The Taj Mahal Hotel has always been an iconic landmark that
has caressed the imagination of both the tourist and the local for over a
century. From the regality of its clientele to the taste of its furniture and
façade, the hotel has found a very special mark in the lives of the people
living in the Financial hub of the World’s Seventh Largest Nation.
But unlike other hotel’s who find it a task to compete with
its rich heritage, the Taj Mahal Palace, over the years has doled out may a
trick from her hat that are so unique that each became a crowd puller in their
own right. The Taj has always prided itself in being a trendsetter and who
could blame them; from being the first to employ German Lift Technology and
Turkish Hammams, to registering the City’s First and Second License Bars and
even till date make their own ice creams!
Each addition into the legacy that is the Taj have carved
out their own competitive niches built over the years with innovations and
personal touches from guests and staff alike that ironically compliment the
existence of the hotel itself! Once such jewel can still be found at the
Harbour Bar.
Located at the Lobby level of the Timeless Hotel, The
Harbour Bar has prided itself in having uncontested views of the seaside
promenade and the marvellous Gateway. But seldom do people know that unlike
most bars that are famed for its views or drinks, the Harbour Bar is not just a
combination but more.
Opened in 1933, to quench the thirst of many a traveller,
the Harbour Bar is officially Bombay’s First License Bar, a record the Taj
proudly hold. And with such a historic title, come many an experienced staff
who fondly remember the aqua blue décor of old with wooden ships decked up on
walls that complimented the deep sea headgear that graced the Bar Counter. Even
food could be ordered from any Restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Continental –
making this place truly lively and International; capturing the hearts of many
a sailor leaving his home, at times and quite literally, half the globe away!
And it is said that when emotions connect memories abound!
So also was the case in 1930’s when two American Sailors stepped into the Bar
to quench their thirst in celebration of the withdrawal of the Prohibition of
Alcohol back home. They demanded the bar tender to conjure a unique concoction
that could best compliment their bliss.
The bartender, at his innovative best mixed Gin with an
array of fruit juices to create that special blend and just when the sailors
thought the best was over, he set fire to the alcohol as he pored the flaming
liquid gracefully into the drink. On taking a sip, the sailors were so
spellbound that they demanded a name and on invite of the Bar Tender, they
stood up raised their glasses and christened the drink to be “The Harbour since 1933” a name that
has still stuck on.
Today, however, a lot has changed. Tehmton Mistry, a pillar
of the Hotel and having worked for over 32 years mentions that the bar has
changed its look to keep with the times. From unique artworks done by Rajesh
Pullevar and Ram Kumar to the furniture and even the Bar Counter, the Bar is
made to give that truly Bombay feel.
Even the cocktail has survived many a marketing adversity
over the years and has managed to still grace the pallets of the bewildered
tourists who come with curiosity but leave in enchantment. Even though the
enactment of the story is done with fervour and former staff like Salim from
stewarding who specially crafted six stands to enhance the heating of the
alcohol, the cocktail has managed to capture and retain its identity in a world
where innovation and trends rule.
If you pass by the southern tip of Historic British Bombay,
drop in at the Harbour Bar and be a part of a legacy that even the Second World
War nor the Birth of the World’s most populous democracy could not wipe out!
CHEERS!
 |
| Old Harbour Bar |
No comments:
Post a Comment