In India’s bustling hospitality scene, few names command the respect and admiration
that Minakshi does. A visionary entrepreneur and celebrated figure in bartending, she is
the driving force behind some of the country’s most iconic, award-winning bars including
Sidecar, Cocktails & Dreams, Bhumi, The Brook, and The Old House Nepal
Her journey began two decades ago when she first stepped behind a bar as a college
student. The experience was electric. “I loved every minute of it,” she recalls. “I knew
then, this was it.” But at the time, women were not legally allowed to bartend in India,
forcing her to shift into sales and marketing in the liquor trade. Years later, in 2012, she
came full circle by opening her own bar and reclaiming her place behind the counter.
Today, Minakshi is more than a bar owner. She is a mentor, changemaker, and vocal
advocate for gender equality in hospitality. Her journey has weathered countless storms,
from entrenched sexism and red tape to the grind of building a business in a maledominated industry. Along the way, she has also earned recognition as a jury member for
both the Monin Cup and World Class, and this year she steps onto the global stage as a
jury for the World Class Global Finale.
The Interview
Your Journey Begins
Q1: How did you first step into the world of bartending or hospitality?
I started oQ as a bartender when I was in my second year of college and always wanted
to continue. Unfortunately, I could not, as it was not legal back then for women to
bartend. I moved to sales and marketing, handling on-trade and brand work, and finally
opened my own bar in 2012.
Q2: Was there a moment early in your journey when you thought: “I have found my
calling”?
Yes, it was the first time I ever entered the bar. I loved every minute of it. I knew then that
this was it. This was 20 years ago, and even now, when I get a chance to step behind the
bar, I light up
Challenges and Turning Points
Q3: What has been the hardest part of your path in this industry, something that
nearly made you give up?
There have been way too many. We have had to push through the paperwork, red tape,
sexism, and ageism, to name a few. I feel it was my love and passion for this profession
that kept me going.
Milestones That Matter
Q4: What is a moment or achievement in your career that you are especially proud
of?
Two years ago, I got to stir a martini for Maestro Salvatore Calabrese at his bar Donovan
in Brown’s Hotel, London. That was special.
Q5: How do you define success today? Has that definition changed over time?
Success is relative. A few years ago, I saw it as winning awards. Today, I see living my
dream as my biggest high. Having time with my loved ones is when I am happiest.
Shifting the Narrative
‘’ Inclusion is when you make your team contribute,
give them equal footing to perform, and make them
visible and give credit to people who are contributing.’’
Q6: In your eyes, how has the role of women behind the bar changed in recent years?
The role of women, men, and other genders will always be the same behind the bar. We
all need to make great drinks and be amazing hosts. It is not a gender-based role.
Q7: What does inclusion in hospitality really mean to you — beyond words or token
gestures?
Inclusion is when you make your team contribute, give them equal footing to perform,
and make them visible and give credit to people who are contributing. It is heartening to
now see much more diverse teams, though we still have some way to go.
Q8: What is one industry practice or mindset you believe needs to change now, not
tomorrow?
Having “manels” (all-male panels), all-male juries, and all-male bar teams. It is not that
tough anymore to hire talented, well-trained women bartenders.
On Women Raise the Bar
Q9: What does the Women Raise the Bar movement mean to you personally?
It is great to have platforms that promote women in the industry and spotlight the issues
we face. You are highlighting a challenge that will take time to fully address, so yes, it
means a lot.
Q10: How do we ensure that this movement does not stop at conversation but leads
to real opportunities for women?
Keep the conversation going. There will be many deterrents, but when has that ever
stopped the cause? We have many before us who paved the way, and many will come
after.
Quick Pour
• Favourite drink to make: Manhattan
• Current ingredient obsession: Anything seasonal
• What “raising the bar” means to her: Continuously elevating the craft, the
culture, and the community together
Minakshi’s journey is proof that passion and persistence can challenge even the oldest
norms. Her story is also a reflection of what the Women Raise the Bar movement stands
for: visibility, opportunity, and equality.
Felt inspired? Join the Women Raise the Bar community and be part of a growing
movement where every voice matters. Come raise yours.
