You’d expect nothing less than to be enticed and enchanted by a bar that shares its name with an ancient Indian emperor, and that is precisely what Akbar offers.

The Venue
Descend the stairs of the Red Fort restaurant and you’ll be seduced by the intoxicating aroma of incense and herbs emanating from the dimly-lit cavern below. A huge basin of floating tealights and lotus flowers welcomes you to the exotic haven that is Akbar. The Eastern-inspired decorative rugs and cushions complement smooth white walls, wooden panelling and a natural stone floor. Low dark-wooden tables and cushioned seating in long, cave-like alcoves are perfect for an intimate drink for two or raucous group gatherings. There are only two of these alluring cubbyholes though and seating in the rest of the bar is quite limited so if you have a large group, it’s advisable to arrive early or book ahead.

The Atmosphere
Twinkling ruby tealights and lamps adorn the tables and walls of this hideaway, creating a sumptuous and sleepy ambience. If you come in from a bright sunny day you’ll find it just a little bit too dark, but the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. Well-dressed, polite bar staff greet you as you enter, but head straight to a seat to order your drinks rather than the bar as you will incur a service charge regardless. Akbar attracts a trendy, well-dressed crowd with cash to spend – you won’t get in late on a Friday or Saturday wearing your trainers. It’s a mix of couples or small groups grabbing a quick drink before heading to dinner and larger parties who will set in for the night to make the most of the delicious cocktail menu and DJ. The music is a mixture of pleasant lounge beats you can chat over, morphing into some louder RnB and dance later on.

The Food
An array of contemporary Indian bites is available, but the choice is small and the prices are comparatively steep (although the snacks are delicious considering the renown of the restaurant upstairs).

The Drink
Prepare to outlay a fair amount of cash if you’re planning more than a couple of drinks here. Although the prices for the excellent cocktails are justified, the beer and wines are quite pricey. There is an impressive range of good-quality international spirits to choose from, but only one type of beer (Kingfisher). The Indian inspired cocktails are the star of the show, many infused with ginger and herbs or lovingly made and garnished with fresh fruit. If you can’t find what you want on the extensive menu, the bartenders are happy to customise one for you.

The Last Word
Perfect for a decadent night out or a romantic first date, Akbar won’t fail to bewitch with the same intrigue and opulence as its ancient royal namesake.

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