Aura

Claridge's – the very name conjures images of old world glamour and things done the way they should be. This is reflected in the stylish Aura at Claridge's Delhi outpost – though not in the ways you'd immediately expect. This sleek vodka bar is neither stuffy nor fusty; indeed, there's not a studded leather armchair in sight. It's actually a refreshingly contemporary space, despite its hotel setting, with slate grey floors and a gently illuminated bar. Vodka is the order of the day and the bar carries over 60 premium brands including some unusual rarities. Perch on a stool by the bar and watch the city's pretty people sip vodka cocktails while gentle beats keep the mood smooth and laid-back. Pure Claridge's class.

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Agni

This attractive hotel bar takes its name from the Sanskrit word for fire. The space oozes sophistication. Its muted, earthy tones are accented with subtle splashes of orange - and a trellis of bronze on the back wall has been designed to look appropriately flame-like.

An affluent crowd of media types perch on comfy leather divans and rest their drinks on the glass-topped tables. The bar is sweeping and elegant and there's a small dance floor should the mood take you. DJs play laid back beats into the night, keeping things cool; no pounding techno. And though it's not in-your-face flashy, you'll still need a well-fed wallet to really enjoy a night here.

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Zenzi

Zenzi
Waterfield Road
Bombay (Mumbai)

The owners of the brilliant Vakzuid Bar in Amsterdam are co-owners of this just-opened gem in Mumbai's happening Bandra. Who said globalisation was a bad idea? A classy lounge bar and restaurant, your food is a selection of rich and spicy French, Thai, Japanese and Indonesian cuisine best enjoyed with some of the finest wines in the city - many from South Africa. But it's the sumptuous glass-paned, wood-floored lounge area that you really want to spend most of your time, packed as it is with hordes of leggy Bombabes - local models, actresses and TV stars - sipping specialty cocktails from the sultry sofas while their boys sample a variety of Dutch and Indian beers. Your soundtrack is a mix of soothing western and Hindi tunes. Mumbai is the New York of the sub continent and it's getting just as global. Go Zenzi!