Hope & Sesame, the Guangzhou speakeasy named No. 1 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, is bringing its cocktails to Bengaluru for a single night. Bartenders Bastien Ciocca and Geumseong Liu will take over ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 8pm.

The takeover coincides with Hope & Sesame's 10th anniversary. The pair will work behind ZLB23's bar with the experimental approach, Chinese ingredients and contemporary techniques the Guangzhou bar is known for.

The visiting bar

Andrew Ho and Bastien Ciocca founded Hope & Sesame in March 2016 in Guangzhou's historic Dongshankou neighbourhood. It was Southern China's first speakeasy and is known for its use of local ingredients, cutting-edge techniques and seasonal concepts.

The bar has appeared on Asia's 50 Best Bars for eight consecutive years since 2019, taking the top spot in 2026. It has been named The Best Bar in Mainland China every year from 2023 to 2026, and it entered The World's 50 Best Bars at No. 29 on its debut in 2025.

At the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, Hope & Sesame received the Philanthropy Award in 2020 and was named Best International Cocktail Bar in Asia-Pacific in 2024. It has also been a Top 10 World Honoree for Best International Bar Team and World's Best Cocktail Menu. In 2025 it was recognised again for Best International Bar Team, and Andrew Ho for Best International Bar Mentor.

The host

ZLB23 is a Kyoto-style speakeasy reached through a hidden entrance in Zia's garden at The Leela Palace Bengaluru. Over the years it has hosted a run of leading international bars and bartenders.

Details

Venue: ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, 23 Airport Road, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 8pm onwards
Price: INR 1,600 per cocktail
Reservations: +91 96320 60433
Instagram: @zlb23.in, @theleelapalacebengaluru

Images: courtesy of ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru / SparkPlug Inc.