Sicca Bar: Coffee & Cocktails, the lobby-level lounge bar at The Park Hyderabad, was recently unveiled to the city notables in an upgraded 2.0 version, post a Covid-induced break. At 30 covers (besides al fresco seating), Sicca Bar is both intimate and exclusive, with its ambience designed by the UK-based Conran and Partners, known for their minimalist and contemporary décor. Swati Sucharita brings you the lowdown on Sicca Bar 2.0, which stands out for its updated smorgasbord menu.
Sicca Bar 2.0
In a nod to Hyderabad’s Nizami culture, Sicca Bar features currency motifs (the Hindi or Urdu word for a coin is Sicca) prominently on its tiles, as well as the bar counters and walls, which strike out distinctly with a pop of colour and design in the otherwise minimalist space. The currency motifs are screen-printed with images of the Rupaiah, the erstwhile Indian currency note, as well as the Osmania Sicca, which was Hyderabad’s currency note minted by the Nizam of Hyderabad and which remained legal tender alongside the Indian currency note until 1951.
Sicca works as a coffee lounge for crisp business meetings or more informal lunches with friends and family over artisanal coffees and short eats in the afternoons. At the same time, it transforms into a plush bar in the evenings for serious socializing over well-crafted cocktails.
The bar, set against the backdrop of Oakwood veneer walls and the stunning origami tables designed by Gunjan Gupta from Delhi, is well-stocked with premium spirits and fine cigars, in keeping with its luxe profile. While theme evenings and music nights are being planned, lounge bar music plays at Sicca.
The beverages menu is mostly customized, although, among the ones I tried from the menu, I quite liked the Lizzy Lake, which is a gin, pineapple infusion, and egg white concoction that worked well on my palate for the tangy notes of fresh pineapple juice. Clover Club, a shaken cocktail with gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white, tasted as good as it looked, and so did Vibrant Sunshine, made of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
On the food menu are cheese boards, sushi, smorgasbord (open Med-style sandwiches primarily, as well as a few salads), bowls of ravioli, and tortellini. Getting my undivided attention was the Shrimp with Marie Rose Sauce on Rye Bread, the Truffle Cocktail Eggs Snow on Toasted Parmesan Thyme Wheat Slice, and the Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese & Caper Berry with Flying Fish Caviar on multigrain Bread. Chicken lovers shouldn’t miss Cajun Spice Pulled Chicken with Rye Bread.
Vegetarians need not despair; there are great options like Burnt Garlic with Wild Mushrooms and bokchoy with Tofu on Multigrain bread.
What I found outstanding, however, were the Mutton Rogan Josh Ravioli, the Methi Chaman Tortellini, and the Tuna Tartare with Sesame Dressing. There is a limited dessert menu, too, from which the Tiramisu is worth trying as it’s perfect in the classic old way.
Address: Third-floor lobby level, The Park Hyderabad
Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Contact: 7995086728
Cost for Two: Rs 1800
Must Try Beverage: Lizzy Lake, Clover Club
Must Try Dishes: Tuna Tartare, Smoked Salmon with Goat cheese & flying fish caviar on multigrain bread, Mutton Rogan Josh Ravioli
