‘Third time’s a charm…’ It is true, literally. For my third rendezvous with Cirrus 9, the rooftop lounge and bar at The Oberoi, New Delhi, was as pleasant as a cool breeze on a hot summer evening. By Rashima Nagpal
To rule out the scope of doubt, let me assure you that the first two visits were no less enchanting. In fact, my familiarity with Cirrus 9’s easy mood set the tone for the experience to follow. It just so happened that on my most recent visit, perhaps because I was all by myself with zero distractions, I could finally make sense of the romantic aura that took me by surprise the first time I met Cirrus 9.
“Until two years ago, this part was the prestigious Mountbatten Suite of the hotel,” Anshum Sehgal, Manager, Cirrus 9, tells me as we chat about the hotel’s legendary history. During the hotel’s popular 20-month hiatus and 100-million-dollar makeover, the suite was relocated and Cirrus 9 now claims the best spot in the hotel—and in Delhi, if I may say so myself.
Enveloped in the verdancy of the Delhi Golf Club and overlooking the Humayun’s Tomb, Cirrus 9 is as sedative as it is lively. From private parties and sundowners to corporate gatherings, this romantic rooftop bar perched on the ninth floor of the hotel is a versatile venue. Characterised by style and elegance, Cirrus 9 is not one of your typical bars blaring with music. “We don’t do commercial music. It’s mostly soft rock or deep house playing, or you can catch live jazz or soft pop that we do every Thursday,” Sehgal adds. Imbued with The Oberoi’s signature hospitality, Cirrus 9 sees enchanting evenings turn into electric nights.
The exotic cocktail portfolio here is inspired by tropical and oriental flavours. With a variety of innovative multi-spirit blends and in-house syrups, the long menu has ample choice to offer. I recommend sipping on Punch no. 9 (think jasmine-infused vodka, passion fruit, cinnamon honey, Aperol, lime, bitters, and Champagne), Emperor Yao’s Pleasure (think pandan-infused gin, pomegranate, lime, Chinese five-spice syrup presented in a teapot surrounded by aromatic fog), and Five Spice Daiquiri (think Carta Blanca rum, Chinese five-spice syrup, and a touch of Campari blended with passion fruit and lime). To complement the exciting cocktail selection, Cirrus 9 offers delectable finger food, such as Hong Kong chicken and asparagus filo rolls from the hotel’s award-winning Baoshuan kitchen next door.
The pulse of the lounge bar remains unaltered, come what may. Whether it’s a breezy summer evening or a cosy winter night, the rooftop lounge bar indulges its patrons with their favourite concoctions. Together with the unparalleled views of the capital it offers, Cirrus 9 is a sought-after destination all year round.
THE DETAILS
Address The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003, India
Dress code Men are required to wear full-length trousers and closed shoes.
Phone +91 11 2430 4370
Timings:
Summer
Sunday to Thursday: 7.00 pm to 1.00 am
Friday and Saturday: 7.00 pm to 1.30 am
Winter
Sunday to Thursday: 5.00 pm to 1.00 am
Friday and Saturday: 5.00 pm to 1.30 am
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