The Library

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rinku Madan

Making it's debut in the spring of 2011, it is the opening of a classic. This brand new South Delhi bar is the place where in-the-know gentry go “to see and be seen”, and to drink high quality specialty beverages. Enjoy a cocktail or a variety of whiskies including the Last Drop- a rare malt dated 1960 and the Angel on Horseback -a society whiskey whose back label aptly reads “not for swigging, glugging or kicking back!!” The Library bar complete with ornate wood work, vintage stacked book shelves etc is the perfect place to unwind.

Housed in the Leela Palace hotel. The Library bar is an old school sensual place located at the lobby level. The bar indoors is not too large-40 covers, the outdoors is spacious and gorgeous but not very comfortable - no gas heaters, angeethis. Just a fashion bonfire in this cold!! Indoors it is the kind of place where you would want to get away from reality, embrace some privacy and sip on exquisite drinks. Stepping in here is like walking straight into the sets of Gossip girl-the popular tv show. It's grandiose with dark walls and custom designed furniture-which does look a bit much considering the size of the bar. Color coordinated lamps,light fixtures and works of art prove more chic than you'd expect, plus there's a good selection of over 450wines including the best Burgundies like the Romain Conti, the Riche Bourg or the La Tache, not often seen in bars of the same class. A mixed age clientele fills the place generally. But the patrons various foreign accents and the quiet atmosphere of the bar will make you feel like you've stumbled upon a subdued international scene, which as any nightlife devotee knows, is not such a bad thing.

If you're not sure when to come to this bar, let's think about it as if it were an item on a menu. Please select from the 'menu'options below:

i)Main Course - “Loungy Library Bar”

Timings -7 to 1am, Monday-Friday

Best Scenario - For medium to small intimate groups

Result- Just lovely. You are sure to have a nice time.

ii)Apertif - “Jumpstart your evening”

Timings - 8 to 10 pm, Tuesday-Saturday

rnBest Scenario - 3 or less people should share

Result - Delicious and a good pick you up

iii)Bar bites and indulgences - “uh oh! my waistline!!”

Timings - 10 to 2am, Wednesday-Satuday

Best Scenario - 2-4 hotties or a small group dating or in love.

Result - If you're into a “scene”, you might enjoy it…if in love…you would love the solitude and exclusivity.

So whether you're naughty or nice, there is always a little something for everyone if you select from the appropriate menu items above.

Date Rating - 7

Trying to find a date here rating - 2

If you're me, drinking at the Library Bar is like partying at the most beautiful apartment you've ever seen. Once you're in, there's the Rare Cask-a cognac from Remy Martin, 150 years old in a handmade black Baccarat bottle. Anup Panda and Sharad Sharma make some of the best cocktails like the Hot Toddy, a perfect Bellini complete with maraschino cherries (these I want to be buried with once I die). The Chicane-fresh watermelon with homemade vanilla sugar or simply their award winning signature drink -the cigar smoked honeycomb martini with Ciroc vodka. A roaring yet subdued fireplace, subtle music and very expensive drinks - nearly enough to buy a Balenciaga bag (Lv's and Gucci's are passe for me). So forget the men of Delhi, I'm ready to marry this bar.

Believe me when I say everything about this place is sexy. I think I even feel sexier just walking in the door!! Not sure what this place does to me..but it always seems to do it. Let me confess though, the real reason I visit The Library is Chef Achal Agarwal. This little genius with a great background (Wasabi etc) has magic in his fingers. Everything he touches turns into mouthwatering deliciousness. The JD bbq chicken wings, homemade Taro chips, the Malabar prawns, Kanikotane- soya flavored rice crispies and the fried calamari, all deserve a standing ovation. Can't wait to experience his magic at Megu.

So make sure you dress up and look good. The crowd is nearly as attractive as the bar itself, but don't expect to talk to any of these pretty people because this is not a place for mingling. It is a place for staring while sipping a Kauffman vodka or a rare Cognac in Baccarat Crystal. You will find some great economic talk here, so speed up on the Economic Times /Mint. The plush armchairs and fireplace will make you so warm and comfortable, you would want to kick back and cozy up to a nice book - wishful thinking. The rare books are only for display.