Vibe, Hilton Garden Inn, Gurgaon: The Tallest Sky Bar

This is not my first visit to Hilton Garden Inn at Gurgaon. I have been here earlier for a brunch which I found to be pretty decent for its price. My this visit is to checkout the newly opened terrace bar, Vibe : The Sky Bar, which as per my knowledge is the only terrace bar at this height. The others that I remember are Story at The Westin Hotel and The Indian Grill Room. The pool side terrace bar is tastefully done with few cabana’s and offers an excellent view of the city landscape. The artificial grass on the floor lends the color to its otherwise sober theme. The music is retro and sound is comfortable to strike a conversation. One of the wall is aesthetically done with candles and add to the romantic and cozy atmosphere.

We start by asking for their signature cocktails that has an interesting name – Bubblegum cocktail (Rs 595).  The vodka based cocktail has sweet and sour mix and uses egg white and its flavors are reminiscent of the bubblegum that we so often had as a kid. The garnishing of jujube candy also impresses. This is a good beginning. Next is a tequila and wine base cocktail called Wood pepper. The smoky drink gas been smoked using the wood and the presentation is bound to impress anyone. I am not fond of bell peppers and I find the drink a bit strongly smoked. So even though I like the smokiness both in my food and drinks, this fails to strike a chord with me.

The next drink pleasantly surprises me – The Achaari Mojito. Well if you think achaari flavors dont go well with drinks, this will put all your doubts to rest. I have had many types of Mojitos but this version is my first and certainly not the last. We Indians don’t normally compliment, but this drink makes me send my special compliments to their bar chef, Mr. Soumitra Lodh.

Vibe only offers bar food (finger food) at the terrace. I did order for couple of dishes. The team has tried to give an international twist to the comfortable Indian food. Like Chicken Malai Tikka has Blue cheese in it, and even though I missed the sharpness of Blue Cheese most people would like it. Amritsari fish is served with Korean Kochujang mayo. It is a bit too thickly battered for me. I enjoyed the tawa sea bass is flavoured with carrom and served with prunes chutney.

In the vegetarian section mushroom kurkuri is like anywhere else. But I did enjoy the beetroot patties that have again been given an international twist by using feta cheese filling and the accompanying spicy mango chutney. And if you are a potato lover, do try the spicy potatoes that have a coating of tangy tamarind chutney.

I sign off my drinks with Bulldozer Margarita. A heady mix of beer and tequila, that comes with an entire beer bottle in the glass. It helps in mixing the right amount of beer to the drink as one keeps sipping into the drink with the help of a straw. Very potent and if you have never enjoyed a beer cocktail, this one should be on your agenda.

Vibe is a great place to windoff post office. It can also be a neighbourhood bar for all staying close by without having to drive post couple of drinks.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.0 | Drinks: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.5 | Service: 3.5 | Overall: 3.5

Meal For Two: 2500 | Wheel Chair Friendly: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Alcohol: Yes

Address: Vibe, The Sky Bar, Hilton Garden Inn, Near Baani Square, Sector 50, Gurgaon | Phone: 0124-4420000

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.