5 Oldest Bars In India: The Best Storied Spots To Grab A Drink

The oldest bars in India serve as more than just a place for a drink. They tell the story of the nation’s colonial past with sailing clubs, military messes, and a relic of social life in many cities. They are not only a part of history, but also an indicator of how drinking culture has evolved over the years. 

The oldest bars in India are significant landmarks that connect Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and several other cities. The architectural design, customs, and bar programmes of some of the oldest bars in the country still attract patrons today.

Oldest Bars in India

Madras Club, Chennai (1832)

Established in 1832, it is the second-oldest gentlemen's club to still exist in India. Originally, it catered exclusively to Europeans; however, in 1963, it merged with the Adyar Club, creating a more widely accessible social venue. Now, the historical building provides formal dining and bar services and has accumulated almost two hundred years of social history.

The Adyar bar at Madras Club has an eclectic range of beers, wines, and spirits (imported and Indian). There is a separate area called Octagonal Room Lounge & Bar that has an identical beverage list to the Adyar bar, but situated below the club's famous cupola. The speciality here is not a signature cocktail but a traditional club-bar programme built around a broad spirits collection and classic service.

Secunderabad Club, Hyderabad (1878)

Originally founded as Secunderabad Public Rooms in 1878, the Secunderabad Club is located in Hyderabad within a former British military garrison town. The club was established primarily for military officials and railway staff, becoming a social centre of the elite for both British and Hyderabadi citizens. Over time, the club's offerings have included a library, a ballroom, and recreational areas, demonstrating the Secunderabad Club’s past as a significant place of leisure during colonial times. Today, the Secunderabad Club operates five famous bars, each historically significant: Colonnade Bar, Fountain Bar, 1878 Terrace, Ashoka Bay Bar, and Umbrella Bar, each featuring distinct atmospheres.

Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai (1875)

Founded to exclusively serve British citizens, Bombay Gymkhana has played an influential role in the sporting history of India, including hosting the first test match at home by India (1933). Although it has undergone significant architectural changes, primarily due to the notable work of architect Charles Correa in 1983. Bombay Gymkhana is known for the historical Members' Bar and also as a hub of India's elite sports and social activities. However, today, the primary purpose of visiting has become a chance to experience one of the oldest iconic institutions in Mumbai.  

Olypub, Kolkata (1947)

Olypub started as Olympia Restaurant & Bar in 1947. It’s not only one of Kolkata's oldest bars but also one of its most successful pub establishments. It remains an essential part of the drinking scene of Kolkata through its location on Park Street, and it was one of the first to become well known in terms of being a pub.

Olypub developed its stellar reputation over the years. Olypub’s loyal patrons have a fondness for classics such as Chicken Ala Kiev, Chateaubriand Steak, and its long-standing beer and pub-food culture. The Chateaubriand Steak has been consistently noted as the venue's most iconic dish over the years.

Trincas, Kolkata (Restaurant and Bar Since 1961)

Trincas is a restaurant and bar in Kolkata, India, that began as an ordinary tea room and confectionery. It became a restaurant and bar once a liquor licence was obtained in 1961. Trincas quickly established itself as one of the most popular nightlife spots on Park Street and became a big part of the live music scene in the city of Kolkata.

Trincas is best known for its cocktail program and legacy of live entertainment. Trincas’ large selection of cocktails and historic association with artists like Usha Uthup establish it as a historical landmark in Kolkata's nightlife.

What Makes These Historic Bars Significant?

These bars are still relevant because they have different histories that illustrate the evolution of drinking and hospitality in India:

• Colonial-era social clubs and meeting places that serve as living proof of history

• Early cocktail and bar culture development that shows the evolution

• Heritage architecture that has been preserved through generations

• Connections to sports, sailing, military, and civic traditions

• Long-standing traditions of hospitality that have continued to evolve with modern-day practices

Conclusion

Some of the oldest surviving bars in India are better thought of as living historical artefacts than simply places that serve drinks. Their histories span nearly two hundred years and link together sporting institutions, colonial clubs, sailing societies, and social customs. Collectively, they represent an insight into how the drinking community evolved along with the social and urban history of India.

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.