How Covid-19 Birthed India's Best Bar
Man's World|May 2022
South Goa’s Tesouro by Firefly was the surprise winner of the Best Bar honours in the 30BestBarsIndia 2021 rankings, beating established stars like Delhi’s Sidecar and Mumbai’s The Bombay Canteen for the coveted title
Priyanko Sarkar
How Covid-19 Birthed India's Best Bar

In an alternate universe, Tesouro by Firefly would most probably be called Serendipity. After all, the South Goa-based bar's journey to the top of the list amongst Indian bars is littered with happy coincidences and like-minded people finding purpose with each other over some of the most delicious cocktails that the country has to offer.

In the months before the pandemic, Arijit Bose and Pankaj Balachandran, two of India's most reputed bar consultants and mixologists, hosted a few events in South Goa with the teams from The Botanist Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Blenders Pride etc. Bose, who was tired of the big city life in Delhi, wanted to move to Goa, and an opportunity presented itself when he launched The Lover's Rum, co-founded by him and David 'Mr Daiquiri' Cordoba, in the sunshine state.

A bunch of craft spirits had launched in Goa, and Pankaj and I noticed that this is where the action was, back in 2019. Over a drunk chat, both of us thought it'd be nice to have a bar in Goa. It was easier for me to move to Goa to start promoting The Lover's Rum, and I moved in February 2020. A month later, the entire world changed, Bose recalls.

This story is from the May 2022 edition of Man's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2022 edition of Man's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAN'S WORLDView All
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
Man's World

Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique

More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
iPhone Fatigue
Man's World

iPhone Fatigue

Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Man's World

Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
Man's World

SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY

In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Pritam Hitting The High Note
Man's World

Pritam Hitting The High Note

A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
Man's World

JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE

In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Man's World

SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Man's World

Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition

Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Man's World

WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS

Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Man's World

Denim The Timeless Trendsetter

Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024