Bar
Bar Palladio
Blue-painted Italian bar and restaurant in the gardens of Narain Niwas Palace, opened in 2013, known for its murals, tented pavilions and evening cocktails.
The Swinton House
Bar and kitchen in a 150-year-old building near MI Road, named after architect Samuel Swinton Jacob, with a courtyard, pan-Asian restaurant and speakeasy rooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Bar and restaurant in a heritage building
- Area
- MI Road, Jaipur, India
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
Good to know
- Courtyard dining
- Speakeasy rooms
- Cocktails
- Private parties
Why we recommend it
The Swinton House is a bar and restaurant in a building of almost 150 years old, close to MI Road. Its founders, Sagar Nagpal and Mohit Gurnani, named it after Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the engineer and architect behind Jaipur landmarks such as the Albert Hall Museum and Rambagh Palace, because the white facade reminded them of his buildings. Fodor's describes it as a bar-restaurant with inventive cocktails and recommends booking.
The redesign, by the Gurugram practice Chromed Design Studio, adds modern touches while keeping the old-world character. On the ground floor, The Yard is an open courtyard turned into a dining area. Upstairs, The Albion serves modern pan-Asian fusion food, and two speakeasy-style spaces, Mary's Den and Man's Cave, can be booked for private parties. Moving between the rooms is part of the fun of an evening here.
The cocktail list, created under senior mixologist Dishant Kanojia, leans towards refreshing, fruity and fizzy drinks using local fruit, herbs and spices, as well as Ayurvedic ingredients such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. The bar makes its own fermented mixers, including tepache from pineapple. Try the Sassy Jamun, with gin, spiced jamun and yuzu foam, or the Vetiver Coffee Highball, a bitter, unusual mix of coffee vodka and vetiver cordial.
The food menu is wide-ranging. Small plates include Dabeli Wheels, a playful take on the dabeli street snack, avocado papdi chaat and a crisp spinach chaat, while larger dishes include Moroccan chicken kebab, galouti kebab and a fire-grilled fish fillet with a wine and lemon sauce. There are also curries, European mains, fettir pizzas and biryanis, so it works for dinner as well as drinks. Expect a bill of around 4,000 rupees for two with drinks.
The Swinton House suits groups of friends, couples and anyone looking for a lively evening in central Jaipur with good food alongside the drinks. Reserve ahead at weekends, as Fodor's recommends booking. From here MI Road's shops, Raj Mandir Cinema and the Albert Hall Museum are all close by, and the old city is a short ride away. The brand has also expanded to Kolkata.
The Swinton House FAQs
Why is it called The Swinton House?
It is named after Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, architect of the Albert Hall Museum and Rambagh Palace.
Who founded The Swinton House?
Sagar Nagpal and Mohit Gurnani.
What are the different spaces?
The Yard courtyard, The Albion pan-Asian restaurant, and speakeasy rooms called Mary's Den and Man's Cave.
What cocktails should I try?
The Sassy Jamun or the Vetiver Coffee Highball.
Is food served?
Yes, from small plates and chaat to kebabs, curries, pizzas and biryanis.
How much does it cost?
Around 4,000 rupees for two with drinks.
Do I need to book?
Reservations are recommended, especially at weekends.
How do I contact them?
Call +91 77070 66000.