Mute ZLB23 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru ranked #31 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025Ranked #31 at this year’s Awards, ZLB23 is ranked for the second year in a row on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025ZLB23 is also the country’s only speakeasy in the 5- star Luxury Hotel Category India, 15th July 2025: Launched in February 2023, ZLB23, the Kyoto inspired speakeasy bar housed at The Leela Palace Bengaluru earns global recognition as it gains 9 places in the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list from #40 in 2024. This year ZLB23 is ranked #31 at this year’s awards. This trendsetting bar tucked away in the environs of The Leela Palace Bengaluru has earned the recognition for the 2nd year in a row and is also the country’s only speakeasy in the five-star luxury hotel category. Established as the most sought-after space for curated, exclusive and original experiences, ZLB23 has been home to a series of innovations like playing host to over 55 domestic and international bar takeovers and thereby creating a community of camaraderie amongst the industry at a global level. The Leela pioneered curated luxury experiences across its city palaces and resorts. The fine artistry and craftsmanship at The Leela properties have elevated Indian hospitality onto the global stage. Notably, ZLB23 is in the 50 Best Bars list for the second year in a row and is a testament to the brand’s endeavour to lead and inspire for a greater impact in the Indian Food and Beverage luxury ecosystem.ZLB23 has travelled Internationally by conducting bar takeovers in Asia. Adding to the overall experience one would get at ZLB23, it has also conceptualised and presented Magnetic Music S01, S02, & S03, a platform for budding and established artists. Preserved through the ages by a keeper of secrets and a legend herself, the secret hideaway, Zia’s Lounge Bar, – ZLB23. The hideout’s surreal decor and theatrical concoctions evoke an absinthe dream. With its hidden entrance, vintage décor and speakeasy style, it transports guests back in time to the era of Prohibition. The skilled mixologists have crafted a menu of prohibition cocktails, each with its own unique flavour and story. These might sound classic but are futuristic in taste, look and sense, such as the Kyoto Autumn which pays homage to the Land of the Rising Sun. Asia's 50 Best Bars was launched in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the region's drinks industry. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising 265 of the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The well-structured voting system and procedures, which are overseen by global adjudication company Deloitte, ensures the list and awards have a credibility and influence that is renowned across the globe.The Academy spans 14 territories and dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations. Asia's 50 Best Bars takes in seven voting regions, covering the following destinations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Mainland China, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The list reflects the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia, with cocktail bars in large hotels, backstreet speakeasies, tiki places, whisky bars and venues that major on wine and beer all included in the ranking. Drawing its strengths from the eclectic tastes of its panel of experts, who possess an undeniable intuition for detecting new trends and talents, Asia's 50 Best Bars is the most authoritative and prestigious survey of cocktail tastes in the continent. Asia's 50 Best Bars is part of the 50 Best brand, published by William Reed.The Leela is the epitome of Indian luxury hospitality that celebrates cuisines, culture, diversity, art and traditions and aims to provide unique experiences to the new-age travellers.About The Leela Palace BengaluruThe Leela Palace Bengaluru has been ranked as Asia’s #4 and India’s #1 City hotels by Travel + Leisure’s Worlds Best Awards 2024. The Leela Palace Bengaluru is a decadent palace, nestled amidst nine acres of lush gardens featuring six floors of elegant and spacious 357 rooms and suites. Built in an art-deco form drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the palaces of the Vijayanagar Empire, its copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings reflect the grandeur of palaces of a bygone era. The new hotel offers a host of restaurants, bars and The Royal Club, a hotel within a hotel providing highly personalised business and leisure services complemented by five daily meal presentations at The Royal Club Lounge. The hotel is near business districts, the cosmopolitan 100ft road, Indiranagar with easy access to the city centre MG Road.About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and ResortsThe Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is India’s largest institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality brand. Backed by the Brookfield Group, The Leela operates 13 award-winning properties across India’s premier leisure and business destinations. Recognized globally for architectural excellence and bespoke services, The Leela has been ranked the #1 hospitality brand globally by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2020 and 2021, and among the top three in 2023 and 2024. The brand remains committed to delivering timeless Indian hospitality through world-class luxury experiences.For more information, please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Media Contacts: Prachi TandonDirector of Marketing & Communications91 9606018235prachi.tandon@theleela.com