A Country-Themed Resto-Pub in Coonoor is an Ode to the Nilgiris

Hopscotch is a resto-pub that combines old-time nostalgia with a contemporary twist. Its eclectic menu is sure to tantalize your taste buds. If you are looking for a great night spot to enjoy Coonoor, Hopscotch, located on the premises of Hotel Vivek, is the best answer. It marries local flavours with a new-age twist, as explored by Bindu Gopal Rao.

Resto-Pub in Coonoor

The resto-pub is founded by Nikhil and Nitin Suresh, scions of a distinguished hotelier family from Coonoor, and is the answer to a space for vibrant nightlife in Coonoor. The 2200 square foot space with 100 covers is located on the second level, accessible by curvy stairs. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the hills and has a Wild West country charm with classic yet playful furnishings. A cosy sit-out alfresco and smoking area has a wall with interesting wall fixtures and signage that reads, “So, the bar is where I go.” Wrought iron chairs, wood tables, and potted plants give this space a retro vibe. The restaurant has indoor seating and an interesting ‘bar-cade’ with fun games like Spin Wheel, Fish the Beer, and the Hammer Challenge, where you can play to win beers and snacks. The interiors have a warm, cosy vibe, complete with a pool table, bar counter, brick-style walls, and wood furniture with teal and rust-hued chairs.

Weekends are buzzing with action, complete with live music. You are treated to soulful music ranging from rock to country, giving you an authentic and engaging nightlife experience. I was told that the pub has various gigs, from retro and blues to rock’ n roll, country, indie, and famous DJ sets.

The food and drinks here are a nod to the region with the freshest locally sourced ingredients, echoing the richness of the Nilgiris that make their way into several dishes here. Co-founder Nikhil explains, “We use 100% locally sourced ingredients and have also tied up with organisations like ‘Last Forest,’ an organisation that works closely with the tribes of Nilgiris and helps sell their produce, as well as ‘Ranchers’ who specialise in handmade sausages and cured meat from whom we source our meat from. We also work with Havukal Tea Company, a renowned tea estate and factory based out of Kotagiri, from whom our ingredients for our tranquil tea Hopscotch’s range of tea-based cocktails are provided. We have live music all weekend, promoting many local artists and talent again.”

The extensive food and drinks menu has a collection of signature cocktails and freshly made bread from a wood-fired oven. Start with the delectable Leek Soup, which is hearty with notes of cheese and comes with add-ons (chicken, prawn, or bacon), and the delightful Broccoli, Corn & Cheese Salad that sets the tone for the meal. The starters include the interesting Beer Battered Dosa Crisps, an exciting take on the dosa paired with spicy chilli oil. The Cheese stuffed molaga bajji is another good choice as this South Indian style long chilli fritter gets a twist with cream cheese and bacon stuffing. The Brussels Sprouts Tarts is a novel take on a locally sourced classic vegetable infused in a Mangalore ghee roast masala. The Mini Wellingtons with parathas filled with mutton keema is also a good starter option.

The sandwiches here are a British-inspired delight made from freshly baked wood-fired bread with delectable layers. Called Sarnies, these come in different options, but the salt beef sarni, sourced specifically for the pub, and dishes made with naturally harvested wild honey from the Nilgiris forests are a must-have. The menu also features ‘badass burgers,’ pastas, and wood fired pizzas (that can be changed to a calzone at an extra charge). Hopscotch Curry & Rice with Sweet Potato & Carrot, Chicken, or Beef is a Vietnamese-inspired delight crafted with vegetable or chicken stock and sweet potatoes. The dish is flavourful, infused with fragrant lemongrass, carrots, and farm-fresh vegetables sourced from local fields and the surrounding farms in the bountiful Hulikal Valley. I also recommend you try the Eggplant Parmesan Steak, one of the vegetarian options on the menu. All steaks can be customised with sauces like Whiskey Pepper Cream, Brown Sauce with Mushrooms, Herb Butter, or Argentinian Chimichurri. You can also choose the accompaniments you would like, including Chilli oil, Mash Potato, Flame Roasted Carrots, Barbecued Brussels Sprouts, Pan Tumbaca, or Rustic Farm Style Bread. The standard preparation for all steaks is medium rare, but you can let the team know if you want a different level of doneness.

The drinks menu is extensive, too, with signature cocktails that include the Mulled Wine Sangria, Hopscotch Hot Toddy, and the Pomme Chuckle, made in collaboration with Havukal Estate, featuring apple-infused tea from the estates. Looking ahead, Hopscotch aims to continuously innovate its menu and entertainment options to keep pace with evolving customer tastes. The resto-pub also plans collaborations with renowned chefs and consultants from prestigious restaurants. Recent partnerships, such as with Chef Darius Madon from Mumbai, highlight their commitment to refining their offerings based on food trials and customer feedback. Do not forget to bookmark and visit Hopscotch on your next visit to Coonoor; it is a culinary journey rooted in local terroir and bound to resonate with your taste buds in more ways than one.

• Hopscotch (Group of Vivek Tourist Home Coonoor Private Limited), No. 36, Figure Of 8 Rd, Alwarpet, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu 643101
• Phone: +91 95141 15151
• Timings: Monday to Sunday- 11 am to 11 pm
• Average cost for a meal for two Rs. 1000 without alcohol and Rs 2400 with alcohol, taxes extra.