At just 22 years old, Chanyo Kashung is already serving up more than just cocktails. At Chidya Ghar, Delhi’s bold, all-women-run bar, Kashung is stirring up a revolution in a world where the word ‘mixologist’ has long been associated with men. Kashung is reshaping the narrative, one shaken and stirred drink at a time. Forget ‘women in hospitality’, she’s a woman on a mission – to make the nightlife scene as inclusive and disruptive as the cocktails she crafts.
“Having an all-women-run bar sends a strong message,” she says. The beating heart of the bar, her rise to being the lead mixologist is as much about shaking off the weight of traditional expectations as it is about shaking up the ice in her cocktails. Every evening, as the bar is buzzing with patrons, Ms. Kashung is not just crafting drinks; she’s crafting a new narrative for women in the nightlife industry.
In this Women’s Day special, we dive into the world of Chanyo Kashung – the 22-year-old cocktail queen who’s mixing more than just spirits. It’s about resilience, breaking glass ceilings, and maybe a dash of cinnamon—because why not add a little spice to the conversation?
In conversation with Chanyo Kashung at Chidya Ghar, Roseate House
Breaking the barriers – Running a bar is traditionally a male-dominated space, as we have seen for years. What was your inspiration to create this women-led community, and how does it feel to break those traditional barriers?
I have always endeavoured to do something different with my career and Mixology fits the bill. It allowed me to explore my creativity differently and that is what really inspired me to take up Mixology as a choice of career. Honestly, I never thought of doing it to break the traditional barriers but I am happy I have been able to break the myth that bartending and Mixology is a male-dominated career.
How do you ensure that your all-women team feels empowered, not just behind the bar, but in every aspect of the business?
Empowerment goes beyond skill-building—it’s about fostering a supportive environment. Roseate ensure this by providing mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on learning opportunities. Our team is encouraged to experiment with flavors, innovate with mixology, and take ownership of their craft. Additionally, our safety, work-life balance, and personal growth, are prioritized, ensuring that we feel valued both professionally and personally.
Would you say that the challenges you face while at the job are any different because it is a bar that’s wholly run by women?
Fortunately, I have never had an uncomfortable situation at the bar. Besides, like I said before, my seniors are there to guide me and the team to deliver an impeccable service to our guests. Our guests too are very mindful around us and often appreciate our craftsmanship.
Nevertheless, from the industry’s perspective, I still feel bartending is considered to be a male-dominate career, thanks to the safety issue that plagues our country.
In a city like Delhi, where the nightlife culture is ever-evolving but its also a city deemed unsafe for women, how do you see women in the industry changing the game, and what role does your bar play in that cultural shift?
Women in the industry are reshaping nightlife by introducing spaces that prioritize both experience and safety. Having an all-women-run bar sends a strong message—it’s about reclaiming the night, making hospitality safer, and redefining industry standards. At our bar, we ensure that guests, especially women, feel comfortable and respected, setting a new benchmark for what nightlife should be.
What makes your workplace environment special, and how does working in an all-women team impact the energy and vibe of the bar?
For Roseate Group, our safety is paramount. We are provided accommodations near the hotel and get pick-and-drop service. And these efforts are limited to just women employees. Our single women guests who check-in to the hotel are offered free pick-and –drop to the airport, ensuring their safety.
Running an all-women bar feels empowering. Be it me as the mixologist or my colleagues who are serving the drinks, we feel emancipated and do our jobs fearlessly, enjoying every moment of our work.
Tell me about your signature drink here – what is it called? And does it have a personal backstory or a deeper meaning for you or your team?
Our signature drink is the ‘The Idealist’ – a strong but a smooth cocktail that has the perfect blend of tequila, Kaffir Lime leaves, pineapple and other such ingredients that not makes the drink smooth but also balances the flavours beautifully. This is the first cocktail that I learned to make when I was being trained to become a mixologist.
But for an all-women-run bar to run smoothly, it also requires the collective effort of everyone. Mr. Kush Kapoor, CEO Roseate Hotels and Resorts, takes us on the journey of what makes Chidya Ghar stand out in a city with bars and pubs galore.
When you first decided to open an all-women-run bar, what was the business vision behind it? Did you foresee it becoming a trend, or was it more about setting a new standard in the industry?
Our vision was to redefine the hospitality landscape by creating a space that champions women in a traditionally male-dominated field. While we hoped to inspire a broader industry shift, our primary focus was on providing opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and elevating guest experiences. Seeing the positive response and the growing interest in women-led spaces, we believe we are setting a new benchmark rather than just following a trend.
Delhi’s bar scene is competitive and diverse, with new places opening up every other day. How do you position your bar in such a crowded market?
We focus on differentiation through experience. An all-women-led bar is a unique concept, but beyond that, we emphasize exceptional service, curated cocktails, and a refined yet approachable atmosphere. We don’t just serve drinks; we create memorable experiences, which is what keeps our guests coming back.
How has the reception from your clientele been? Do you find that the clientele is different at an all-women-run bar compared to more traditional venues?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many guests appreciate the uniqueness of the concept, and women, in particular, feel a sense of belonging and comfort here. We have noticed that our clientele tends to be more mindful and engaged, appreciating both the craftsmanship behind the drinks and the story of the women who run the space.
Running a successful business is about balancing profit and purpose. How do you ensure that your business isn’t just profitable but also builds a supportive community for women in the industry?
We view success as a combination of financial growth and positive impact. We invest in training programs for women, create mentorship opportunities, and partner with organisations that support women in hospitality. By nurturing a community, we ensure sustainability—not just for our business but for the industry at large.
