India. Gastropub circuit in Namma ‘Pub City’

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The newly formed Bengaluru Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) plans to start a gastropub circuit in the city which brews its own beer, grows its own grapes and makes its own wine.

The 12-member committee, formed after Priyanka Kharge took charge as Tourism Minister, wants to make use of the extended nightlife to attract tourists to the ‘Pub City’.

Gastropubs are bars and restaurants that serve high-end liquor and food. Some of these pubs are located in the central business district and upscale residential and commercial localities like Indiranagar, Koramangala and Bannerghatta Road. Kharge said he wanted to sell Bengaluru as a brand destination. “There are many things which can be popularised,” he told Deccan Herald. “To begin with, we are planning colonial, heritage and gastropub circuits. Since we are the only city which brews its own beer and wine, we want to popularise it.”

The Tourism Department is working out the finer details of these circuits. It is also preparing a calendar of events and a list of regular events of the city. “I am not only thinking from the point of view of recreation, but also revenue to the exchequer. We want to promote and sell Bengaluru as a destination as it has the potential, with a mix of everything. It’s a global city and needs a global identity,” he added.

Local-made liquor
Bengaluru has 1,500 wine stores, 1,200 bars and restaurants, 200 pubs with restaurants attached, around 50 independent pubs and 1,500 liquor-selling shops (CL2), according to the Excise Department. A senior excise official said, “With the extension in nightlife, introduction of a gastropub circuit is not a bad idea. It will attract youth and promote the sale of local-made liquor.”

A member of the BTAC said the idea of gastropub circuit should be explored as Bengaluru had earned the title of ‘Beer Capital’ and ‘Wine Capital’.

The committee is scheduled to meet in the first week of September to chalk out the details for the project. The minister will be in attendance.