Restaurant India News: Late Checkout to Showcase Indian Cocktail Culture in New York

Mumbai’s Late Checkout, one of India’s most talked-about new cocktail bars, will debut internationally this September with two high-profile guest shifts in New York City. On September 11, the team will be behind the bar at Dear Irving on Hudson, currently ranked No. 26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars. While on September 13, Late Checkout will take over Little Ned at The Ned Hotel, Manhattan’s celebrated members’ club renowned for its elevated cocktail program.

While India has hosted international bar collaborations in recent years, it’s still rare for an Indian bar to headline guest shifts in New York — widely seen as the world’s most competitive cocktail stage.

“New York is the ultimate proving ground for any bar program,” says Pawan Shahri, Co-founder of Chrome Hospitality and Late Checkout. “For us, this is about more than just showcasing our cocktails — it’s about representing India’s growing voice in global mixology.” 

Co-founder Nikita Shahri adds: “Late Checkout was created to be more than just a bar. From the design of the space to the way we tell stories through cocktails, it’s always been about crafting experiences that feel memorable and personal. Bringing that ethos to New York is incredibly exciting, and I hope it gives guests a glimpse of the creativity and energy coming out of India today.”

Since its opening in February 2025 inside a restored textile mill in Lower Parel, Late Checkout has quickly become a frontrunner in Mumbai’s cocktail scene. Known for its ambitious drinks program, partnerships with acclaimed bars like Paradiso (Barcelona) and Origin (Singapore), and its ability to draw both local and global audiences, the bar has cemented itself as one to watch.

For the New York takeovers, co-founders Pawan and Nikita Shahri will be joined by Jonathan Pogash (The Cocktail Guru), blending Indian creativity with international expertise. Together, they aim to showcase Late Checkout’s signature approach: craft cocktails with storytelling rooted in India’s hospitality culture. The Manhattan debut comes after a year of rapid growth and global collaborations, setting the stage for Late Checkout to represent India on the world cocktail map.