Delhi Nightlife

1911
One of the swankiest hotel bars in Delhi is 1911 in the Imperial Hotel. Named after the year when Delhi was proclaimed the capital of British India, this is neo-colonial drinking at its best.

Imperial Hotel, Janpath
Tel: (011) 2334 1234.
Website: www.theimperialindia.com

Q'BA
A snazzy joint in Connaught Place, this two-floor bar offering a decent cocktail list attracts a smart crowd. Featuring leather chairs, dim lighting, two breezy roof terraces, deep purple, black and brown hues, it is worth lingering in with friends. It also sometimes features live music.

42 E-Block, Connaught Place
Tel: (011) 4151 2888.
Website: www.qba.co.in

@Live Bar
You'll need lots of energy for this centrally-located watering hole where can choose what songs you want the live Malaysian band to play. The nightspot serves a mix of beverages from decent local wine to sangria and Irish beer.

K-12, Outer Circle, Connaught Place
Tel: (011) 4356 0008.

Lizard Lounge
Hip hop, rock, and Bollywood tunes take turns on the decks at this small nightspot in Delhi's trendy southern suburb.

E-5, South Extension II
Tel: (011) 4164 2924.

Shalom
In Greater Kailash is the trendy Shalom which sports an inventive drinks menu alongside its tasty Lebanese food menu. This laid-back watering hole also features eclectic music.

N-18, N-Block Market
Tel: (011) 4163 2282.
Website: www.shalomexperience.com

Haze
The only bar offering live jazz and blues music in Delhi, this place has a laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. Pictures of jazz greats line the wall while the DJ and staff definitely know the classics. Happy hour is between 1530-1900.

8 Basant Lok, Visant Vihar
Tel: (011) 4166 9088.

The Living Room Café and Kitchen
This late-night drinking lair is a relative newcomer but is fast attracting a loyal crowd of musicians, expats and tourists. Chill out to a musical medley, ranging from reggae and raga to soft rock and soul. Its three floors heave at the weekends with energetic dancers and live music but you can always escape the sweaty masses by battling your way to the fourth-floor terrace for a breath of the city's sultry night air.

31 Hauz Khas Village
Tel: (011) 4608 0533.