Bar Reviews > Shimla
Mountview Bar - Star Resorts   by Varun Cheemra

Set amidst what would easily be one of the most scenic backdrops around Shimla, the Fagu hill top, Star resorts offers an amazingly exhaustive array of beverages and multifarious cuisines while not being ridiculous in its pricing policy.

Probably the fact that the entire place runs mostly on tourists or one time visitors who would rather take the stroll around the beautiful 3 acres and would eventually choose to not enter the restaurant or the bar helps in the seclusion and the peace you would usually relate to a place like this. The Mount View bar rarely has more than a handful of people occupying the premises in spite of facilities that are still a bit of a rarity in a place like Shimla. A Jukebox and a big screen stand connected to each other and for a paltry 5 rupees you can even play your favorite music video and watch it on the big screen.

The bar is open on three sides offering a spectacular view of the nearby hills and the mighty Dhauladhar range in the background. The entire setup is one that would remind you of a tastefully done up British restaurant on a hill-station with hand-picked accessories and a lots of comfort strewn all over the place. A low lobby with a seating of ten and a LPG powered heater set in a fireplace give you the snug feeling of being in your own place and with your own space. Besides it would also prompt you to leave your jackets and overcoats at the entrance for you really wouldn’t need them inside. The alcohol and the ambience almost always take care of the chill factor. You can further help yourself to an indoor putting range.

The drinks are extremely reasonable considering that the place is quite classy . A large shot of regular whisky (red knight) is for 60 rupees and most premium brands are available nicely displayed on the bar counter. All cocktails are priced at Rs. 100. The BOB index stands at 1.0.

Happy hours are from 4-7 offering a buy 2 drinks get 1 free (2+1) standard on all spirits and cocktails with the exception of beer. However what must also be considered is the fact that all alcoholic beverages in Himachal are quite expensive considering the lofty excise tax ; A bottle of beer would cost you 70 Rupees in a local liquor vend which is almost criminal but then that’s another story.

The barman is a locally trained one but his experience in mixing drinks shows in the full-bodied Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers. A Planter’s Punch wasn’t what you would really cherish forever but the heavy dose of liquor made all the difference. The mood's mellow and the complimentary popadums , peanuts, and even slices of fruit don’t really leave room for a lot. However a small order of mushroom cheese sandwiches soon disappears and taking a cue we order a full course of snacks. The preparation time is high but then you would not like to be here in a hurry anyhow. With the possible exception of the tandoori chicken, the chicken tikkas , tandoori mushrooms and especially the sandwiches are a real treat.

All in all the place is a beautiful getaway in itself and is exactly the location you and your partner were looking forward to for a romantic interlude with heavy mists and mountains to help fathom the significance of peace, quiet and serenity in our busy lives. And don’t worry they even take care of the kids in an amusement park or on nature walks or horse riding and even around the pool tables.

Here’s a place that has something for everyone and is still far away from being expensive.