Where’s the party, ask Delhiites

The party scene has shifted from Delhi. Four sizzling night hangouts in the Capital like UK’s famous Ministry of Sound, Olive Bar and Kitchen, Climax and Nasha were forced to pull down their shutters recently because of the Muncipal Corporation’s sealing drive and troubles with the liquor licensing department.

It’s left Delhi’s enthusiastic pub-hoppers high and dry.

And Delhi’s loss has been the suburbs’ gain with pubs and clubs in Noida and Gurgaon doing roaring business. “We’re getting around twenty to twenty-five percent more people every weekend,” said Ranjit Singh Randhawa, Deputy General Manager of Noida’s most happening nightclub, Elevate. The story in Gurgaon is also a happy one. Rohit Garg, Manager of nightclub Mojo said that they’ve seen a rise of 30 per cent in the past one month.

“What’s our option? All the posh pubs in the city are shutting down so we have to go out of Delhi to party,’’ said Aneesha, a college student.

But the change of venue has been a bit of a dampner. With safety a major issue in Delhi, many regulars have curtailed their nightlife and are coming home earlier. Said Neha, another college student, “I know the ground realities here. I try not to stay out later than 1 a.m. I don’t want to take risks.’’

However, the party scene in the capital may not remain as dead as it is at the moment, as plans for revival are already under way.

Restaurateur AD Singh, owner of Olive Bar and Kitchen feels that the Noida and Gurgaon clubs are just making hay while the sun shines.

“Most of the places that have shut down in Delhi will reopen once we overcome the present obstacles. Also, a lot of new hangout places are going to come up. This is just a temporary loss,” he said.