Mumbai’s sprawling expanse holds havens for all kinds of people—an endless expanse for both revelry and discovery. Still, there are a few groups of people that have always struggled to find spaces to call their own, and one of those is undeniably the independent music enthusiasts. Sadly, the last few years has seen a slow homogenisation of bars and clubs. The same tracks loop endlessly for listless audiences and even the few upstanding establishments that really catered to the ‘live music’ crowd seem to be dwindling away. Case in point, the tragic demise of Blue Frog. This is probably why the return of one of the most legendary venues to ever have existed in Mumbai has been cause for so much excitement—welcome to ‘Razzberry Rhinoceros’, better remembered as ‘Razz’.
The iconic Mumbai music venue, which was once aptly titled a ‘band incubator,’ is making a comeback after 10 long years and though the news has done the rounds by now (for those who it matters most to, anyway) few knew exactly what to expect. Now, owners Piccadily Group along with directors Neeren Tewari and Nitin Tewari are ready to reveal their reimagining to patrons of this beloved spot inside the Juhu Hotel. With their extensive industry experience they have tailored every detail to embrace modern aesthetics while retaining its sentimental link to the past, even while ensuring that everything is bigger and better than ever before.
The new space brings five unique food and beverage experiences to cater to any craving and with Chef Ranveer Brar heading the kitchens and Nitin Tewari helming the bar-top you’re likely to be in safe hands whichever one you choose. Unimaginable to patrons of the past, you can now imagine having a lazy Sunday Brunch in the very place you once headbanged the night away. The Bistro is replete with whitewashed brick and comfortable chairs to recline in while you digest, the whole place awash with a Mediterranean vibe. Or you could enjoy a casual round of pool while making regular trips to the Wine and Coffee bar, the possibilities are endless.
If you prefer the outdoors and a seaview while you eat, head out to the Deck for all the same perks plus the sound of the waves to amplify your experience. It’s the perfect spot to start drinking early, filling up on some great canteen-style options to soak up all the excesses. Their menu has offerings like Masala Cheddar Toast or Jaffna Fish Cutlets till about 4 pm so don’t miss out. You can wash that all down with a drink from the ‘Root to Fruit’ bar menu, which combines the freshest produce with some stiff alcohol to add the mirage of health to your day-drinking.
The Razz Bar is the place to be if you’re looking to really reminisce though. Even if the decor is entirely different from what you remember—leather and high ceilings accentuate the casual lounge setting—it isn’t hard to remember that ‘one time you...’ with a Razz cocktail in hand. Then again, you might forget all about it if you head up to the Members-only Lounge looking for a more exclusive experience when you can be served by a personal butler with a sea view.
Perhaps then it’s time to let the memories of the shady-yet-accepting dive it once go and accept it for its incredible makeover. We could never have imagined it but there’s no denying that everybody’s happy to have access to an old haunt again though we’re yet to hear more about the owners’ plans for the music programming.
Now the only question on everyone’s minds remains—will it return to its once-legendary status as the highlight of the city’s nightlife? Can it ever be restored to its erstwhile prime?