The Bar called the Patiala – after the famous “Patiala Peg”, a generous pour of a 120 ml whiskey peg, celebrates the generous hospitality of the Patiala royals. The Maharajas of Patiala were among the wealthiest of Indian royals and the most flamboyant. They were great patrons of art, connoisseurs of food and famous for their lavish lifestyles. The Bar is a throwback to a bye-gone era, Belle Époque - the heady days of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, perhaps the most flamboyant of Indian rulers, famous for his extravagant parties and European vacations. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, he ordered the largest necklace at Cartier - the legendary Patiala Necklace. He was known for his fleet of 44 Rolls Royce and the first privately owned aircraft in India.
The design for the bar is inspired from a portrait of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh as a young prince, standing by a Victorian chair by Maple & Co. This photograph inspired the design the bar, in rich burgundy, with velvet Victorian chairs with tasselled legs layered with rich silk damask and velvet cushions. The floor lamps and chandeliers have tasseled trims in velvet and silk. The ceiling has a black and gold sky of arabesque star motifs and the floor is a glossy black Italian marble that mirrors the pendant lights. The piece de resistance is the bar counter of beaten brass and black marble that spans across three lofty multi-foil late Mughal arches that frame the view. Flanking the double height bar are arched alcoves and staircases that lead to intimate spaces for smaller gatherings and cosy rendezvous.
The Patiala Bar is a throwback to the heady days of Indian royalty, with a whimsical and effortless charm that blends Indian architecture with European furniture and furnishings. The opulent and moody interiors are an ode to the Patiala royals and their larger than life, extravagant lifestyle.
Lounge
Located within the grand throne room, with its lofty multifoil arches and marble flooring, the design juxtaposes the historic arches with a fluid coffee bar and service counters in beaten brass. The massive ring lights echo the hints of brass, evocative of the oil lamps in Turkish mosques. The signature blue of the chinikhana frescoes seen in the rang mahal is the accent colour, with animal themed furnishings with elephants and horses echoing the royal retinue of the Patiala royals.
The understated elegance of the lofty arches and jharokhas sets the tone for a royal repast and the menu features royal Punjabi food as well as simple, delicious home style fare with ingredients fresh from the farms of Punjab. Silver and brass finishes glint gently, complementing the colour palette, and with the live music it’s all enchanting to the senses. And then you look out, framed by blue velvet curtains, there’s an antique fountain dancing in the courtyard on one side and the garden courtyard with the lovely Moulsari tree in the other. You are transported to another time and place...a royal paradise on earth.