When Delhi is struck with a new concept, it spreads like wildfire. And lately, the speakeasy culture in Delhi has been booming at the pace of an F1 car with a new speakeasy bar popping up every fortnight or so.
But, not all get the concept right since a real speakeasy throws back to Prohibition era in the United States with secrecy being at the forefront, often requiring passwords or secret entrances to enter the space.
In today’s world, the secrecy factor is replaced by keeping it hidden to the naked eye and there are only a few places doing it right. And among them, PCO in Vasant Vihar shall always lead the pack.
As you enter the bar, there’s no branding to know if you are at the right place other than looking for a phone booth that has stepped out of the Gatsby era. True to its name, PCO requires guests to type in a secret code which changes every couple of days, ensuring it remains under wraps. Once the secret door opens, you climb up the stairs to head to the main bar area where you can experience their latest cocktail menu — 'The Forbidden'. The artsy menu is depicted through Indian miniature-style paintings, showcasing the ‘forbidden’ ingredient used in each of the cocktails and the interesting story behind them.
Expect 12 signature cocktails, each crafted from unconventional and forbidden ingredients such as tobacco, MSG, and poppy seeds. Our choice? The Life Before Louis which is made with the not-so-popular unpasteurised milk coupled with rum, cocoa, coke and some lovely bubbliness, Not for Check-In which is an irresistible tropical concoction with coconut, the humble fruit you can’t carry on airplanes since it can go up in flames and finally, Eve’s Choice that brings forward the forbidden red apple from the Garden of Eden with a medley of sweet and sour flavours. Beyond this, a forever classic from their OG menu is the Papa Don't Preach, a fruity potion made with smooth Pistola Reposado and mingling of citrus notes with peach nectar and foam.
These cocktails are unparalleled with their level of creativity, attention to detail and innovation but if you wish to take your drinking experience to the next level, The Director’s Room, a hidden omakase bar within PCO is at your service. With even more premium spirits and new techniques and ingredients, you simply leave your order up to the mixologist who crafts personalised cocktails tailored based on a few simple questions—What’s your mood (happy, sad, angry or excited)? What spirit do you prefer? What flavour profile excites you (sweet, sour, tart, spicy)? With only 12 spots available, this space is exclusive, exciting and perfect for group hang outs, special occasions and an elevated cocktail experience.
While there’s no menu since it’s an omakase experience, what we can tell you is that the art of mixology and level of precision is unbeatable here. Oh and before we forget, they have an in-house ice program so each cube, sphere, hexagon or any shape and form of ice you sip on is crafted in house, using fresh water and unique to the cocktail you ask for.
Finally, we move down to their cocktail den on the basement level which is a high energy bar with great music, drinks pouring, and people dancing till the wee hours of the morning on weekends.
All in all, the three levels at PCO have got it all and the team’s effort to serve the nicest cocktails in the capital without compromising on their speakeasy identity is what keeps folks coming back.
Timings: 5:30 PM - 1 AM
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Price For Two: INR 3,500 (approx.)
Instagram: @passcodeonly
