Ask a Bandraite for a recco for a chilled-out bar with a great music scene in the Queen of suburbs, someone is bound to utter “Bonobo”. Having been around for 15 years, the Bandra pub entered the city scene right when Mumbai was having its own music evolution. Said to be one of the only few places where international artists could perform (because Bombay had only a handful of them), Bonobo has stood the test of time and how.
Surviving Long And Hard In The Queen Of Suburbs
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Bandra is also a neighbourhood with the most number of short-lived bars, cafes and restaurants. The pub has through its share of ups and downs and stood tall. And, there is enough rep amongst patrons and enough proof that it is much loved.
Artists like Flying Lotus, Midival Punditz, Nucleya and more performed here. So, can one say that they have redefined the arts, music & cultural space over the years? Hell, yeah! Ask the co-founder and partner, Nevil Timbadia, the same and he says, “We have just consistently been active in the independent music space. We do a weekly dedicated live music night and we host a lot of DJs from India and around the world.”
What Was The Very First Menu Of Bonobo Like?
When they started in 2008, the concept of make-your-own-cocktail was toyed with. But soon they learnt that people don’t want to come to a bar and make their own poison, they want to be served. But when it comes to food and drinks, the bar has pretty much carried forward the legacy. It is only after 15 years that they have changed the menu. But we wanted to feel nostalgic, so we got our hands on the very first menu.
Image courtesy: Supplied
Image courtesy: Supplied
Wow! Over the years, the price points may have changed. But the food’s quality certainly hasn’t. Right from soups, crostinis, mezze, brie, sausages, I mean look at the price points. Not bad, huh?! Some may say it is mid-budget even for then, but it is not that inflation has been kind. Plus, pubs and bar bites have maintained that sweet spot when it comes to pricing.
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You ask patrons and they swear by their Spicy Burnt Garlic Pizza, Harissa Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Prawns. All that was added, I am guessing, over the due course of time.
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15th Anniversary Celebrations
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But as they turn 15, the month-long celebration has kicked in. They have got various pop-ups, various artists like The Bombay Jazz Club, Tommy Vercetti (UK) + Suhas Mellow, GATECRASH ft. Gently Broken from Italy, and more who have performed. Lined up for the month includes a pop-up by Seefah and performances by Chhabb, Tubby, Sindhi Curry, and more.
Also Read: 8 Spots In Mumbai To Enjoy Live Music
With the festive cheer around, their Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are looking pretty glitzy as well. They have spruced up the place real good. And, we are hearing some chatter about a live photo booth at the restaurant. So, you may want to go and check that out for yourself.
As for the new menu, we will see how that sits with the regulars. And as for the music scene, it is like they say, “where the beat goes on.”
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If you have any Bonobo memories, hit us up with them in the comments section below.
Where: Bonobo, 2nd Floor, Kenilworth Mall, Phase 2, Off Linking Road, Bandra West
Contact: +91 96199 30030 (Reservations Recommended):
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied
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First Published: December 14, 2023 6:51 PM