, food and even style. The trend of gentlemen’s bar started with the British officers and later refined by the royal matriarchs who took great pride in creating an exclusive ambience for the high ranking officials to entertain in. Slowly the royal dominance faded too, leaving behind a culture of expensive tastes and sophisticated dining. My Fortune hotel in Gopalapuram, Chennai is a classy place with a refined elegant palate and that elegance extends to its gorgeous bar, ‘Durrant’s Bar’. The bar is named after the first wine merchant in Madras Presidency, Charles Durrant. The space is beautifully designed and is as unique as it can be.
In the world of trendy modern bars, Durrant’s Bar cashes on its uniqueness and exclusivity. It’s distinctly old-fashioned in appearance which is one thing that attracts you instantly. They have modelled the entire bar on a British Raj theme so expect to see beautiful gleaming white veneered wall panels, richly upholstered sofas and old Victorian furniture. Every tiny detail has been looked after to give authenticity to the room. Royal blue Kashmiri carpets and walls mounted with Raj-era paintings are something to admire while waiting on your drinks. You keep expecting a party of distinguished gentlemen in tailcoats waltzing in with cigars between their lips. Durrant’s Bar is a charming place which offers you a glimpse into the era gone by. The place is quite masculine and is ideal spot for your posse to hang out after work. Bring a work associate here to show them the charms of Chennai.
Keeping true to the name, Durrant’s Bar has an impressive wine library that features wines from all over the globe. If you are not much of a wine drinker, there are so many other sorts of booze on the menu too. A stunning selection of single malts, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whisky, scotch, cognac, beer and brandy finds a place on the menu too. Ask the bartender to whisk you a killer cocktail to lend a happy buzz throughout the evening. Pair your drinks with a round of salty munchies. Durrant’s Bar is unashamedly expensive but somehow you don’t mind the pinch, not after such lovely evening.
