The Underground: Inspired by the London tube. With a wide menu and fast service the basement pub -- mainly a family joint -- swings only on weekends when spillover crowds head here, a reluctant move by people who would rather be elsewhere.

Nasa: Known more for its music-coordinated laser shows than its beer. An aluminium rimmed passage leads to a dimly lit space capsule-like interior. The problem with theme places is that once the novelty diminishes, they get boring. NASA defines it. Once addictive, there isn't even a withdrawal symptom these days. Could be the reason why tourists comprise 90 per cent of the crowd.

Purple Haze: The newest. Great looks. Named after a Jimmy Hendrix album, the pub is a rage with rock addicts. Simulated star-lit ceiling and illuminated stained glass paintings of rock legends. The sound is only rock, which gets harder as the evening gets on. Serves shooters in test tubes. Happening now, and will happen right till the day it chooses to fade away.

Black Cadillac: The pub in Bangalore. Airy outdoor extensions, potted palms and wrought-iron chairs and tables, gives the feeling of a snug place. Over the years BC has turned from being just a favourite spot for executives to becoming an eclectic crowd puller to include teenagers with punctilio, older citizens, families and visiting celebrities. Recommended for claustrophobes.

The Pub World: For those who don't travel much. The gimmick pub, where Der Keller has a pseudo-bierkeller dekor -- sorry, decor -- Downtown does New York, and the West Saloon injects a cheap-thrills feel of the wild West. Was. These days, young executives and families show up mainly for the pop requests they play and an economical lunch. There's also the The Red Lion section, where the music is softer and the suggestion is of a den in an English country-house complete with artificial fireplace. You get the picture.