 "Would you like the Rs 4-lakh table, Sir?")
Do you fancy forking out Rs 4 lakh for a night of revelry? If you do, Michael Ault is here with his Panagea, which he describes as an "ultra lounge". Ault, one of the biggest names among night-club operators, has tied up with BK Modi's Spice Group to unveil Delhi's latest night club at the Ashok Hotel. Ault says the Panagea in Singapore is the world's most "profitable club per square foot" - so we presumed rightly the prices were going to be exclusive in Delhi too.
What does Rs 4 lakh get you? A corner "Ultra VIP" table, an exclusive steward who will tend to all your needs, personalised guards and the utmost privacy. You can actually fire the steward if your drinks don't reach you in three minutes. There are 20 other tables, but you can look down your nose at them because the patrons will splash just - yes, just - Rs 75,000-2.5 lakh for these "VIP" seats. What's more, you don't have to share your ultra elite status with too many people - Panagea opens its doors at 10 pm only four days a week, unlike the more plebeian establishments that operate throughout the week.
The exalted perch you get will be the envy of the lesser spendthrifts who may throng the night club but will have to stand the night away after paying Rs 1,500 as cover charge. You see, you don't get to sit there unless you have booked a VIP table.
Ault's business sounds impressive, but night clubs in Delhi have enjoyed short shelf lives. Four years ago, actor Arjun Rampal started LAP, India's first members-only club. LAP generated curiosity initially, but the fire went out soon after. Incidentally, Panagea is at the Ashok, next door to Samrat Hotel where LAP was located. Panagea too will attract curiosity but will uber-luxe prove the secret to sustained customer interest?
The alcohol menu is extensive and steeply priced: you will find a wide variety of single malts from Glenmorangie to Glenlivet and a decent wine list too. Almost all drinks are priced above Rs 700. Ault is keen to start bottle service, if he gets permission for it. Bottle service entails selling liquor by the bottle, with concominant pleasures like a personal host and reserved tables. But then expect to spend an average of Rs 25,000 per ordered bottle. And that's to go with precious little to eat. Panagea offers only "light bites", including a burger for Rs 875. A burger with a super expensive scotch? Well, who said luxury makes sense.
What does Rs 4 lakh get you? A corner "Ultra VIP" table, an exclusive steward who will tend to all your needs, personalised guards and the utmost privacy. You can actually fire the steward if your drinks don't reach you in three minutes. There are 20 other tables, but you can look down your nose at them because the patrons will splash just - yes, just - Rs 75,000-2.5 lakh for these "VIP" seats. What's more, you don't have to share your ultra elite status with too many people - Panagea opens its doors at 10 pm only four days a week, unlike the more plebeian establishments that operate throughout the week.
The exalted perch you get will be the envy of the lesser spendthrifts who may throng the night club but will have to stand the night away after paying Rs 1,500 as cover charge. You see, you don't get to sit there unless you have booked a VIP table.
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The saving grace is that there is enough standing room at Panagea. It is a huge club -6,700 square feet - and can easily accommodate 250 standing guests. It has bar counters at both ends with red loungers and chairs for the "VIPs" in the middle and on the right side. The walls have renaissance artwork and the ceiling is adorned with chandeliers. In other words, Panagea screams kitschy opulence from all corners. Even the bar tops are tiled in gilt, with most tables glistening as though they came from Midas's palace.
Ault's business sounds impressive, but night clubs in Delhi have enjoyed short shelf lives. Four years ago, actor Arjun Rampal started LAP, India's first members-only club. LAP generated curiosity initially, but the fire went out soon after. Incidentally, Panagea is at the Ashok, next door to Samrat Hotel where LAP was located. Panagea too will attract curiosity but will uber-luxe prove the secret to sustained customer interest?
The alcohol menu is extensive and steeply priced: you will find a wide variety of single malts from Glenmorangie to Glenlivet and a decent wine list too. Almost all drinks are priced above Rs 700. Ault is keen to start bottle service, if he gets permission for it. Bottle service entails selling liquor by the bottle, with concominant pleasures like a personal host and reserved tables. But then expect to spend an average of Rs 25,000 per ordered bottle. And that's to go with precious little to eat. Panagea offers only "light bites", including a burger for Rs 875. A burger with a super expensive scotch? Well, who said luxury makes sense.