Bar Spirit Forward.

Tucked into the ground floor of the Hotel Southern Star on Lavelle Road, Bar Spirit Forward bypasses the sprawling lounge format in favor of an intimate, bartender-led experience. Created by industry veteran Arijit Bose, the space is anchored by a sleek teak and granite counter designed for direct interaction, drawing subtle inspiration from Japanese omakase culture. As the name suggests, the menu champions clean, high-proof builds over sugary distractions, featuring meticulous creations like the 3 Gin Vesper Martini alongside clever twists like the tequila- and guava-infused Southern Star. With limited seating, a polished vinyl-and-art-lined backdrop, and a sharp focus on craftsmanship, it trades flashy nightlife spectacles for a dedicated, purist approach to the cocktail.