Lair

Lair is one of the newest stars of Delhi's bar scene: it was placed at number 8 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 and number 96 on The World's 50 Best Bars the same year, a remarkable rise for a relatively young bar. It occupies a building in the market at Vasant Vihar in South Delhi.

It calls itself a modern speakeasy, though the design owes more to a reimagined film noir set than to a Prohibition-era bar. The design studio Renesa created a monochrome interior of black concrete, glass, slivers of light and strong geometric shapes, and the effect is dramatic and moody, especially late at night.

The building is arranged over several levels. Cocktails are served on the first floor, where the menu leans towards simpler, approachable drinks, while the more elaborate, high-end serves, using ingredients from around the world, are found on the upper level. The second floor is given over to a pan-Asian dining room, so you can eat and drink under one roof. Presentation is theatrical, and drinks such as the Calendula Punch and the house Lair cocktail show the style. Ask the staff to explain the menu structure when you arrive.

The bar is open every day. Prices are high by local standards, in line with Delhi's top cocktail bars. Booking is recommended, particularly at weekends, and smart dress suits the setting. Alcohol is not served to anyone under 25 in Delhi, so carry ID.

Lair suits couples, cocktail lovers and small groups looking for a stylish night out, and design enthusiasts will enjoy the interior even if they only stay for one drink. Combine it with dinner in the pan-Asian restaurant upstairs to make an evening of it. The theatrical presentation of the drinks also makes it a good choice for a celebration.

PCO, another of Delhi's best-known speakeasies, is also in Vasant Vihar's market area, so the two can be visited on the same night. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the easiest way to travel to and from the area. If you plan to visit both in one night, start at Lair, eat upstairs, and then try for PCO later in the evening.