Drinking in Mumbai

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Mumbai is one of the most liberal cities in India when it comes to attitudes to alcohol. Bars exist at virtually every street corner and many of them advertise themselves as "family" bars and restaurants, which indicates that they are primarily restaurants where one can also have a drink. Other places are primarily bars, some of them might be sleazy. In South Mumbai and in the Western suburbs, you are likely to find many places where foreigners hang out.

Mumbai is much more accepting of women drinking than the rest of India. A woman ordering a drink is unlikely to raise eyebrows even in mid-range bars, though if you are alone, you might need to look out for your safety.

Nightlife in Mumbai spans the gamut from performances at five star hotels to discos. Dance bars which involve young, fully clothed women dancing mostly to Hindi film and pop music, have been shut down by the government for corrupting the morals of those who frequent those places. While the state high court has ruled that the crackdown was illegal, it will be a while before they open again as there are some technicalities involved to be sorted out.

• blueFROG, D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, ☎ + 91 22 4033 2375, bluefrog.co.in. 6:30PM - 1:30AM. A great place to eat some fusion cuisine, drink some creative or conventional cocktails and enjoy an awesome atmosphere. Live music Tuesday - Sunday with a great Brunch on Sundays. More than just a dining experience - you get the added bonus of listening to a great range of music: jazz, blues, funk, soul, afro/Latin electronic, club, rock, and folk. Free before 9PM. Rs 300 - 500 afterwards.

• Bhandarwada Hill, 6 km (4 miles)

• bluefrog.co.in