Bar Reviews > Chandigarh > Lava

Taj Chandigarh
Block No. 9,
Sector 17-A,
Chandigarh 160 017
Tel No.: (91-172) 5513000

We watched spell bound. Two Sardars whose combined weight easily tipped 250 kilos plus, strolled into Lava and settled down into what were clearly familiar corner couches. The bartender waved a friendly hand and in a matter of minutes, what looked like a Caipirojka and a Martini was on the way to their table!

Lava is the spanking new bar at the spanking new Taj Chandigarh, which in keeping with architectural guidelines resembles one of the many government buildings which dot C'garh. Only on drawing near can you make out the glass and red brick, which differentiate it from the Bhakra Beas Management Board office.

It's a 40 seater bar, with bar stools lining the counter, and seating in the form of uneven couches strewn around. Rajesh, a seasoned hand from Ricks, Taj Mahal, Delhi is the Manager and Mandeep (Manu for you), one of the most capable bartenders in town can be trusted to make you a mean drink. Chandigarh's changing and we were heading into Lava from dinner at the Noodle Bar in Sector 9, where we enjoyed a nice meal (don't try the Caipirojka though - too bitter, stick to beer )

The reason it's named Lava is easily discernible. There are a range of Lava Lamps which dot the place, from the smaller bedroom variety on the back bar to the large museum pieces in the corner. The Lava Lamp for those unfamiliar with this piece of Americana looks like this :

Unfortunately some of the lamps had gone dim as the lava had stopped flowing! Fortunately, that didn't apply to the drinks! We asked Manu to make us something nice. The front bar had a bar kit lined up, reinforcing our faith that this was a cocktail bar. Manu obliged us with a Jalandhar and a Pink Mojito. Both cocktails were priced at Rs. 300/- and are eminently orderable if ever you visit Lava. The Jalandhar to give away a trade secret, is essentially a Margarita with Whisky substituted for the tequila and a dash of chilli to spice it up. We were due to visit Jalandhar the next morning and as Manu said, he'd make sure we got there a day earlier! My colleague's Pink Mojito used tequila instead of the customary rum and cranberry juice to give it the Pink flavour and colour. Beer fan? the Bob is 2.

Lava's other highlight is the striking saxophone in the corner of the bar. Sponsored by Stroh's, it doubles up as a draught beer source! Check it out. Gives you inspiration for your own home bar ? Don't forget you read it here. Our verdict : with the Tech boom soon to hit Chandigarh, Lava's going to have to be forced to increase its space.

Tulleeho!