View from the top
Mumbais newest rooftop bar at the Four Seasons offers a panorama of the city that never sleeps
Parizaad Khan
Aer, Mumbais Four Seasons Hotels soon-to-be-launched rooftop bar, will function as a showcase for Mumbai. Set 34 storeys above the Maximum City, everything pales in comparison to the viewthe Haji Ali mosque, the Bandra-Worli Sealink, and Lower Parel with its modern towers standing alongside old mills, highlighted by twinkling lights.
The bar occupies both halves of the slim building, and is joined by a corridor in the middle. True to Four Seasons standards, the decor is contemporary and minimal. The neon-lit elevated circular bar is very reminiscent of Sirocco, Bangkoks most famous rooftop bar.
High life: Enjoy this stunning view of Mumbai at Aer from 11 December. Clients will have to climb a flight of stairs flanked by walls fitted with a beautiful pattern of mirrored glass. Like south Mumbais other rooftop favourite, Dome at InterContinental, Marine Drive, Aers decor is also primarily white. The space is dotted with curvy outdoor chairs padded with soft black cushions. However, the cigarette butt-shaped bar stools are not the best base for an evening. Known names in interior design, from Bob Bilkey, Oscar Llinas and Nozer Wadia to Ritu Nanda and Elsie Nanji, have contributed to the space.
The food and beverage options have been kept simple. Food is a range of 20 hot and cold mezea selection of primarily Lebanese-style appetizers out of which 13 are vegetarian or have vegetarian options (we didnt try any as the kitchen was not operational). Pita is baked fresh on order and the usual suspects, such as tabouleh, baba ganoush and hummus are offered, as well as other favourites such as muhammara and kibbeh. The menu diverts from Lebanese in a few instancesmini cheeseburgers, a veg maki roll tempura and bruschetta.
The desserts seem intriguing. Executive chef Giancarlo di Francesco says each has an alcohol element: pistachio ice cream with kirsch and amarena cherry, rum and raisin ice cream with banana frites, and sorbet with fruit and Grand Mariner.
The few cocktails I sampled werent anything out of the ordinary. Horizon featured Absolut vodka muddled with curry leaves and fresh coconut water. The mix, with a hint of lime, was interesting; its a drink you would probably order once to explore the flavours, but not again. The shooters (not on the bar menu) were more interesting. Verteligo, the best of the lot, had citrusy freshness with fresh orange juice, Absolut and cranberry juice. Caribbean was a revamped piña colada with coconut syrup instead of milk.
Four Seasons has kept the prices here in the same range as those in its other restaurants. Appetizers range between Rs450 and Rs900. The cocktails are Rs600-650, while champagne cocktails are Rs600 before 8pm and Rs1,100 after. A pint of Kingfisher is Rs250. Aer serves champagne by the glass, starting with Rs1,000 and going up to Rs5,000 for Dom Perignon. Champagne is half-price before 8pm.
Aer will be closed during the rains, as the hotel doesnt want to cover up the open-air space. It will undoubtedly be one of the best spots in Mumbai to sip champagne and watch the city hum and pulsate down below.
For reservations, call 022-24818900. Reservations only for groups of 10 or more. No cover charge.
