Tech that!

Fusion Lounge, touted as the world’s first fully automated pub, is set to leave Bangalore techies dizzy with its sophistication

Jim Morrison had to croon,” Well, show me the way to the next whiskey bar, oh don’t ask why. For if we don't find the next whiskey bar, I tell you we must die.” But our techies couldn’t have got it better than one bang in the midst of the technology park that houses some of the city’s swankiest IT companies.

Embassy Golf Links is touted to be Bangalore’s landmark, what with Fusion Lounge, spread over multiple portable bars, with an indoor hi-tech lounge bar and an al fresco seating area overlooking the greens. A Turnstile entry from the food court to the bar is equipped with a face scan/Rfid card and a thumb card reader. First timers are issued a Swipe card that bears all your personal details, so the next time you walk in your details are already in store, including your music, tipple and food preferences. 

The experience is a marked departure from how most pubs in the country operate and might leave the geek in you breathless. Pick your choice of music from an iPad, or let the automated DJ do the honours for you or better still, just get the karaoke mode on and sing along. For us, it had to be, “Tonight’s gonna be a good, good night”. Want to further indulge, get gaming with the 3D virtual gaming on the large audio visual screen. 

The ambiance is very upbeat with LED and neon lights giving the bar a very mystical touch. Black and white couch and bar stools facing the bar area make for chic interiors, while rocking swing seats outside allow for an intimate and relaxed drink with friends. 

You are here for the booze, of course. And you get it just right - not a drop less or more. Move to the auto bar where an automated cocktail and hard liquor dispenser will pour an exact amount of 30 ml needed for your drink, bidding goodbye to those days when you thought your drink could be less or more potent. Or even wondered if the bartender cheated on you and gave you 10 ml less. No wonder on the night we stopped by, our orders of a Sex on the Beach and a Mojito were spiked and mixed to perfection. 

For those who are wondering if they would miss a bartender’s touch need not fret, as they holler all around in black tees sporting LED name display. Once the machine pours the alcohol, the bartender then shakes and stirs it up and gives it that finishing touch. 

There is also an automated draught beer dispenser that chugs in just the amount needed for a bevel, mug or a pitcher if you please. Now that’s an ale adventure that might leave you feeling ale and hearty after a hard day’s night.

Lap up some more technology as you place your orders on the laptop order system that gets transferred straight to the auto kitchen through the android touch tablets. We called in for some Jalapeno Cheese Sticks which came highly recommended by the waiting staff and were crispy on the outside and the melt-in-the-mouth fries. The Prawn Kebabs that were served also surpassed our expectations. Also on offer is Sheekh Kebabs, Sausages, Rolls and Samosas besides the main course comprising Biryanis, Dal and Rotis, but that’s for our next visit.


- Namita Gupta/ Raintree Media Features/ www.raintreemedia.com