Fancy a drink in a colonial setting? Firangi Paani (or The English Spirit), with its polished mahogany woodwork, gleaming mirrors, old-fashioned lamps, beer barrels that double up as tables, and leather upholstery, is a comfortable hangout.
The elaborate drinks menu with names like Old Smith, Hyde Park Magic and Flaming Thames will make you feel like a pucca English sahib. The pub-grub menu is extensive, a mixture of Anglo-Indian, Far Eastern and Middle Eastern cuisine, but not in the same league as the adjoining Sahib, Sindh, Sultan restaurant and tends to be oily. Starters include miniature vegetarian kebabs, the cheddar and chilli toast, croquettes, satay sticks, momos and falafel. For the main course, the best choice would be the fish and chips, fresh, crisp and tasty. Other options, including the paneer kathi rolls and the grilled chicken in a pita pocket, are just passable.
The clientele is a mixture of techies from Koramangala, college-goers and visiting foreigners, and the DJ usually plays rock hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. At peak hours, the pub can be quite loud. Firangi Paani is open from 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Paid parking is available at the Forum mall parking lot. Cost for a meal for two, including a drink each, is approximately Rs.900.
Meenakshi
