From the time it had opened, I’ve had fangirls (and some boys) telling me I really should drop in. But something or the other, mostly the move to Whitefield, kept me from the place. But finally, in a very un-elementary way, it was my desire to push myself out of a post-dengue lethargy that got us to make the long trip to Ulsoor. (map) The map is perfect, and that building is a mini Church Street now in terms of eating options! This place was deserted when we were staying in Cox Town. (2006-08) There is nothing that indicates though, that Watsons is on the fourth floor! We saw floors 3,5 and 6, (those last two are eerily silent and desolate) and finally walked into Watsons at about 6:45. The plan was to reach at 6 and watch the sunset, but we had an Uber driver who hasn’t discovered gears beyond the first. We just about managed to find a table in the corner that offered a great view. I don’t know if they take reservations, but on Saturdays, I think it’d be a good idea to come early and park yourself. By 7.30, there was a constant stream of people waiting outside.
Decor elements are the standard contemporary ‘happening pub’ variety – wall art, dim lighting, a well stocked bar in the centre, a mix of high tables and standard ones, fun posters in the loo and so on. But forget all that, it’s a damn good place to nurse a drink and watch the city skyscape. Sigh.
Plenty of options – both food and drink – and we got right into the act with a Pork Pepper Fry and a Chili Beef. Hot Toddy was my second choice (after my first – Outstanding Dear Watson – was declared unavailable) and D asked for a Wow Watsons. Both the dishes were superb, well cooked meat, and spicy without being over the top. Also, distinct flavours – the pork relied on its peppery finish and the beef was more the (Indian) Chinese spicy sauce. D’s drink had the promised fresh cucumber and honey flavour, though the vodka seemed subdued. I have had better Hot Toddy – Toit and Carnival De Goa, to name a couple. The brandy was strong and there was a mild cinnamon flavour, but they missed the apple juice and cloves bit which add the zing usually. My second drink – Back on Black – was phenomenally better. Black label, Blackberry, ginger ale and lime juice all played their parts superbly. The kind of stuff I wouldn’t mind repeating. D decided to try a Breezer Cocktail – Cran Cosmo. Turned out to be a tad too sweet, probably because the lemon slices were there only in spirit!
We then decided to try a pizza – the Hot Amigo got all the checklist items right. But despite spicy chicken and red chilli, it was rather bland, and the only consolation was the beef. 8 inch and thin crust, it was almost a Porotta with a topping, so we were still hungry and asked for a Goan Fish Curry with rice. This one missed the spot too – couldn’t really detect any coconut milk, and wasn’t really hot & sour either. I have a feeling I should have gone with the Chicken Ghee Roast. The lesson continues to be that in such places, do not venture beyond starters. We skipped desserts because we really didn’t find anything interesting.
The cost came to a little under Rs.2900. The service was fantastic. The music was retro, so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Starters, beer/cocktails and a view that I can’t get over. This is what weekend nights should be like. I think it just might have cured me of my post-dengue body ache as well! 😉
Watsons, 4th Floor, Skywalk, Assaye Road, Ulsoor Ph: 7760988933