Walk into 3 Monkeys and what grabs eyeballs is the glorious Island Bar constructed at the heart of the brewpub. Spread over 13,500 square feet on a single level, the brewpub is easily one of the largest in the country -- a 140-foot long bar counter encompassing the brew house and its innovative, signature and seasonal brews.
With a contemporary ambience and modern décor, the dimly-lit panorama takes a little time to adjust from the bright lights of Gopalan Grand Mall on Old Madras Road. Soon, the 360-degree central bar reveals that the entire brewing process can be observed, right from the fermenters and storage units to the taps. Located on the fourth floor of the mall, 3 Monkeys is a moniker for the three factors of beer, food and ambience. You can opt to sit at the bar counter and chat with the Canadian brew master Martin, lounge at the quieter dining sections or stick to the dance floor.
Their specialty, as you may have guessed, is the craft beer. 3 Monkeys offers six varieties to its customers. The common pale lager is the smoothest and easy-drinking distinguished by subtle flavours followed by the wheat beer in its characteristic refreshing effect. A favourite is the red ale, a medium-bodied malt-flavoured drink among the guzzlers that can stretch conversations for hours. The signature section has their wheat IPA — a classic in the brewpub with a bittersweet blend. Two other beers available are the signature seasonal mango cider, which is changed every three months, and the signature robust chocolate porter, a cocoa-rich malt-flavoured drink.
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3 Monkeys serves three cuisines – Continental, Asian and Indian. A die-hard favourite starter is ale beer-battered crispy onion rings. The Szechwan crispy paneer and Thai meat balls are must-haves in the Asian section while the standard Indian delicacy is the marinated and stuffed chef’s special tandoor chicken. While meat lovers can indulge in a range of goodies, the veggies can order vegetarian platters and kebabs.
For the main course, the continental spread is massive while the Asian options are equally a mouthful. But if you spot the pasta and salads, give them a try. It’s worth the money. The tangy red-sauced penne pasta wins hands down. In the Indian exotic cuisine, opt for the Hyderabadi dum biriyani which provides a good combo for the beer. While the improvised pizzas and burgers need some improvement, the main courses are palatably good.
The highlight is not the food though. As owner, Phani Rama Krishna Reddy Kothwali reveals, the brewpub is all about the freshly-crafted beer. “We want people to experience beer as a complete sensory encounter. We want people to come here, share conversations, exchange stories and live life.” Inspired from his visits to Australia and keen to spread pub culture in India, Phani quit his IT job and started 3 Monkeys.
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3 monkeys also has on its cards a range of other drinks -- non-beer drinkers can also enjoy an evening of fun and food. With options for corporate get-togethers, theme parties, formal/informal briefing sessions and family dinners, 3 Monkeys also has a lavish buffet spread for lunch on weekdays, happy hours, a ladies night, live band shows and DJ nights. So grab a couple of friends and head out to 3 Monkeys where conversations grow as the beer flows.