Hitchens opens in Khar, bringing craft cocktails & lively conversation

Mumbai welcomes an exciting new addition to its vibrant hospitality scene with the launch of Hitchens – Cocktails and Ideas, a sophisticated yet accessible cocktail-forward resto-bar in Khar West. Inspired by the wit and intellectual spirit of the iconic writer Christopher Hitchens, this two-level space merges craft cocktails, exceptional cuisine, and the electric energy of stimulating exchanges.

Hitchens is the creative vision of Rakesh Singh, a film producer, and Aparna Sud, an acclaimed production designer. The larger team behind the brand is a group of award-winning creative entrepreneurs spanning literature, theater, film, and art who wanted to create a space where they could get a drink with friends, just by themselves, or with a book for company.

The venue’s name is a nod to the contrarian and lively persona of Hitchens. But the ethos goes beyond a tribute—it celebrates intellectual curiosity. Stepping into Hitchens, guests are greeted with aphorisms by Hitchens and other writers, which serve as subtle invitations to reflect. The first floor is dedicated to live performances, hosting everything from dark comedy nights and book launches to spoken word sessions and Urdu blues.

The kitchen, helmed by Chef Gracian de Souza and supported by Chef Harsh Parikh, promises a modern European menu with playful Asian touches. From Much Room of One’s Own to Bertie’s Bangers, After Jeeves, each dish is a radical take on familiar classics, designed to complement the bar’s creative energy.

At the heart of Hitchens is an exceptional bar program curated by the highly acclaimed Mixologist Pawan Singh Rawat, whose globetrotting expertise spans over a decade in some of the world’s finest bars. Known for his artful approach to mixology, here, the drinks menu offers a bold mix of flavors, unexpected ingredients, and modern bar techniques. Signature cocktails such as the 7 p.m. Feminist and Marxist Mule add a playful twist to the bar’s intellectual undercurrent, ensuring each drink tells its story. Chef Anurita Ghosh leads the desert section with her  creations add a sophisticated sweet touch to Hitchens.

Beyond the food and drinks, Hitchens is designed as a community hub. The atmosphere is vibrant yet laid-back, buzzing with conversation but never overpowering. The contributions of acclaimed artists Atharv Ghatulkar and Nagnath Mankeshwar are integral to this. The two of them have created striking depictions of iconic writers, including a centerpiece of Christopher Hitchens, on the front wall. The experience at Hitchens is further elevated by the attention to detail. From uniforms designed by the renowned Bollywood costume designer Priyanjali Lahiri to the ‘literary fortune-telling’ in the bill folders, every element is designed to spark conversation and delight the senses.