India’s Award-Winning Bar Duo Heads South with Bar Stormy, Opens First Hyderabad Outpost

Award-winning bartender duo Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh have expanded their hospitality portfolio with the launch of Bar Stormy in Hyderabad's Financial District, marking their first venture in South India. Developed in partnership with tech entrepreneur and Red Rhino Brewing Co. Founder Kishore Pallamreddy, the 75-seater neighbourhood bar officially opens on July 16.

The founders, known for venues including Sidecar, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, The Brook and The Old House, are bringing their neighbourhood bar concept to Hyderabad as the city continues to strengthen its food and beverage landscape. The new outlet takes its name from the classic Dark ’n Stormy cocktail made with dark rum, ginger beer and lime.

Minakshi Singh, Co-Founder, Bar Stormy, said, “Hyderabad has grown into one of India’s most exciting cities, with a young and diverse community. We wanted Bar Stormy to reflect that energy while staying true to what we have always believed a bar should be: welcoming, inclusive, and built around connection. The idea was to create a space that feels familiar from the very first visit. From the warmth of the wood and lighting to the music playing at a volume where you can still finish a sentence, every detail has been intentional.”

A key feature of the venue is its 19-foot bar counter, designed by Yangdup Lama. Named Yang’s Bar, the counter has been built with three identical workstations to improve operational efficiency during service. Fabricated using fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, the layout places bartending tools, glassware, refrigeration and garnishes within easy reach while maintaining an open view of the preparation area for guests.

Yangdup Lama, Co-Founder, Bar Stormy, said, "After almost three decades behind the bar, I have realised that the best spaces are designed around interaction. A bar counter is where those conversations begin. This one is visible from every corner of the room, inviting guests to engage, ask questions, and become part of the experience rather than observe it from a distance.”

The beverage programme is divided into three sections. The first features 10 Stormy Signatures inspired by Hyderabad and regional flavours, including ingredients such as curry leaf and Osmania biscuit. The second comprises 8 Timeless Tails, featuring signature cocktails from the founders' existing bars, while the final section offers four Dark & Stormy variations.

The food menu focuses on globally inspired tapas-style dishes designed for sharing. Offerings include Wai Wai Bhel, Brie on Toast, Imli & Tuna Crudo, Mushroom Galouti Slider, Kundapur Prawn Pil Pil, Bone Marrow Nihari Feast and Mutton Lukhmi Phyllo Pie, among others.

Spread across 2,800 sq. ft., Bar Stormy offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The venue will also host live music, quizzes, book readings and community events as part of its programming.

Kishore Pallamreddy, Partner, Bar Stormy, said, “Bar Stormy brings together everything I’ve learned over the last decade in hospitality, especially through building Red Rhino in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. At the heart of everything we do is creating spaces where people can come together, connect, and enjoy great experiences. Partnering with Yangdup and Minakshi—two of the industry’s most respected names—has made it possible to bring a truly world-class cocktail destination to Hyderabad. With Bar Stormy, we’ve created a warm, welcoming neighbourhood bar where exceptional drinks, thoughtful food, and genuine hospitality come together.”

The opening strengthens Hyderabad's premium bar landscape while marking the founders' expansion into South India, adding another independent cocktail destination to the city's growing hospitality sector.