Speakeasy Sensation: New Delhi’s Lair Cracks Global Top 100 Bar List

India’s cocktail scene just earned a global nod as Lair, a stylish speakeasy in New Delhi, clinched the 96th spot on the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars extended list for 2025. This marks a major milestone for the country’s mixology landscape, with Lair being the only Indian bar to make the cut this year.

 

Key Highlights from the Global Ranking

 

Lair debuted on the extended list, which ranks bars from 51 to 100 worldwide

 

The list spans 34 cities and is curated by the World's 50 Best Bars organisation

 

The main awards ceremony will be held in Hong Kong on October 8

 

Inside Lair: India’s Top-Ranked Bar

 

Located in central New Delhi, Lair is inspired by 1920s prohibition-era speakeasies

 

Conceived by Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij, it offers a refined, intimate escape

 

The bar’s ambiance features earthy interiors and moody lighting

 

Its cocktail menu is tiered into beginner, intermediate, and superior levels, catering to all palates

 

India’s Rising Bar Culture

 

Earlier this year, Lair was ranked 8th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list

 

Other Indian bars featured in the Asia rankings include Soka, Boilermaker, ZLB23, and Bar Spirit Forward, all from Bengaluru and Goa

 

This recognition not only celebrates Lair’s excellence but also signals India’s growing influence in the global bar scene.

 

Sources: NDTV Food, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Economic Times India