Cricketing legend Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune opens its doors in the city
One8 Commune, the restobar chain which owes its name to the jersey number of its famous owner, Virat Kohli, made a much eagerly-awaited debut in Hyderabad recently. The outlet located in The Loft, in the buzzing food retail hub of Knowledge City marks the brand’s ninth presence in India. Spread over almost 7,000 sq. ft. One8 Commune, Hyderabad, has abundant natural elements of wicker craft, wood, and natural light. It is spread over different dining sensibilities, including regular seating indoor and outdoor as well as bar stools right across the bar, with a DJ console, PDR (private dining room) and cosy window-side corners.
Keeping in view its global clientele (especially the cricketer and Bollywood frat), both the ambience and F&B are casual, yet contemporary and sharp. The cane covered ceiling fans are a highlight of the interiors along with the cricketer’s signature scrawl and his jersey prototype on the wall. The absolutely divine Collective Quaff, a passion fruit-infused rum concoction with dry rose, blue pea, gin and green apple is poised to raise the commune spirit. It comes in a decanter large enough for four people. Caramel Pop, a whisky bourbon cocktail using popcorn flavor and smoked oakwood will surely be a draw with those leaning towards stronger spirits.
The food menu has a few choices of the cricketer, like the Superfood Salad (watermelon, arugula, lettuce, avocado, puffed amaranth) which apparently is the cricketer’s favorite, the Avocado Flatbread and last but not the least, the Mushroom Googly Dimsums. The dimsums come in a beetroot-infused casing filled with the most delicious minced shitake, button and white fungi mushrooms seasoned lightly but blended well with a cream cheese. They are a bestseller here, and for all the right reasons!
There are plenty of Asian and Continental starters, and plenty of local, desi food choices too. The Prawns Hargao in a Thai yellow curry was excellent, so was the Byadgi Chilli Paneer and Thai classic Pla Rad Prik, redolent with bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass and other herbs. We tried some desi options too, such as the Lime Chilli Pickled prawns, Soya Haleem (brilliant!) and the sinfully rich Old Delhi Chicken Korma paired with Khameeri Rotis.
Do not miss the absolutely decadent Ferrero Rocher Log and you will soon discover that the name is a misnomer as it’s got much more, like the lip-smacking Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse. The coconut Tres Leches, however, failed to impress.
Meal for Two: Rs 3,500 (without alcohol)
The Loft, 1st floor, C9JM+W29 Salarpuria Sattva Knowledge City, Hi-Tech City
Tel: 91196 91818, 9119 671818 Timings: 12 pm to 12 am
