Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru

Venues & Concepts

Dec 1

Inside the Experience

Tucked within the ground floor of the Southern Star Hotel on Lavelle Road, Bar Spirit Forward feels like one of those places that reveals itself quietly — and then grips you completely once you sit down. The entrance hints at a speakeasy: dim, atmospheric, almost hidden. Step inside and the room immediately glows with warm light bouncing off plush leather seating, moody 70s- and 80s-inspired artwork, and a soundtrack that hums with lively energy.

This is a bar built on intention, guided by the hands of industry veterans like Arijit Bose, known for shaping Indian cocktail culture through Countertop India and Goa’s Tesouro (ranked No.4 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022). That influence is everywhere. Behind the counter, the bartenders work with a kind of joyful focus—fast, technical and expressive—bringing a buzzy, infectious spirit to the entire space.

Guests slip easily into conversation as bartenders shake and stir with enviable precision. There’s a strong sense of craft here: clean lines, balanced flavours, and cocktails delivered with clarity of concept. It’s a place where enthusiasts feel understood, and newcomers feel welcomed.

The room itself feels intimate but never cramped — comfortable lighting, soft textures, and a layout that encourages lingering. Whether seated at the bar (highly recommended for the full experience) or tucked into a lounge seat, you feel part of a community of people who enjoy good drinks, good music and good company.

Spirit Forward’s staff play a huge role in shaping the vibe. They are energetic, thoughtful and quick to engage in a conversation about spirits, ingredients or techniques. Chalk-written names on reserved tables, casual recommendations, quick refills and friendly service all contribute to a welcoming, “in-the-know” atmosphere.

If Bengaluru’s cocktail culture is evolving rapidly, Bar Spirit Forward is one of the places nudging it forward with creativity and conviction.

What People Say Most Often

A hidden-feel speakeasy with an intimate, stylish vibe
Highly creative, technically excellent cocktails, especially the Southern Star, Vesper Martini, and Heisenberg 2.0
Warm, energetic team of bartenders who clearly love their craft
Great bar snacks and small plates, though menu could be slightly broader
Consistent atmosphere, from lively music to moody lighting
Perfect for cocktail lovers, especially those who enjoy sitting at the bar
Reservations recommended due to limited seating
Speakeasy charm inside a hotel, surprising many locals who never knew it existed

Editorial Snapshot

Overview

Located on Lavelle Road and hidden within the Southern Star Hotel, Bar Spirit Forward is a dynamic cocktail bar where technical precision meets warm, buzzing hospitality. With industry heavyweights behind the concept, it has quickly become a favourite among Bengaluru’s cocktail-loving community.

The Experience

Expect a stylish, low-lit room filled with leather, retro-style art and the soft hum of conversations and craft cocktail prep. The bar team keeps the place lively, delivering drinks with flair and guiding guests through a tightly executed menu.

Signature Drinks to Try

Vesper Martini
Prediluted, frozen and poured straight from icy bottles — crisp, cold and exceptionally clean.

Southern Star
A tequila and fermented-fruit cocktail with jalapeño and guava, balancing heat and sweetness.

Old Cuban
Rum, mint, citrus and prosecco — a refreshing hybrid between a mojito and French 75.

Heisenberg 2.0
A favourite among regulars; spirit-forward, bold, and complex.

Espírito Santo
A smooth, aromatic cocktail often praised for its layered flavour profile.

Why People Love It

Guests appreciate the craft-forward approach, the joyful bartender energy, and the sense of discovery that comes from stepping into a hidden-feeling space that feels so different from the rest of Bengaluru’s nightlife. It’s intimate, stylish, and effortlessly cool.