Flying Elephant will debut at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha next month.
Ask any Mumbaikar, and they’ll tell you that their city’s bar scene boasts a new wave of progressive establishments that are reshaping the cocktail landscape as we speak. But long before Bombay restored its name to Mumbai, its prohibition era gave rise to so-called ‘aunty bars’ that were bolder than anything we see today. In a case of ‘necessity is the mother of invention’, they were run by middle-aged and elderly Goan women serving illicit alcohol out of their living rooms during the 50s and 60s — and fuelling an entire underground drinking culture in the process.
Now, with the upcoming opening of Flying Elephant at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha in October, you can journey to this world of intrigue and nostalgia. The speakeasy, which aims to become Dubai’s most talked-about new bar, will offer an evocative mix of theatrical ambience and cutting-edge cocktails. It has collaborated with Yangdup Lama, one of India’s most celebrated mixologists, so a cocktail experience that blends tradition with innovation is in the works.
Hidden behind a discreet entrance on the ground floor, Flying Elephant’s crown jewel will be an innovative cocktail menu, where Lama’s expertise is evident in each drink, blending premium ingredients with bold flavours and a hint of Indian heritage. From tamarind-infused classics to those featuring jaggery and exotic spices, each sip will offer a modern take on a bygone era. Alongside its cocktails, the venue will reimagine traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary twist. The menu celebrates the diversity of the country’s cuisine, so diners can expect bold small plates and signature dishes like Rum Ki Raan and Truffle Mushroom Galouti, which fuse Indian and global influences.
As for the ambience at Flying Elephant? Complete with opulent floral and botanical motifs, the bar is designed to evoke the intimate and cosy atmosphere of aunty bars. Guests will feel as though they are being welcomed into a secret that few are privy to, a place filled with stories, laughter and a dose of mischief. The décor incorporates atmospheric table lighting and lush greenery, creating a space that is as familiar as it is mysterious, mirroring those hidden locales where tradition met adventure thanks to a group of women whose enterprising spirit lives on.
DSCVR: Flying Elephant. Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. @flyingelephant.ae
