Our eyes shut tight, the sound of raindrops hits our ears, as we listen to the audio on our phone. It takes a few seconds to shut out the notes of high-energy commercial music belting out from the DJ console as we turn our attention to the calming voice.
We lift the cocktail glass before us, and take a sip. The addition of sensorial disconnect unfurls the notes of rosemary sharply on the palate. A strong hit of whiskey joins in.
The cocktail, called Pause, matches our personal flavour choices that we had shared in a priorly sent questionnaire. The storytelling is also based on our answers.
The Dewars12 has been clarified with rosemary, sweetened with honey and topped with a Pistachio Foam. It’s playful, and respects the punch of the whiskey.
Bots may be taking over our world and this audio interaction is an attempt to use technology to draw our attention to the present. We play along and listen to the voice weave our persona. It ends by telling us we are heading in the right direction – all things we like to hear, and over cocktails, quite a validation one would agree.
We are privy to a one-off sensorial experience at 403 Forbidden Bar, an 88-seater bar in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar. Founders Aman Dua and Rachit Saboo have based the concept on the HTTP 403, which in technical terms is the digital error code for access denied. It means when a server understands the request but refuses to authorise access.
Subtle attempts to distract patrons from digital distractions are embedded in the décor language, beginning at the entrance. A wall reads: ‘Likes don’t matter here’. The flight of stairs flash messaging: ‘Thumbs off, eyes up’; ‘charge drops presence holds’; ‘batteries die memories don’t’.
Spread across two floors, the first level has a community table perpendicular to a swanky bar, which comes alive with the backdrop of translucent glass bricks. The space is lined by cozy corner seatings with dim lighting. Murals with nature-inspired fluid art, and quirky frames stick to the narrative. One frame has an Einstein caricature: ‘The human spirit must prevail over technology.’ We will try, Albert.
The second floor gives a ‘Balcony View’ to the double-height bar from above. In a reflex action, we point our phone camera to make a virtual memory. The bar backdrop has bricks shaped like the pixelated T-Rex that shows up when you’re offline. “You are more likely to see the image on your phone’s photo gallery, than your naked eye, “Dua points out.
He doesn’t want the patrons to get it at first go. “I call it a poetic metaphor. What they don’t see with their naked eye, their phone pictures will show them. The magic is in the build-up. I can only suggest you be present; we can’t take your phones away!” says Dua.
The cocktail programme is thought through. It pays attention to herbs and botanicals, barrel aging and creating controlled infusions, and clarifications to offer skinny drinks with no added sugar.
Let’s Start stands out for its herb distillate. Dua lists a bunch of herbs that have gone in its making. Paired with gin, lime and a saline to balance the flavours, it is easy to savour through the evening.
In the same taste profile, Life in a Metro takes tequila that has been clarified by amla pickle along with truffle and beetroot, with a spray of basil perfume.
On a sweeter palate, Roller Coaster (Rs 999) marries berry vinegar and coconut soda. A vegetal curry leaf essence helps cut the sweetness.
Some of the drinks are playful and textured. On and On and On again takes gin, a chai reduction and tops it with a mint foam. The sensorial journey continues with a spray of jasmine perfume for scent.
The food menu is crisp with 20 dishes designed to complement the drinks. The Rosemary scented garlic salt nuts are warm and well flavoured – we cannot stop nibbling at them. Bite-size Tempura Asparagus Uramaki Sushi Roll from the cold plates is skilfully rolled and offers a crunch.
The Avocado and Coconut Ceviche earns our full attention, first in the pretty-looking plating and then in its flavours. Layered with corn and cucumber, the dish has a refreshing balance of citrusy, fruity punch.
The Grilled Asparagus takes a middle eastern route and is served in a pool of tahini sprinkled with za’atar. The slender stalks have a tart finish. We also savour the citrusy flavours
of Kaffir lime that butter coats the dragon fire prawns. The golden coat paves way for a slow, progressive rise of the spice levels.
Thai style chicken skewers are juicy bites with potent galangal and fermented chilli sauce. The Nikkei Lamb chops are dressed in a sweet miso glaze, and a spice mix has controlled heat. The Soba noodle bowls are ordered in double, the warm citrus dashi lapped up with due diligence.
We end with a second round of Herb distillate, before ending the evening.
403 Forbidden has a well-thought bar and food programme, with a heavy focus on experience. While they definitely will not deny access if you’re caught scrolling on your cell phone, they hope you will look up and consider their messaging.
Where: 403 Forbidden, Khata No. 789/A, 1st Floor, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Appareddipalya, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Call: 90713 17446
