Harry’s, situated in Mumbai’s Juhu, isn’t difficult to locate given the huge signage and its closed chamber-like appearance. This is the second franchise of Singapore’s iconic bar chain in Mumbai. Once you enter the place, you forget the hustle and bustle outside and absorb the dim lit surroundings and cozy ambience, which is a good thing if you decide to visit the place on a sunny afternoon (Yes, we did that). The entrance, with just enough greenery to please your eyes, doubled up as a small outdoor seating area with two to three tables. Take a small flight of steps and the raw muted yellow of the indoor seating welcomes you. With a long bar, bathed in amber light, and a rather laid back seating, the 90s classic music makes sense too.
After much deliberation, we started off with some of Harry’s signature cocktails, Singapore Sling and Harry’s Old Fashioned (and some peanuts). A pineapple lover’s bliss, the Singapore Sling was a mix of gin, cherry, pineapple with a tinge of lime in it. While Harry’s Old Fashioned was orange and demerara infused scotch, a bit strong for our taste but flavours blended beautifully (worth a shot). The drinks were accompanied by muchos nachos veggie (melted cheese, tomato salsa, delicious sour cream and guacamole) and Vietnamese spring rolls which was the first light and healthy dish we had in centuries – zucchini, carrots, rice noodles, cucumber and the garnish; an ideal platter when you really don’t want to binge on calories. The Pattaya beach fish goujons were crispy and spicy and soft all at the same time, a must try.
The watermelon and feta salad (three types of lettuce, watermelon, feta cheese, honey and mustard dressing) was a burst of flavours melting in your mouth; it was without doubt the most delectable dish of the evening. The second round of drinks included the Green Lantern, Blood on the Rooftop and a mocktail named Guava Mary – a dozen guavas squished into a spicy and tangy mix. I will give Blood on the Rooftop a notable mention here; 4 spirits, a dash of lemonade and red wine (hundred thumbs up here). Following the drinks was the Schezwan barbeque chicken (spicy and tender). We were stuffed and done but the dessert awaited the table. Drunken volcano cake is what they called it; absolute bliss on earth is what we wanted it to be called. Don’t leave the place without tasting this masterpiece of a dessert. All in all, it was a flavoursome afternoon amidst beautifully prepared drinks and delicacies.
Where: 14, Silver Beach Estate, AB Nair Road, Opposite Juhu Post Office, Near CBTL, Juhu, Mumbai
Opening hours: 12 noon – 1.30 am
Cost for two: Rs. 1500 approx