Inside South India’s bars: How design and architecture are changing the drinking experience

From Chennai to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, six bars are rethinking interiors, lighting, acoustics and bar counters to create spaces that go beyond cocktails

Updated - September 26, 2026 07:35 am IST

India has three bars in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2026: Boilermaker (Goa), Soka, and Bar Spirit Forward (Bengaluru) for their flair and inventive cocktails. But the drinks are not the only focus. Across the country, bars have upped their design game as well, with a focus on architectural storytelling, acoustic comfort, daytime adaptability and a spotlight on the ergonomic bar counter itself.

We take a look at six bars across South India, over five metrics: materiality, bar design, convenience, acoustic-lighting design and, finally, daytime adaptability.

Studio Kaleidospace, a Chennai-based interior design studio helmed by Daphne D’mello and Nirali Bathia, created a 1,500-sq.ft. resto-bar, No Name, in Nandanam. Generous arches, an electric blue bar, and stained glass windows punctuate a large hall with architectural drama.

Architectural style and materiality

The arches were born of the two large beams that interrupted the ceiling space. “We wanted to hide them and the semi-circular shape was the perfect vehicle. The arches are repeated on the bar, stained glass windows, and form alcoves facing the street,” says Bathia.

The apron is cloaked in hand-painted, high-polished, electric blue. Framing the wall behind it, is the massive arch that holds a custom-printed canvas of a Renaissance sky. Overlaid on the artwork a bespoke black iron trellis serves as a floating bottle rack.

Acoustic and light design

Intentionally intimate lighting is created with antique brass and cast-iron chandeliers hanging from the timber ceilings. Renaissance-inspired sconces illuminate the low seating arrenagements.

“The wooden flooring patterns are different across the main floor and the DJ area, so patrons don’t slip even if the lighting is dim,” explains D’mello. Mid-century-inspired accent armchairs alongside lounge sofas within the window bays offer comfortable seating with space for storage.

The bar is used for lectures over the weekend.

Tucked away in the historic Savera Hotel, The Quarter Madras, a 50-seater bar starts with a foyer that leads to parlour doors, though not into a speakeasy. As the moniker suggests, it’s a tongue in cheek take on the quarter (180 ml of spirit) and the French ‘Quarter’ sites along the Tamil Nadu coastline.

Architectural style and materiality

The material choices for the bar are rooted in the city. Amita Joy, co-founder, Studio Reve, an interior design studio in the city, explains, “Wood on the ceiling, earthy rattan for the seats and a lot of large chandeliers with fabric, makes the space look dramatic. The use of Madras checks, white- green granite, and old memorabilia of the owner’s family, give it a warm Chennai vibe.”

“The arches on the wall behind the bar offer a colonial aesthetic. The large library shelving allows us to add books and accessories to dress up the space for a party or event,” says Joy.

Acoustic and light design

Soft music with a retro playlist is on most days. The floor to ceiling velvet drapes, coffered ceiling, wood panelling offer acoustic proofing, while ambient lighting sets the mood for conversations.

“We added coat hooks near the tables and bag hooks underneath so you don’t have to use the floor for storage,” she says.

The space is used for private events booked either for day or night soirees.

Roc-A-Coe earns its moniker from the famous 1930s-era cocktail (published in the Difford’s Guide) made with dry gin and punchy sherry notes. The 2200 square foot, 80-seater bar on KNK Road, designed by George, principal architect at ING Design, pays homage through its cocktails to old punch houses of yesteryear Madras.

Architecture and materiality

“The bar’s design language uses the triumvirate of balance, rhythm and proportion to pay tribute to the Art Deco era through the use of wood, glass and leather that form the material trinity,” says George.

The Omakase Bar (where the bartender chooses cocktails based on patrons’ preferences) takes centerstage. “The counter is customised so the staff can easily access spirits, tools, glassware and refrigeration, while maintaining eye contact and conversation with guests,” he says.

Acoustic and light design

The lighting transitions from bright during the day, to a warm glow at night. The upholstered seating, timber surfaces and soft furnishings help absorb sound and reduce reverberation. Speakers are positioned to distribute music evenly across the room, allowing patrons to enjoy DJ sets or live jazz music.