Everybody (well, most people) who gets on that plane, train, or bus
has that dream of things to do in Goa: the ‘typical Goan night out’. It usually
involves being immersed along the popular Sinquerim-Candolim-
Calangute-Baga-Anjuna circuit. However, in more recent times, one has seen a
surge in entertainment options within Panjim itself. From Watson’s to Café
Mojo, and from Down The Road to a yet to be announced new venture coming up in
Campal (rumoured to be titled Patrao), the options are only on the up. What
does this then mean for pub culture within the capital?
Café Mojo, which has been in the heart of the capital city for a
while now, is a venue that has been growing in both stature as well as physical
size, over the last few years. The nightlife hotspot sees everything from
electronica, to live entertainment, to insanely popular karaoke evenings take
place under its roof, and is always touted as one of the go-to places within
city limits.
The establishment turned five on October 12, 2016 and it is in
many ways a massive landmark, as its CEO, Samarth Kholkar, will attest to. He
believes that the only hurdles that are faced by capital city pubs are the same
as those faced within the industry, irrespective of where they may be. “In
general, the food and beverage industry always faces issues around finding the
best people. We have luckily always had a good set of individuals working with
us, but that’s due to our constant focus, otherwise it’s a major issue,
especially when the holiday season starts,” he says.
Speaking on the things that they do at Café Mojo to promote the
pub culture, Samarth adds, “The crowd at Café Mojo is always evolving. We look
at ensuring we are in step with the latest trends. Whether it’s through new
social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, or globally popular events like
Halloween, No Shave November… we are always looking to take our customer
experience to the next higher level,” he says.
But beyond the establishments, it is the providers of
entertainment that play a large role in the concept of a ‘good time’. Ashly Fernandes
is a household name within this sector. One of the pillars of Goa’s oldest
bands, Purple Rain, and a founder of the The Ka3aoke Co., he has been involved
extensively in the changing landscape of the capital city’s nightlife sector.
Of the many changes that he may have witnessed over time, one can’t help but
draw comparisons and ask how he perceives the city’s pubs while comparing them
to their counterparts in the northern reaches of the state that are infinitely
more touristic.
“Pubs in Panjim have a distinct feel about them. They are styled
In particular themes and are very convenient if you want to drop by for a drink
or two after work or even a night out on the town. Being located in the city,
they have to be stricter about noise pollution, disorderly conduct and other
problems than their competitors further up north where the entire belt is awake
and alive till 2 am,” he opines.
But does this then mean that these city-based establishments
aren’t as advantageous? Quite the contrary, Ashly believes. “Their proximity
and familiarity is a big plus especially in times of hour long traffic jams
just to cross the bridge,” he adds.
Jeanine Fernandes from Dona Paula is an individual who is
particularly elated by the rise of such ventures. “It used to be quite the
chore to have to go out, because a night out involved so many things that
needed to be accounted for. Just considering the drive to Calangute could be
quite off-putting. However, now, it’s a much more palatable affair. The only
issue I find with being a city-based party-goer is the parking arrangements
within the city, limits which can sometimes be tedious, even at night,” she
shares.
So in the midst of all the touristic buzz about the touristic
belt further up north, maybe it’s time to take a look within the confines of
Panjim itself. Apparently it’s a capital good time.
