Name – Martin Strobos

Designation: Beverage Operations Manager

Outlet: News Cafe

Address: 311, 312 and 314, Second Floor, DLF Place, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070

Contact: +91 11 46605774 Email: newscafeindia@gmail.com

Outlet Timings: 10am – 1am

Since News Café opened its doors to Delhi’s unsuspecting public, it has spread quite an infectious vibe amongst the city’s party animals. Unpretentious and friendly, the place has built a strong set of staunch loyalist in a short period of time.

Tulleeho catches up with Martin Strobos and his team at News café to get know more about the secret behind the buzz.

I have been a mixologist for the past 7 years and have been flairing since the past 4 years. Prior to this I was working for a chain called Cabana in Cape Town, SA, where I come from. My career interest always swayed towards bars & cocktails and this opportunity to set up News Café in India caught my interest.

Why India?

The opportunity to explore a new market. News Café has big expansion plans in India through the next 5 years. Apart from this, being a flair bartender I noticed a lack of exposure of flair bartending in this market. It is not as big here as it is in the west.

How has it been so far?

Its been good! I am here for the next 5 years and am quite looking forward to it. The only thing that doesn’t agree with me here are the summers – they are way too hot!

Why would someone come to News Cafe?

News Café is not a fine dining “serious” kind of outlet. It has a very relaxed approach where one can come in and soak in the ambience. We have a wide range of food and drinks and specially cocktails, to choose form. Plus we keep organizing a variety of events from standup comedy shows to live music. The idea is to have people associate with News Café as a lifestyle destination to unwind and feel the vibe!

Any regular celebs?

Papa CJ, the well known standup comedian and we’ve had former South African Cricketing legend, Peter Kirsten drop by recently.

If you weren’t running a bar, you’d be…?

I would be working for the London based Shaker Bar School back home in South Africa.

One fictional character that you’d like to share a drink with?

Goofy! He’s quite laidback and lame!

One super celeb that you’d like to host in News Cafe.

SRK. I’ve heard quite a lot about him.

If you were stranded alone on a deserted island, what's the one drink that you’d long for?

An ice cold Heineken…or a couple…or better still – a case!

What's your opinion of the bar industry that you have seen here in India?

Surprisingly active.

Is Delhi your first base? Or were you in any other Indian city before?

Yes. I’ve started with Delhi. My next preferred destination would be Goa.

Your choice – Delhi, Mumbai or Bengalooru.

I haven’t been to Mumbai or Bengalooru but yes I would like to. Back here, Delhi is more active on weekends whereas Gurgaon has a regular week day buzz.

Any competitor who gives you sleepless nights?

(Thinks for a while…) Smoke House Deli.

Newscafe keeps organising a lot of small competitions – any reason? Who are they open to? Do you have a sponsor? Are you looking for any? Do you plan to make this a regular affair?

Well the idea is to popularize bartending here. Bartending is a great and lively profession but here bartender’s don’t seem to talk much! The idea behind these events is to get the bartending community together and get to know each other, socialize and network. We have had occasional sponsors but yes would like to have someone on board for a longer duration.

The other idea is to get customers to recognize their regular bartender as someone more than just a server. Guests normally don’t have the friendliest disposition towards bartenders. We would like to change that!