Zenzi’s open-air section demolished

Rated by popular travel guide Lonely Planet as the best bar in Mumbai’s suburbs, Zenzi, situated on Waterfield Road in Bandra, now resembles a bombed-out joint in Beirut or Baghdad.

Barely a week ago, visitors to the open-air section of the lounge bar could not have guessed that the most happening spot across the Mahim creek is in fact a temporary shed, constructed illegally by the pub owners in violation of all town planning norms.

On Wednesday last week, the Bombay high court directed the civic body to take down the shed and restore the bar premises to its original state. The demolition was ordered in response to a petition by a resident of Mamta building, in which the bar is situated.

According to an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the owners undertook the demolition themselves after being served a notice by the BMC. The resident, Arif Ali, had alleged that Zenzi was operating its open-air lounge section in the common open space of the building.

The decision is a victory for those championing open spaces and resident’s rights, but it will also hurt the expat community which frequented the place. When DNA visited the bar recently, it wore a deserted look. The open area was cordoned off to hide the demolition. “The open area is shut for renovation,” a female staff said. Zenzi’s owners were
unavailable for comment.