Striker Pub & Brewery

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Rinku Madan

ON THE DOT

If you're looking to have a few good beers and listen to some good music, look no further! Striker is both unpretentious and a good time. Whether you are going to listen to a new band perform and discover it's your college roommate's boyfriend's band, or partake in some hanging around, Striker makes for a good destination. It provides a comfortable environment by attracting neighbourhood people looking to have some fun with friends or music lovers looking for a new sound.

That said this place is perfect for one of those Friday night death wishes where you just want to drink your brains out... meaning a lot. Striker has an atmosphere with an admirable drinks list. From their very own beautiful microbrewery that serves fresh, low-calorie beers, to umpteen cocktails and straights — from a JW Blue Label to a 100 Pipers, a Dom Perignon to a 'mediciny' Nine Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. The beer that I really liked was the fresh Jazzy Light (Rs 165 for a mug). The friend liked the Weiss Blues. Their beers are named after different genres of music as you can see.

Saturday night is rock-and-roll backed by a live band. The band was nice (I preferred the music the DJ was playing), and you get to see your average Joe living out his fantasy of being a rock star. A good time even if you don't participate. You may be surprised with what you see. I watched a nerd rock out to moon walking. The crowd being a cool mix of people, I imagine about a hundred people could fit in. I did think the crowd was really young, but gradually it became more diverse. There were older people and some even in their 60's, no wonder no one seemed phased at the neighbour's strange moves. I'm not sure why I like this place so much, I guess because the drinks are cheap, and the retro music blaring from around the rock wall (a funky wall with names of most rock bands etched on it), from Duran Duran to my favourite Dire Straits, Elvis, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, etc. Also Metallica, that's coming to play in Leisure Valley, Gurgaon, shortly.

The nibbles are pretty good here. The dimsums, the hummus with pita bread, the fried corn — all get a thumbs up. A good spot to listen to live bands, I heard 'Eka' play there and they put on a rocking live show. The lead singer is a handsome guy, quite a relief from the long haired, ragged, dirty looking rockers. There was a sweet line up of music. Granted, I'd never heard of this band, I'm generally familiar with anything outside of top 40-past and present, but here I was totally up for hearing some interesting stuff and mingling with a new crowd. The music brought back memories of past crushes. Sigh!! My DU days.

In London, it is customary to try to make the Beefeaters (the royal guards) laugh while they are at their posts. Similarly, I did make countless unsuccessful attempts to elicit a laugh from a suddenly serious friend, who had come with his always grouchy wife. Anyway, a chilled, friendly place, getting everyone in good spirits — cheap drinks and good music seem to have that effect on people I would guess. This is quite what a fun bar can be.

What more can I say? Ok...

• Delhi = cities

• Bentley = cars

• Everest = mountains

• George Clooney = sinful thoughts

• Striker = good music bar