This Bar In Town Lets You Bid For Your Alcohol & Won't Let You Go Broke

‘The Bar Stock Exchange’ (TBSE) is touted as, ‘India’s first stock market-based pub chain’ – and has revolutionised the local bar scene ever since their opening in Mumbai in 2014. Their Koregaon Park outlet is always brimming with people, and is a great place for evening drinks – with an entertaining twist!

TBSE opened up in Pune at Koregaon Park in 2016, and it’s been a popular watering hole ever since. Just like its Mumbai counterparts, the concept here is the same – alcohol prices are based on real-time demand, just like shares would be in a real stock market. It sounds complicated, but it’s really not – and is also quite a bit of fun. Drinks are (initially) priced at MRP, and change according to the specially developed TBSE algorithm – based on supply and demand. You can keep track of fluctuating prices and place your orders by downloading the official TBSE App (for iOS and Android), by looking at the LCD screens depicting them at various spots around the bar, or directly via their helpful staff. Just like in the real stock market, there will be a ‘market crash’, which ‘leads to a timely and controlled drop in the pricing of selected drinks’ – so plan your spending carefully! The Bar Stock Exchange at Koregaon Park features both al-fresco and indoor seating, with plenty of space. Their terrace offers lush green views and lovely cool breeze and is our favourite section. TBSE’s industrial-chic aesthetic features a lot of wooden furniture with bright pops of colour and warm lighting – making it ideal for romantic dates, friendly get-together, and even birthday celebrations. The food here is an eclectic mix of things (from starters to mains, and even sizzlers), although there is a strong influence of local cuisine throughout the menu. TBSE Koregaon Park’s menu features a Puneri-style ‘misal pav fondue’ (served with toasted pav and cheese), Bambaiya-style masala pav pull-apart (ladi pav buns stuffed with pav bhaji masala and cheese), and even a butter chicken risotto! Our personal favourites are the ‘XXX Fries’ (a trio of fries tossed in different seasonings), the ‘Arabic Affair’ (assorted dips, with crudites and fresh khuboos), chicken tikka popcorn (with mint mayo dip), and the chicken sausage and red onion pizza. Overall, it’s a lot of comfort-themed finger food – which we think pairs perfectly with post-work drinks.

TBSE has a strict door policy – you must be 25 years of age (with valid photo ID to prove it) or older, and a couples-only entry rule. They’re usually packed in the evenings, so we suggest you make your table booking in advance. Three more TBSE outlets are slated to open in Pune very soon – at FC Road, Balewadi, and Hinjewadi – so keep an eye out for that!