Unleash Your Wild Side: Dares, Cocktails, and Secrets at Bengaluru’s One Floor Down Bar

“Good evening, miss! May I have your phone?” a burly man at the entrance politely but firmly requested. After battling Bengaluru’s notorious Marathahalli traffic, we stepped from the city’s evening hustle into the sudden, intriguing hush of a dimly lit reception. My phone was promptly confiscated, its camera taped shut, and then returned. This was our introduction to Pablo – the gatekeeper, vibe-setter, and secret keeper all rolled into one at One Floor Down by Helen’s. Billed as Bengaluru’s first Dionysian-themed bar, it clearly takes inspiration from the Greek god of wine, drama, ecstasy, and fertility – setting a playfully subversive tone. To truly enter this world, it quickly became clear: you need to charm Pablo.

Much like any truly intriguing, somewhat rebellious venue (think 50 Shades of Grey, but for a night out), One Floor Down operates with its own set of rules. Yet, Pablo assures us these aren’t meant to restrict, but to liberate. For starters, entry is strictly for patrons aged 27 and above – a welcome reprieve from selfie-stick-wielding Gen Z crowds. Single male guests might find entry challenging, though a persuasive charm at the door could still grant access. Crucially, photography is a strict no-go. “You sometimes don’t want to be captured in someone else’s video or easily identified,” explains Pravesh Pandey, owner of One Floor Down (who also runs Roxie and Helen’s Place). “This is a sanctuary where you can truly express your bold, playful self, free from inhibitions.” He added, with a hint of intrigue, “We envisioned this as a women-forward bar, where they dictate the flow of the evening.”

Stepping further inside, the bar is awash in an intimate red glow, lending a distinctly theatrical air to the entire experience. Staff, donned in striking scarlet star-spangled uniforms, are ready to take orders for cocktails bearing delightfully cheeky names like “Hickey,” “Blindfolded – You Taste Better In The Dark,” “That Lusty Night,” and “My First Affair – But He Was Married…” Crafted by Sagar Sarki, these drinks are as bold and adventurous as their titles suggest. As with all experiments in life, love, and mixology, expect a few hits and misses along the way.

My first adventure was “Skinny Dipping” (the drink, naturally – though the bar’s ambiance might make you wonder!). This intriguing concoction features rosé wine, a kick of ginger, and aromatic notes of rose, basil, and curry leaf lillet. Next, I sampled “Second Smoke,” a smooth, smoky, sweet, and fruity delight made with mezcal, tequila, oregano, pineapple, and caramel yogurt.

Pausing between sips, I observed the scene. Giant dragonflies, resembling ethereal art installations, hung from the ceiling, their wings gently fluttering while their bodies cast a soft, red luminescence. On my table sat a red lampshade and a placard offering a choice: “Curtain” for privacy or “Open To Be Entertained.” Feeling adventurous, I chose the latter. Soon after, Pablo materialized with a treat they called “LSD” (drug-free, of course, containing mint and a secret ingredient I’m sworn not to reveal), followed by a sweet, potent cherry liqueur.

The next element of the evening was a game of cards, featuring two distinct decks: “Nice” and “Naughty.” Pablo, with a chuckle, explained the stakes: “Complete a dare, and you earn a drink. Decline, and you buy me one.”

From the “Naughty” deck, I drew a card that dared me to “Crazy Talk.” Pablo’s mischievous grin revealed the challenge: “You have to call or send your ex a voice note saying something naughty.” Did I accept the dare? That, dear reader, remains our little secret.

By now, it’s clear: One Floor Down is definitely not your typical family-friendly restaurant. The atmosphere is complemented by an eclectic mix of music and a menu that shuns conventional Bollywood tunes and butter chicken. Instead, prepare for Neo-Bistro and modern Indian culinary creations, such as Sikandari lamb quesadillas served with date-tomato jam, delicate lacy pork in Goan poee with pear chutney, and tuna tarte phuchkas featuring yuzu dill creme fraiche. While I particularly enjoyed the sushi, it’s fair to say that despite the adventurous spirit, some dishes occasionally fell short.

This establishment is designed for those seeking a walk on the wild side, where Pablo, ever-present, ensures the experience remains exhilarating yet controlled. He circulates effortlessly, engaging guests at various tables. Pravesh elaborates, “You’re encouraged to compliment others, engage in lively conversations. If a gentleman wishes to buy a lady a drink, the request must go through Pablo. He then discreetly seeks her consent before proceeding, ensuring comfort and respect.”

Pravesh further shared that the concept for One Floor Down was born from extensive research. “I personally interviewed 20 women over six months to truly understand their desires and concerns when visiting a bar,” he explained. Feedback ranged from a need for enhanced safety and feeling confident and complimented, to preferences like receiving the bill directly rather than it being presented to their male companion, and a desire to avoid unwanted stares when dressed up. Every single insight, he emphasized, played a crucial role in shaping the bar’s unique and thoughtful design.

So, how does Pravesh plan to win over the Instagram generation, especially with the strict no-photography rule? He smiles knowingly, “They simply have to capture the experience through their own eyes. We believe that when people truly want to return to a place, it’s for the indelible memories and the unique feeling it evokes, not just for the pictures they’ve taken.”

Visit One Floor Down:

• Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, from 5:30 PM onwards.
• Cover Charge: ₹1,000 per person.
• Contact: 8088230721
• Address: 3rd Floor, 90/3, Outer Ring Road, Service Road Balaji Layout, Chandra Layout, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.