ZLB23, the Kyoto-inspired speakeasy bar at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, has become the youngest and first Indian hotel bar to be recognised as ‘The Best Bar in India’. It stands as the country's only speakeasy in the five-star luxury hotel category on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list and ranked 40 at this year’s awards.
The bar has travelled Internationally by conducting bar takeovers in Asia, it has conceptualised and presented Magnetic Music S01 and S02, a platform for budding and established artists. The bar’s success is attributed to its approach to mixology, which combines classic prohibition-era techniques with contemporary flavours and presentations. Its atmosphere, inspired by Kyoto, transports guests to a bygone era while offering a modern and sophisticated experience.
Beyond its cocktail programme, the bar has contributed to the global bar community by hosting over 30 international bar takeovers.