Bella Brings a European Touch to Global Vegetarian Dining in Malad

Mumbai, 2026: Bella, a contemporary vegetarian all-day dining destination in Malad West, brings together European-inspired elegance, global cuisine and an inventive cocktail programme. Brought together by Address Hospitality and Suved Lohia Hospitality, Bella offers a menu that draws from Continental, Asian and modern Indian influences, with familiar favourites alongside new combinations of flavours. From artisanal wood-fired pizzas and sharing plates to a thoughtfully crafted cocktails and curated coffee selection. Bella is designed for everything from a casual lunch to an evening out with friends and family.

At Bella, the food philosophy is centred on bringing familiar flavours together in new ways. The menu features dishes such as Quinoa Hara Bhara Kebab, Tandoori Pineapple Steak, Smoked Makhani Burrata, Gochujang Mac & Cheese Bites, Edamame Khichdi and Silken Tofu Bhurji. Guests can also choose from pastas, risottos, salads and wood-fired pizzas, including the Picante Pizza. The cocktail programme follows a similar approach, combining familiar ingredients with unexpected twists. Highlights include Dark Romance, Madras Moon Mule, Ruby Velvet, Popcorn Royale and Picante Illusion . Our zero-proof selection offers thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic choices, highlighted by the Mango Glow paired with house-made muskmelon and mango sorbet and the crisp Cucumber Cloud." while desserts such as Bella signature Tiramisu and Chocolate XO bring a playful finish to the meal.

The interiors at Bella draw inspiration from traditional European homes, vintage cafés and old-world social clubs, with each space offering a distinct character. The restaurant combines warm wooden finishes, textured walls, marble, patterned flooring, curated artwork and soft lighting. The glass-covered courtyard brings in natural light and greenery, while the fireplace creates an intimate setting for long meals and conversations. The bar takes inspiration from vintage European social clubs, while the Blue Den offers a more eclectic, library-like atmosphere. A private dining room with rich burgundy and rust tones provides a more intimate setting, and a dedicated DJ console adds to the restaurant's evening energy. Together, these spaces create an inviting setting that moves comfortably from daytime dining to lively evenings.

Ridhaan Shah, Founder of Bella, adds, “We wanted Bella to feel like a place people would enjoy spending time in, not just somewhere they come to eat. From the food and cocktails to the different spaces, every detail has been considered to make the experience warm, comfortable and interesting. We hope guests find something they love on every visit, whether it is a familiar favourite or something new they discover along the way.” and Suved Lohia adds,“Bella is an atmosphere of understated sophistication, where every detail invites discovery, every pour is crafted with intention, and every gathering becomes an occasion.”

With its global vegetarian menu, inventive cocktails and European-inspired setting, Bella brings a new all-day dining experience to Malad. Whether it is a family meal, a catch-up over coffee, an evening of cocktails or a special celebration, Bella welcomes guests of all ages to come together over good food and great company.

Lords Inn Sasan Gir to Open Soon, Marking Lords Hotels & Resorts' 26th Operational Property in Gujarat

Lords Hotels & Resorts is set to further strengthen its presence in Gujarat with the upcoming opening of Lords Inn Sasan Gir, marking the brand's 26th property in the state. Located in the renowned wildlife and nature destination of Sasan Gir, the upcoming property reflects the group's continued commitment to expanding its footprint across key tourism destinations in Gujarat. Known for its proximity to Gir National Park, the natural habitat of the iconic Asiatic lion, Sasan Gir attracts wildlife enthusiasts, families and leisure travellers seeking an immersive nature getaway.

Featuring 44 spacious rooms, Lords Inn Sasan Gir is being designed to offer guests a welcoming and relaxing stay experience. The property will feature amenities including a swimming pool, a game zone and dining experiences, ensuring a well-rounded hospitality experience for families and leisure travellers.

Strategically located, Lords Inn Sasan Gir offers convenient access to several popular attractions in and around the region. Sunset Point is just 100 metres away, while the Safari Entry Gate is approximately 2 km from the property. Other key attractions include Devalia Safari Park, located around 8 km away, Kamleshwar Dam at approximately 11 km, and the iconic Somnath Temple, situated around 40 km from the hotel.

"Gujarat continues to be a significant market for our expansion strategy, with destinations like Sasan Gir offering immense potential for experiential tourism. With the upcoming opening of Lords Inn Sasan Gir, we aim to further strengthen our presence across the state while catering to the growing demand for quality accommodation in emerging leisure destinations," added Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts.”

"At Lords Inn Sasan Gir, our focus is on creating a welcoming hospitality experience for travellers looking to explore the region's rich wildlife and natural beauty. With thoughtfully designed rooms and recreational facilities for families, we look forward to offering guests a convenient and memorable stay as they discover the attractions of Sasan Gir," said Sudhir Jena, VP Corporate, Lords Hotels & Resorts.”

"At Lords Inn Sasan Gir, we are committed to delivering warm hospitality and attentive service, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience. Our team looks forward to welcoming travellers, families and wildlife enthusiasts with the warmth and care that define Lords Hotels & Resorts. We aim to make every stay a delightful experience while offering guests the perfect base to explore the natural beauty and attractions of Sasan Gir," said Prateek Sharma, Area Head, Lords Hotels & Resorts.

The upcoming opening of Lords Inn Sasan Gir marks another significant milestone in Lords Hotels & Resorts' growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to bringing quality hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences to travellers across Gujarat.

YA:LA, a New Destination for Levantine Social Dining

Pull up a chair. Pass the stories around.

Pune, October 2026: The Ritz-Carlton, Pune announces the opening of YA:LA, a new Levantine social dining destination at Business Bay, opening on [date] October 2026. Celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the Levant, a region along the Eastern Mediterranean, YA:LA introduces a dining experience shaped by shared plates, live-fire cooking, inventive cocktails and a vibrant setting designed for gathering.

Derived from the Arabic expression meaning “let's go,” YA:LA draws inspiration from the journeys that have shaped the Levant and its neighboring regions. Its story reaches back to the ancient Mediterranean, where Phoenician traders connected distant shores, carrying goods, ingredients and cultural influences between civilisations. With every journey came an exchange of cultures, traditions and stories, each finding new meaning as they travelled from one place to another.

It is this culture of exchange that lives on at YA:LA through “Stories Travel Here.” Just as stories once travelled with people across the Mediterranean, they now find their way to YA:LA through the food, music and people who gather around its tables. The restaurant celebrates the stories we bring with us and the new ones created along the way.

A Culinary Journey Across Borders

At the helm of YA:LA's kitchen is Lebanese Head Chef Mohamad Hammady, whose menu draws from the culinary traditions of the Levant while exploring their connections with neighboring regions. Rooted in familiar flavours and techniques, the dishes bring together traditional preparations and contemporary interpretations, with an emphasis on food meant to be shared.

Among the highlights is Pistachio Muhammara, a reinterpretation of the roasted red pepper and walnut dip associated with Aleppo, while Black Garlic Moutabel lends a contemporary depth to the smoky aubergine preparation. Roasted Beet and Labneh Cloud presents a familiar regional pairing in a new form.

Bread, central to the region's dining traditions, occupies a special place on the menu. Za'atar and Olive Manakish celebrates the simplicity of Levantine flatbreads, while boat-shaped Turkish Pide, including a smoked duck and potato interpretation, reflects the culinary influences that extend beyond the Levant.

Bringing together the flavours of Lebanese mezzes and Turkish grills, YA:LA celebrates the region's rich culinary traditions through shared plates and open-fire cooking. Outdoors, the aromas and theatre of the grills come alive in a courtyard framed by olive trees and fountains.

A Space Where Stories Come Together

YA:LA's interiors evoke the warmth and character of a Levantine gathering place, where old-world influences meet contemporary design. Warm lighting falls across clay-toned surfaces, handcrafted ceramics and geometric details inspired by the restaurant's flooring and jaali walls.

An earthy palette of terracotta, chocolate brown, timber and slate black is complemented by brushed brass, olive green and woven textures. Layered with tapestries, beads and handcrafted details, the space draws subtle inspiration from the objects and traditions collected along journeys across the region.

At its heart is a spirit of connection. The Travellers Table, expressed through distinctive S-shaped seating indoors and a long communal table outdoors, invites guests to gather, share a meal and strike up conversations. Designed for those who enjoy the social side of dining, it brings to life the idea that a shared table can turn strangers into friends.

From the Mediterranean Kitchen to the Cocktail Glass

The journey continues at the bar, where the flavours of the Mediterranean inspire a cocktail programme built around herbs, citrus, spice and unexpected combinations.

Familiar ingredients take on new expressions: tomato finds its way into a Martini, harissa meets tequila, and dates come together with coffee. The result is a selection that draws from the region's kitchens, gardens and gathering places, with each cocktail offering its own interpretation of these influences.

Guiding guests through the menu is “Find Your Pour,” an intuitive way to discover cocktails according to individual preferences. Four flavour profiles — Bright and Juicy, Light and Lively, Savoury and Salty, and Rich and Slow — allow guests to explore the selection, with strength indicators making it easier to find a drink that suits the occasion.

The celebratory spirit continues with the YA:LA Round, a spirited tableside ritual that brings together a round of shots, a playful exchange of “YA:LA?” as the question and “Let's go!” as the answer, and the rhythmic beats of the darbuka, turning a simple toast into a shared celebration.

From Golden Hour to Stories After Ten

“Golden Hour” sets the stage for cocktails and conversation, before the restaurant moves into its dinner experience. The aromas of the kitchen, the warmth of shared tables and contemporary Arabic music create an atmosphere that is both inviting and energetic.

After 10 PM, “Stories After Ten” takes the energy up a notch. Afro-Arabic rhythms become more prominent, accompanied by inventive cocktails and desserts. At the heart of the experience is the YA:LA Ritual, an unmissable celebration that brings guests together through music, rhythm and a spirited moment of shared revelry. 

Through these experiences, YA:LA moves effortlessly between spirited dinners and lively late evenings, while remaining rooted in its celebration of food, culture and connection.

“With YA:LA, we wanted to introduce a dining experience that brings a new energy to The Ritz-Carlton, Pune one rooted in the generosity of Levantine hospitality, yet interpreted through a contemporary and highly social lens. The shared table is at the heart of the experience, creating a natural sense of connection, discovery and togetherness. It adds a distinctive new dimension to our culinary offering, while creating a destination that feels relevant to Pune and distinctly its own,” says Ishwinder Gill, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Pune. 

For Pune, YA:LA brings an experience unlike anything the city has seen before, where the traditions of the Levant find a contemporary expression. From shared plates and open-fire cooking to inventive cocktails and evenings that invite guests to stay a little longer, YA:LA celebrates the stories that travel with us and the new ones that begin when people come together.

Greek Yogurt, Done the Greek Way: 4° Opens Its First Bengaluru Outlet at Mark Square

The Chennai-born brand opens a kiosk at Mark Square on St Mark Road, serving slow-churned, preservative-free, 100% vegetarian Greek yogurt

Bengaluru, October 2026: Somewhere between the ice cream parlour on every corner and the smoothie bar that never quite satisfies, there is a gap, and 4° has built a studio to fill it. On 25th October, the indulgent Greek yogurt brand that started in Chennai in 2023 opens its first Bengaluru kiosk at No. 61, Mark Square, St Mark Road, and invites the city to taste what Greek yogurt can be when it is treated like a dessert and not an afterthought.

The secret is in the name. Greek yogurt does not need to be frozen to feel indulgent. It only needs to be served at exactly the right temperature: cold enough to hold its shape and warm enough to stay silky. The result is a thick, velvety texture and a rich, creamy mouthfeel that coats the spoon and lingers, smooth in every bite and never icy. The “4°” is also a quiet wink at the letter Y, for yogurt. It is made the traditional Greek way, slow-churned, with no preservatives and no added colour, and every scoop carries 6 to 8 grams of protein.Everything on the menu is 100% vegetarian, which makes it the kind of treat you can enjoy without a second thought.

The menu reads like a series of small temptations. There is Blueberry Oracle, Jackfruit FC and a flavour boldly named Wicked Cherry, along with Chocolate That’s It, which leaves little room for argument. Beyond the scoops, the smoothie bowls arrive piled with Alphonso mango, fresh berries, chia and crunchy granola, and the Blue Sky Bowl gets its colour from blue spirulina and custard apple. Every bowl can be made your own, with extra toppings to add as you please.There are smoothies with names like Ambrosia and Olympus, plant-based picks for those who skip dairy, and a coffee bar for anyone who wants their dessert with a flat white.

Felix Victor, Co-Founder of 4°, says the brand runs on one simple rule. “We only serve what we would happily eat ourselves. That standard decides our ingredients, our flavours and how we treat every customer. Bengaluru is a city that values good food and honest ingredients, and we are excited to show it what Greek yogurt can taste like.”

“Ice cream is on every corner, and the only thing left to compete on is flavour or looks,” said Abhinandan B, Partner at 4°. “We wanted to build something different: a studio devoted to real Greek yogurt, made the traditional way, with nothing to hide. Bringing that to Bengaluru feels like the natural next step.”

The kiosk opens every day from 12 noon to 10pm, which means a late-night craving, a post-work reward or a midday bowl that actually keeps you full all have somewhere to go. 4° is made for people who want to indulge and still feel good about it, including busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, working parents and anyone who believes dessert and mindful eating can share a spoon.

Behind the studio are two people with very different journeys and one shared obsession. Abhinandan B has spent more than a decade in food retail, and it was his push to build a Greek yogurt dessert studio, rather than simply distribute a product, that shaped the brand. Felix Victor, an entrepreneur and brand builder from the coffee and FMCG worlds, helped scale Raw Pressery across Tamil Nadu and now brings that same drive to crafting a premium brand around ingredient quality, exceptional taste and mindful indulgence.

For 4°, Bengaluru is the start of a new chapter. What began as a small bet that people would choose real Greek yogurt over the usual scoop has grown into a studio with a following, and the founders believe this city, with its appetite for new ideas and honest flavours, is the right place to take it further. The invitation is simple: come in, pick a flavour, and find out why the best way to enjoy Greek yogurt is neither frozen nor fussy, only perfectly chilled.

One Less Thought: Thought Coffee opens in Bandra with quality coffee

Founded by Kush Kachhara, Kshitij Patil and Jhanvi Shah, the Mumbai-born quick-service coffee brand is bringing single-origin AA Arabica coffee, grab-and-go convenience and sub-five-minute service to the everyday coffee run, with plans to build density across Mumbai.

Mumbai, 2026: Mumbai has no shortage of good coffee. But for something that has become such a regular part of urban life, a good cup can still feel like a destination, a decision or a considerable part of the day. Thought Coffee wants to change that.

The Mumbai-born quick-service coffee brand is opening its flagship in Bandra with a simple idea: good coffee should fit into the day, not require the day to be built around it. Founded by Kush Kachhara, Kshitij Patil and Jhanvi Shah, Thought Coffee was born from a gap the founders saw in Mumbai’s rapidly growing coffee culture. While quality coffee is becoming increasingly available across the city, the combination of quality, accessibility and speed is still harder to find in an everyday format.

Thought Coffee is built to bridge that gap, bringing together good-quality coffee, an accessible proposition and a grab-and-go experience designed around the pace of modern city life.

“China showed us how quickly coffee can move from a café experience to an everyday habit. We started asking whether India could be at a similar inflection point,” says Kshitij Patil, Co-founder, Thought Coffee.

Quality coffee, made approachable

Thought Coffee’s everyday coffee offering centres on single-origin AA Arabica beans, sourced from a single estate and roasted to the brand’s own profile to create a balanced, approachable cup. The thinking is straightforward: quality should not make coffee feel intimidating, and convenience should not mean compromising on what is in the cup.

For customers who want to explore beyond the everyday, the menu also features more experimental offerings, including rum barrel-aged and wine barrel-aged coffees, alongside Colombian Castillo coffee. These speciality coffees offer a more distinctive expression of the bean while sitting within a menu designed to remain approachable.

The wider menu extends beyond coffee to flavour-led matchas and ubes, baked goods, croissants, croissant sandwiches and tea cakes, alongside smoothie bowls including Sunrise with passion fruit and Berry Berry with mixed berries.

“Good coffee shouldn’t feel like something you have to compromise on. We wanted to create a format where quality and accessibility could exist together, without making the experience feel complicated,” says Kush Kachhara, Co-founder, Thought Coffee.

One Less Thought

The idea behind Thought Coffee recently evolved into One Less Thought, a simple philosophy for how the brand wants to fit into everyday life. A day is already full of decisions, from what to eat and what to wear to where to go and what to finish first. Where to get your coffee from should not have to be one of them.

One Less Thought is about creating that familiarity: knowing where your coffee is coming from, knowing it will be good and knowing you can get it without having to build time around it. Thought Coffee wants to become the place people can simply default to, not because coffee has to be an occasion, but because it can be one less decision in an already busy day.

“We wanted to create a coffee brand that fits naturally into the rhythm of the day. You should be able to know that you can get a good cup of coffee without having to overthink the experience,” says Jhanvi Shah, Co-founder, Thought Coffee.

Built for the five-minute coffee run

The format is designed around the moments when coffee is needed most: before work, between meetings, on the way somewhere or simply because the day calls for it. Its compact, takeaway-focused format and machine-driven brewing are designed to keep service quick, with orders targeted to be served in under five minutes.

The proposition is deliberately uncomplicated: walk in, order, get your coffee and keep moving.

Thought Coffee plans to spend its first 15 months building density across Mumbai before expanding nationally. Its longer-term ambition is to make a Thought Coffee location accessible within three minutes of its customers, with the format designed to work across neighbourhoods, tech parks, shopping centres and other high-footfall locations.

A coffee brand designed for Mumbai

The Bandra flagship reflects the same philosophy. Glass walls, rattan pendants and terrazzo floors create a space that feels considered without being formal, while the three-dot logo represents a pause, a thought in progress and whatever comes next.

But the ambition extends beyond one café. Thought Coffee is building for a city where coffee is increasingly part of the daily rhythm, and where the opportunity is not simply to get people to drink better coffee once in a while, but to make good coffee an effortless part of every day.

Because sometimes, the best coffee experience is the one you do not have to think about.

KAMARI Opens in Anjuna: Introducing a New Expression of Beachfront Hospitality in North Goa

KAMARI brings together architecture, world cuisine, progressive mixology and cultural programming in a destination that shifts with the rhythm of the coast.

Goa,  2026: North Goa welcomes a distinctive new address with the opening of KAMARI, a beachfront hospitality destination in Anjuna that brings together architecture, gastronomy, mixology, music and design in a setting inspired by the changing rhythm of the Arabian Sea. Conceived as an all-day seaside sanctuary, KAMARI moves effortlessly from sun-soaked afternoons and leisurely dining to sunset gatherings and vibrant evenings, creating an experience that transforms as the day unfolds.

Inspired by the timeless duality of the sun and the moon, KAMARI reflects two contrasting moods. By day, the space is calm, open and restorative, inviting guests to slow down against the backdrop of the sea. As daylight fades, lighting, music and performance reshape the atmosphere, giving the venue an entirely different character while remaining connected to its coastal surroundings.

The property's architecture draws from the movement of the ocean itself. Soft, sculptural curves flow through the entrance, the organically contoured central bar and the sweeping upper deck, framing uninterrupted 180-degree views of the Arabian Sea. Natural materials including weathered wood, linen, rattan and earthy textures reinforce a design language that feels contemporary while remaining deeply rooted in Goa's landscape.

Adding another layer to the visual narrative is KAMARI's bespoke Toile de Jouy artwork, commissioned exclusively for the destination. Reinterpreting the classic textile tradition through a contemporary lens, the intricate illustrations weave together the mythology of the moon, the rhythm of the sea, tropical flora and fauna, and the rituals of coastal living. More than a decorative element, the artwork captures the philosophy that shapes the space, celebrating craftsmanship, storytelling, and a strong sense of place.

KAMARI has been created as a destination where every space offers a different perspective of the coastline. Guests can spend the day on beachfront sunbeds just steps from the Arabian Sea before moving into sea-facing dining spaces or retreating to private cabanas with plunge pools overlooking the water. The experience begins even before arrival, with personalised hospitality that includes dedicated solar-powered golf cart transfers, setting the tone from the very first interaction.

As evening settles in, the venue takes on a new energy. At its centre stands a striking 23-foot Medusa sculpture, brought to life through dynamic lighting, digital storytelling and curated entertainment. The installation anchors the indoor-outdoor lounge, where art, music and hospitality come together to create one of Anjuna's most compelling nightlife settings.

The culinary programme, led by Chef Ram, presents a globally inspired menu built around seasonal produce, bold flavours and dishes made for sharing. Signature offerings include the Millet Tabouleh, Avocado Edamame Toast, Zucchini Burrata Curry, Garlic Butter Lamb Chops, John Dory Fish and Prawn Thermidor, alongside a selection that moves comfortably from relaxed lunches by the beach to celebratory dinners overlooking the sea.

The bar program led by Dikshit Shetty embodies a spirit of exploration by reinterpreting India's rich culinary heritage through innovative techniques. Methods such as clarification, fermentation, infusion, and distillation are employed to create drinks that are deeply rooted in Indian tradition, yet presented with the precision found in leading international cocktail bars. Each drink tells its own story, inviting guests to experience familiar flavors in unexpected and exciting ways. Few signatures include cocktails such as Rasam, inspired by the flavors of Southern India; Aarambh, inspired by the celebration of new beginnings; and Ko-cane, inspired by an addiction that tastes like affection. These cocktails feature indigenous botanicals, regional spices, tropical fruits, and nostalgic flavors.

Alongside its food and beverage programme, KAMARI will host a calendar of curated experiences celebrating music, culture and community. Among its signature offerings is IN WHITE, a weekly Sunday sundowner that transforms the beachfront into an immersive all-white celebration of music, elevated hospitality and sunset rituals. With Curated performances, signature cocktails and world cuisine, each edition offers a fresh expression of Kamari's experiential spirit. From relaxed afternoons by the beach to vibrant late-night celebrations, every visit promises a different experience.

Commenting on the launch, Varun Duggal, Co-Founder & Designated Partner of KAMARI, said: "We're no longer competing for people's appetite. We're competing for the few hours they're willing to give us. If those hours don't become memorable, we've only done half our job. That belief became the foundation of KAMARI. We set out to create more than a beach club, we wanted to craft a place where architecture, hospitality, food, cocktails, music and the natural beauty of the Arabian Sea exist as one complete experience. Our ambition is to build a brand conceived in India that resonates globally, demonstrating that Indian hospitality can stand alongside the world's most celebrated coastal destinations while remaining deeply connected to the spirit of Goa."

Blending thoughtful design with a dynamic culinary and cultural programme, KAMARI marks a new chapter in Goa's hospitality landscape—one where guests are invited to linger, return and experience the destination differently with every visit.