A high class exclusive lawyers-only speakeasy-style bar is set to open in a secret location near Connaught place in Delhi next week.

Entrance to Below the Bar will be by passcode only for members, with memberships open for lawyer members with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience. Membership fees would be Rs 20 lakh for the first year, and 8 lakh per year thereafter.

Perks included in the membership are a limited number of temporary chambers at the speakeasy, complete with fast internet access, law library subscriptions and secretarial support.

In an emailed statement the speakeasy’s founder, Harish Shroff, who explained he's been “the brain” behind several “concept and lifestyle bars” in India and abroad, commented: “Law is traditionally a noble profession [that has] unfortunately been adulterated with namesake lawyers recently.

“We wanted to create a noble and classic atmosphere at this establishment to allow lawyers to feel at home, away from home and away from the chambers,” he added.

All members would have to complete the two-page an application form, which will get vetted by a membership committee, obtain two hand-written references of good standing from other members of the profession with at least 20 years of experience, and must show a Bar Council of India (BCI) All India Bar Exam (AIBE) pass certificate, explained Shroff.

The speakeasy offers drinks sold at cost and tax free, due to a tax exemption, to members, who can each bring three guests who are also lawyers per month for no more than an aggregate of 3 days per month.
Gourmet food will also be available though will not be rolled out at launch.

Contact for more information.

Happy April Fools Day! The bar, unfortunately, does not exist yet…

Photo credit Nikhil Verma