Bar Spirit Forward

Bar Spirit Forward is a cocktail-centric bar in Bangalore’s Lavelle Road precinct, positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination for drink enthusiasts. Its design is intentional and intimate — a long, polished teak & granite bar invites interaction between guest and bartender, while the surrounding space is moody, warm, and artfully understated. The bar is the brainchild of Arijit Bose (of Countertop India / Tesouro fame) and is often described as one of Bangalore’s most exciting new entries in the cocktail scene. From early 2024 onward, it’s been building a reputation for precision, technique, and thoughtful flavor combinations. Their cocktail menu leans into “spirit-forward” principles: strong base spirits, deliberate dilution, clarity, minimal excess. Classics and signature interpretations share the stage. Notable cocktails include the 3 Gin Vesper Martini, Campfire Old Fashioned, Southern Star (tequila with plum, guava, jalapeño fermentation), Mil.f & Cookies, among others. Bartenders take their craft seriously — in some cases, spirits are prediluted, frozen, and served directly from icy bottles to preserve temperature and texture (as with the Vesper). The showmanship is present but restrained; you’ll see precise techniques, clean finishes, and attention to nuance rather than theatrics. Food is secondary but thoughtfully matched: small plates and bar bites that complement rather than compete. Some guest favorites include Korean fried chicken wings, Anglo-Indian pork buns, spicy chickpeas, lamb noodles, toast specials, etc. In terms of vibe, Spirit Forward is often described as cozy, dimly lit, with an intimate “house party” feel. The seating is limited, helping maintain closeness to the bar action. The décor uses rattan, leather, warm tones, smoked glass elements, and soft lighting to create depth. The bar is especially lively on weekend evenings, and while reservations may not always be needed, the place can get crowded. Many visitors suggest coming early or on a weekday to get good seats.