Dec 02 2006
Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro, Mumbai
Hard Rock Cafe describes itself as “Anti-Establishment”:
Irreverent. Brash. Philanthropic. We’ve been doing things our own way since 1971. What started as an American diner in the heart of London has blossomed into a way of life. Hard Rock isn’t just a name; it’s a culture. And with each new cafe, hotel and casino, Hard Rock’s message reaches more and more people. “Love all. Serve all.” It’s a simple reminder to love one another and live for the moment… with a dash of rock!
“Love all. Serve all.” is now in Mumbai (actually since 12th Sept) and is SO DEF worth the night out!
We went on Saturday night - be advised, it’s so rocking you’re not gonna get a table - and even if you want to hang by the bar, entrace is INR 1000 (cover) a couple / girls free.
That being said though, it’s still fabulous. The music is great, the crowd is decent & the ambience, well, it is a Hard Rock Cafe! There are all the necessary rock star paraphernalia that goes with the HRC name - the autographed guitars, the crazy outfits (I saw a nice one belonging to the artist formerly know as Prince), the photographs, the trivia. I love it, I love it, I love it. Yes, in case you didn’t get it, I really love it.
Here’s what I think though - it’ll be a 100 times better in say 4 - 6 months when the novelty has died down & there’s more breathing space - and when there are live bands performing. Know that ‘Not just Jazz by the bay’ is SOO much better when there are live shows & this will be even more amazing as there just SOOOOO much space - 6000 sq ft to be exact!
More about Mumbai’s Hard Rock Cafe (address & telephone nos etc) here.
Of course the night was terribly young (it was only 1 am!) so we decided to hop over to Shiro, the lounge bar just next door (where two of us had two whole other sets of friends partying there. You’ve gotto love Bombay’s party spirit! Everybody parties!)
Shiro (meaning white in Japanese) I was told, is Tao themed. You are greeted by this beautiful giant as you walk in:
All throughout the beatifully done up club you’ll see amazing water bodies (especially the private members lounge area, one flight up), the stones, the bamboo covered (higher than high) ceiling, the red glass beads, each more beautiful than the first.
Worth the visit even if only from an interior design point of view. And yes, also from the “it-place” to be seen pov. Some very pretty people indeed!
Jugde for yourself 
(click to enlarge)
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[...] Melody (The Voice In My Head) who happens to be one of those “party-till-I-die kinda women” and who was also a BIG part of my outing that evening… Ps : Would like to put out a special THANK YOU message
with a gun pointed at mefor party-licious Mel and yes I shall forever behatinggrateful for the time you took out of your ever so busy schedule to come out with me. [...]Hi Melody,
Thanks for the wishes, sorry I am writing late. How have you been. I have been crazy busy with 2 lil ones
and a relatively new job.
Can’t imagine how crazy life must be with a new baby! And a new job now to top!
I’ve been alright. Work, party, friends, family. It’s all good.
1000 bucks entry! yeeesshhh…times have changed.
I loved the cafe too! Met n there and a friendship was born over an accident with a couple of martinis
. Also you might like her write-up of this place (http://nrambles.blogspot.com/2006/10/high-ceilings-and-closed-walls.html).
IdeaSmith - Woman, when the heck are you calling for the coffee???
@ IdeaSmith: Yes her write up was nice - mentioned the ceilings like I did
Nice write up. I noticed the Prince (TAFKAP) outfit too. Probably bcoz we weree sitting right next to it (AND IT WAS PINK OR SOMETHIN) but whatever, it caught my eye.
You’re right, 1,000 for a Fri / Sat night is now the norm. Unless you decide to head to Poison or the like and you can expect damages of over 1,500. Though, i must say the drinks are priced pretty high. Good quality though and very well made. Loved the Apple-tini.
Have a nice week ahead.
@ Sakshi: Today, today!
Poison is pretty cool too - I think the norm behind pricing at these places is: as long as they’re happenning, they charge high. This (a) makes them a lot of money while they can (b) controls the crowds & keeps riff-raff out.
@ IdeaSmith: Not fair, I would have loved to meet Saks today… but can’t, mum & Saks have the day in common. Sigh. Anyway, you guys have fun!
hey am looking out for sum info on shiro.
Can sum1 plz temme the charges on a friday nite? and i heard the place gets packed by 8.30 pm!!! phew! i went to czar bar on a saturday nite and the place dint pick up till 12.00 am ! ne help wud b appreciated!
shiro is excellent cant called it a disco as no scanner lights but great crowd.has picked up since 1 month..rates dnt know as i enter in as guest.. music good but sound less when crowded..
Shiro is 10 times better than HRC which is full of wannabes.