The Art of Drinking

Andrew Pearson: I’m not sure how you would quantify that to be honest, yes for sure I won the UK national championships, and got to the world championship final, so I guess by that rationale I’m right up there. But it’s not like the ATP rankings, you’re only as good as your last game I guess, so I’ll let the people who visit us at the House of Nomad decide.

NP: With so many bars, pubs etc now in the Mumbai can you tell us what the difference is between a regular bar and a gastrobar?

AP: My definition would be a bar (so a venue that serves primarily mixed drinks rather than beer) that also serves restaurant quality food rather than just bar snacks, and the food at the House of Nomad is excellent, as you would expect of the Taj.

NP: How does House of Nomad set itself apart?

AP: Quite simply we have a product you cannot get anywhere else, there are many good venues in the city, some have a nice ambiance, some have good drinks, some have decent food, some have nice service, but rarely do you find a place that has all of these qualities together, we have that.

NP: Cocktail making is an art, what was your canvas?

AP: I’ve always liked playing with established flavours and doing something different, that’s why a number of our drinks feature Scotch, Bourbon and the like, as I enjoy taking an existing flavor and making it the star, rather than creating drinks where the flavours are hidden or masked.

NP: How important is the role of food in a gastrobar like House of Nomad

AP: Massively important. The team behind the food here have worked tirelessly to develop a menu that spans a great number of food boundaries, creating a global tapas selection that has something for all tastes without ever compromising on flavour or quality.

NP: Do you see House of Nomad as a place for pre-cocktails or late night parties?

AP: In all honesty it’s neither of those things, it’s a destination in it’s own right. You don’t need to have pre-cocktails and move on, you can stay here, relax, and then get your party on as the tempo picks up later in the evening.

NP: Is this your first visit to India? What do love most about our country?

AP: Oh no not at all, I’ve been visiting India on and off for 17 years, since I first came here to work for the Taj in Delhi in 2000. I have now visited 76 countries around the world, but for me India is still my favourite, number one on my list. I love India, because there is nowhere else in the world like it. Particularly the people, they are so caring and considerate, and those I’ve had the pleasure of working with at the Taj will remain dear to me forever.