Apr 10, 2009 03:27 PM
5446 Views
(Updated Apr 10, 2009 03:44 PM)
Please allow me to start with a confession - I am an HRC fan (sucker, if you like), have been to many of them across of the world (repeatedly in some cases) and have bought a whole bunch of polos from them as well. They have been nice enough to hand out lots of cute souvenirs from time to time (fridge magnets, shot glasses, key chains etc). So, I do have a positive bias. However, I also would say that buying the polos is stupid because they cost a bit much for a shirt (after all) and I have stacks of them rotting at home, unworn.
I have been to the HRC in Bengaluru a few times and enjoyed it each time. Hence, my review is somewhat reflective of a collated set of experiences over the last six months.
Visits
Visited: multiple times
Occasions: With colleagues (or others) on friday evenings, and also once to celebrate a birthday.
Location:
At the crossing of St Marks Road and MG Road...the building right across Koshy's
Ambience
Not surprised, but the decor is exactly upto scratch with other HRCs all over the world. This place is converted from the older pub (can't remember the name) and the Barista which used to be at this location. So the walls are still stone, and the basic structure has not been modified. Very tall ceilings, and stone work add to the feel of the place. But, I didn't expect otherwise either.
One observation is that all the memorabilia (or at least all the ones that I have seen / noticed) and the music played are from 60's-80's artists. There isn't anything there which reflects new music. But again, that might be customised to reflect the tastes in this country. After all, we are still stuck in the 70s/80s. One hardly gets to hear new music in public places (relatively speaking at least).
Food
The menu is more or less the same as in all other HRCs, there are some new / Indian items as well. Something that I have always liked at an HRC is their Nachos and draught beer. The Nachos are usually a humongous serving (enough for three) and the beer chilled just right. Both these are a bit of a let down here. They did not have any draught beer. The serving of Nachos is much smaller in size, no beef (substituted by chicken strips). The refried beans were something else. Overall, pretty bad and give this a pass if you have eaten real Nachos ever.
Their other appetizers are nice. The chicken wings are good, potatoes (with bacon bits) are good and sinful, the onion rings nice.
The other thing that I have eaten here is a steak. I am a carnivore and love to dig into a steak. So steak either as is, or as a burger. They have some steak burgers (instead of the ground beef that is). The meat is not bad, but is somewhat dry and fibrous. I am not sure if that is because of the way they grill it here or just the quality of meat. I like my steaks well done (sacrilege, I know) but it just isn't juicy enough here. Again, I would give it a 4-5/10. I have had companions who have eaten a grilled breast of chicken and a philly cheese steak and their comment was exactly the same. Overall taste wise, I guess no complaints.
The only dessert that I have eaten here is a brownie and icecream. Large helping and fairly decent brownie. One time I was celebrating a birthday and HRC did a piece of cake, and a candle etc. but charged for the cake. Not that I really mind, but felt a bit odd. I have never been to a place where they charge for this.
Drinks
Mojitos, Gin martinis, amstel and heiniken (can) are what I have had here so far. The mojitos are a bit inconsistent in sweetness. Other stuff is standard.
Service
Is absolutely prompt, nice and attentive. Twice I have gone there with my two women of which one is 85cm tall. She has felt welcome and taken care of. And she does like going to this place as well. They have a bunch of young ladies, in their staff, from our eastern states and they are sweet, extremely courteous and eagre to please. I could live with that.
Value for Money
No it is not, and it isn't meant to be. You pay for the atmosphere, the cheerfulness and the merry making. Two people with alcohol will end up spending about 3000.
Will I go there again? Of course, I will.
