Steeped in a history of sordid sex, drugs and arms trafficking since 1871, BarChick was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that none of the above still goes on. Gregory David Roberts’ book Shantaram has made this place all too famous - it's at the top of every traveller's checklist, so if you're shopping on Colaba Causeway and you’re thirsty, drop by and see where it all used to happen.

Do sit at the dingy bar upstairs (empty by day but pretty lively and loud with travellers and a FEW locals by night). Roll with the fact that the cocktail menu's not sophisticated, and tuck into their shot menu which is pretty inventive. The DJ behind his bullet proof screen with his mantra above his head "I think better when I'm drunk" seems to be true – the music got progressively better as he got progressively drunker and the bar got busier as the night wore on. This place is a little too famous and a little unauthentic, so if you're looking for the real Mumbai then head to Gokul.