The Victorian India fantasy hidden behind a betting shop, and the bar Canada's 100 Best named the country's best new opening.
You find Bagheera by walking into Happy Valley Turf Club at 518 Main Street and placing a wager on King Louie at the betting counter. The shop is the front. Behind it waits a Victorian India fantasy that Canada's 100 Best named the best new bar in the country, as the Georgia Straight reported.
This is your room when a date needs to feel like a secret, or when you want one serious drink made with theater. Bring six loud friends and the room will fight you. Chinatown has better options for that night.
The space reads like a train car parked inside a Delhi bazaar. A 42 foot illuminated bar fronted in reclaimed teak runs the length of the room, hung with more than 1,000 coins and bangles collected from Delhi and Jaipur markets, all of it under a 45 foot hand painted jungle mural.
The bar's own site describes the brief as Victorian India, and the room commits completely. Claim a seat at the teak counter if you can. It is the best seat in the house and the fastest service.
Doors open at 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and the bar takes no reservations. You are seated first come, first seated, so the early seats go to cocktail people who know the door trick.
By 8pm on a Friday or Saturday, expect a line forming at the betting counter. Midweek at opening you can usually walk straight to the bar.
What to order
- 01
The Kipling list
- 02
The pakoras
- 03
The happy hour round