When you say Delhi Lair ranked 96th in the World’s 50 Best Bars extended list for 2025, it sets off a ripple in India’s nightlife scene. Lair isn’t just another bar — it’s a hidden speakeasy, a mood, an experience. And now, with this ranking, it’s officially standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s most celebrated cocktail destinations.
The Big Win: What the Ranking Means
The World’s 50 Best Bars list is one of the most respected accolades in the hospitality world. In 2025, the organizers released an extended list (positions 51–100) before the main 1–50 rankings are revealed. In that list, Delhi’s Lair clinched the 96th spot.
India has had entries in global bar rankings before, but Lair’s inclusion is notable for several reasons:
- It highlights how India’s cocktail and bar culture is evolving.
- It draws attention to local bars that emphasize craft, concept, and ambience rather than just volume.
- It signals to global travelers that Delhi is a destination for serious cocktail lovers.
Inside Lair: What Makes This Bar Special
Tucked away in Delhi, Lair captures the spirit of 1920s-era speakeasies. Designed by hospitality professionals Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij, its interiors breathe mystery — dim lighting, earthy noir tones, hidden corners, and plush seating.
The cocktail menu is thoughtfully divided into tiers like “beginners,” “intermediate,” and “superior.” Each drink aims to push boundaries: bold infusions, signature twists, and balance. Whether you’re new to cocktails or carry a “bartender’s palate,” Lair offers something to excite you.
Why This Recognition Matters for India
1. India on the Global Bar Map
Lair now stands alongside bars from Mexico City, Seoul, Berlin, Hong Kong, and more. It signals that Indian bartenders and venues can compete on the world stage.
2. Encouraging Craft Cocktails
The ranking validates the rise of small, craft-focused bars in India — ones that value creativity, ingredients, ambiance, and narrative over mass service.
3. Tourism & Nightlife Boost
When international travelers see Delhi on a list like this, it becomes a circuit: stay, dine, explore nightlife. Bars like Lair help create a more vibrant city experience.
Challenges & What Lies Ahead
Of course, with recognition comes expectations. Lair will be watched not just locally, but by international bar critics. Maintaining consistency, refreshing the menu, and ensuring service quality — all without losing the hidden, niche charm — will be key.
Also, India’s regulatory constraints, licensing hassles, and supply chain for exotic ingredients add complexity. But Lair’s success shows that such obstacles can be navigated with passion and strategy.
Useful URL’s
- India’s rising bar culture or nightlife trends.
- World’s 50 Best Bars, visit the official site: TheWorlds50Best Bars
