- Unique look.
- Central Mumbai location, near the Blue Frog live music venue.
- Serves food as well as drinks.
- Two levels with two different types of music.
- Entry is free.
- Gets crowded with not much room to move.
- The stairs could be dangerous when drunk.
- Todi Mills Compound, Opposite Kamala Mills, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel. Phone: (22) 4345-5455.
- Two floors, and private lounge area.
- Free entry.
- Open 7 p.m. (for dinner) until 1.30 p.m.
- Reservations for dinner accepted on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Salsa dancing classes on Wednesday nights.
Unlike its iconic counterpart, Zenzi in Mumbai's hip suburb of Bandra, Zenzi Mills is a new addition to the city's nightlife. The crowd has taken to it in a big way, quickly establishing its popularity. Everyone from glamorous Mumbai socialites clad in short party dresses, to adventurous foreigners, can be found there.
Located in an old mills compound just opposite Blue Frog, in the central Mumbai area of Lower Parel, Zenzi Mills is very different. Dimly lit, long and cavernous, its past history as a cotton mill is evident. The exposed brickwork and air vents retain the venue's industrial look, whilst the addition of an elongated sleek bar, private lounge area, and top notch sound system give it class.
The music at Zenzi Mills is quite eclectic and experimental, particularly on a Friday night, which is when I was there. Definitely don't expect to hear Bollywood music! Each floor features a different sound. Downstairs talented turntablist Reji was spinning an interesting fusion of lounge, funky breaks, and hip hop, interspersed with some scratching. Upstairs the night was ending with bouncy techno from Zenzi resident DJ Amul.
Zenzi Mills serves food as well as drinks. The upstairs area doubles as a restaurant and dance floor. Cocktails are priced around 350 rupees ($7), and a staple Kingfisher beer will set you back just over 200 rupees ($4).
The venue is quite narrow, so if the crowds get a bit much there's a private lounge off to one side of the bar. It's brightly light and doesn't share the same atmosphere, but it provides a peaceful escape.
