A new chapter in Mumbai’s nightlife landscape has been marked with the opening of Fielia, an invitation-only cocktail bar located within the historic Mahalaxmi Race Course. The venue has been positioned as a first-of-its-kind concept in India, where cocktails are presented through a cinematic and theatrical lens rather than traditional bar service.
The space has been developed within a century-old racecourse mill structure, where existing architectural elements have been retained and reinterpreted. A double-height ceiling, mezzanine balconies, and layered seating arrangements have been incorporated to evoke the feeling of a theatre. At the centre of the room, the bar has been designed to function as a stage, allowing the act of bartending to become a focal performance.
The concept has been shaped by founders Afsana Verma, Amit Verma, and Dhaval Udeshi, with interiors designed by Gauri Khan. It has been stated that the intention was to create a venue that feels inherently connected to its surroundings, drawing from the romance and legacy associated with the racecourse. Rather than aiming for scale or mass appeal, the bar has been positioned as deliberately intimate, with access controlled through invitations.
Fielia has launched with an opening cocktail narrative titled Sin & Scandal, curated by Fay Barretto. The programme has been described as an evolving series inspired by infamous scandals, where drinks rely on suggestion, illusion, and performance. Bartenders have been positioned as storytellers, and service has been crafted to feel immersive and theatrical.
The culinary offering has been designed to complement this approach. An aperitivo-style menu has been created by chef Hitesh Shanbhag, interpreting the seven sins through refined, shareable plates. The focus has been placed on balance and indulgence without excess, reinforcing the overall mood of the space.
As outlined by the founders, Fielia has been envisioned as more than a standalone bar. It has been described as the foundation of a future network of culturally driven spaces, built around mood, conversation, and creative expression. With its emphasis on storytelling and reinvention, the venue has been positioned as a long-term addition to Mumbai’s evolving hospitality scene rather than a fleeting trend.