The team behind Canada’s Best New Bar of 2022, Laowai, invites you to explore its latest hidden gem: Bagheera*.
This opulent and glittering sanctuary, concealed behind an unprepossessing Chinatown betting shop, takes its inspiration from the cultural crossroads of Lewis Hart and Brij Rathi, co-owners and co-founders of Three Kingdoms Hospitality.
Whereas Laowai’s Prohibition-era Shanghai vibe stems from Rathi and Hart’s shared love of both the city of Shanghai and that era’s illicit and seductive nature, Bagheera — namesake of the black panther in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book — pays homage to the adventurous spirit of the Indian subcontinent as the 19th century gave way to the 20th.
“We wanted to continue our partnership and to create another exceptional experience for our guests,” says Rathi. “So, when we were brainstorming ideas, I said: ‘Why don’t we go where our own family histories intersect?’”
“Both our families have roots in India, so we looked for an intersection and realized we both appreciated Rudyard Kipling and his storytelling ability,” says Hart. “Everything flowed from there.”
“That worldbuilding exercise laid the foundation for Bagheera,” adds Rathi.
Guests will step up to the counter at the Happy Valley Turf Club off-track betting shop (518 Main Street) and place a wager on “King Louie.” That password grants access through a vestibule papered in original period postcards that leads to Bagheera’s sumptuous 60-seat main cocktail lounge. The space is inspired by a train car and glitters with over 1,000 coins and bangles sourced directly from the antique bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur.
With interior design, furniture, and lighting by globally recognized, London, U.K.-based firm, Bergman Interiors (also the designers of Laowai), Bagheera’s two rooms are studies in theatricality and richness. The sparkling jewellery on display, curated by London- and Delhi-based décor brand Rosie Dahlia, add even more luxe to an already extravagant décor. The commitment to showmanship continues down to the smallest of unexpected and delightful details —many of which naturally favour a feline theme.
A bespoke, 45-foot, hand-painted jungle mural spans the entire north wall across from the bar leading to the semi-private Drawing Room. Here, period, bohemian curios in bronze and brass reside in a softly lit “Cabinet of Curiosities” that also houses some of the bar’s harder-to-find whiskeys. Cheeky overpaints by internationally renowned “hacker” artist, Blase, playfully superimpose modern commercialism onto Gothic canvases.
Behind the 42-foot bar, clad in a hand-carved, reclaimed teak frontage with an illuminated bar top and backsplash of polished tiger blue onyx, Operating Partner Alex Black oversees a drinks program of era-inspired cocktails named after Kipling works, featuring unexpected ingredients such as saffron-infused gin (Man’s Red Flower), smoked paprika (All One Vine), and cinnamon tincture (The Anvil). A separate Gin & Tonic section offers Classic, Savoury, Tropical, and Bon Vivant options.
Subcontinental cuisine by Phong Vo (Laowai) boasts a pakora menu with a variety of meat, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan fillings as well as a selection of share plates such as Carrot Daal, Saag Aloo Pave, Goan Tamarind Fish Curry, and Coconut Lamb Koftas.
Located behind Happy Valley Turf Club, Bagheera is open 6 days a week,
Tuesday to Sunday, with service beginning at 5pm.Bagheera does not take reservations.
Patrons are welcomed on a first-come, first-seated basis.
