Stories
Kolkata's Drinking Culture: A Reluctant Drinker's Journey Through History and Innovation
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Firstpost•03-10-2026, 15:28
Kolkata's Drinking Culture: A Reluctant Drinker's Journey Through History and Innovation
- •A bar crawl in Kolkata, part of the Kolkata Cocktail Weekend, revealed the city's history intertwined with its drinking culture.
- •Speakeasies like Rannaghor by Sienna offer a sense of discovery, echoing Prohibition-era secrecy while showcasing Bengal's food traditions.
- •Kolkata's modern bar scene, exemplified by places like Little Bit Sober, focuses on experimental drinks and the people and spaces creating them.
- •Collaborations and bar takeovers during the weekend brought together bartenders and ideas from various cities, enriching Kolkata's drinking culture.
- •The city's drinking history extends beyond Park Street, with older establishments like Cathay and Trincas offering a glimpse into Kolkata's past nightlife and live music scene.
Key Questions Answered
The Kolkata Cocktail Weekend is a three-day celebration of the city's drinking and bar culture that is organised by 30BestBarsIndia.
Speakeasies originated during Prohibition-era America as secret illegal bars to avoid being shut down. Today, Rannaghor uses this concept to create a discreet, hidden atmosphere that offers guests a sense of discovery alongside an intimate chef's table experience.
During the 1950s and 1960s, venues like Trincas, Mocambo, Blue Fox, and Peter Cat helped transform Park Street into the vibrant centre of Kolkata's nightlife with food, drinks, and live music.
