In its new avatar, The Lighthouse Bar is taking over the space that was once occupied by Someplace Else Bar, a space that shaped Visakhapatnam’s after-hours culture for over a decade. The change has not been rushed. It took three months to build the interior. And the result is a bar that resists nostalgia while acknowledging its past, choosing restraint and detail over spectacle.
From my seat, there is a lot of talk about geography. The lighthouse stands to the left, the sea stretches ahead and the bar positions itself as a quiet observer rather than a scene-stealer. Indoors, the design remains faithful to its theme without getting lost in the attire. Nautical references appear in textures and tones rather than symbols. Warm amber light settles on wood, brushed metal and curved lines that subtly echo marine forms. The mood is cool and calm, the kind of room that encourages conversation to find its own pace.
The park’s general manager, Jaideep Biswas, describes the intention with clarity. “The intention was to create a bar that felt rooted in this beach, without being predictable,” he says. “We wanted guests to feel a sense of familiarity, but also to discover something new in the details, whether it’s the lighting, the music or what’s in the glasses and food.”
Along one wall, a discreet screen plays a cycle of coastal scenes: slow rolling waves, the changing horizon and the lighthouse’s rays cutting through the evening, adding vibrancy to the room without competing for attention, like the ocean beyond the glass.
Smoky cocktails on display at the newly launched The Lighthouse Bar at The Park Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
The beverage program has the utmost attention to detail. The cocktail list is built around balance and sound ingredient choices. Regional ingredients are used thoughtfully. The kaffir lemon brings zest without being tart, the coconut adds texture without excess sweetness and the jaggery is handled with a light hand. Floating Lantern combines whiskey with honey and fresh lemon, creating a rounded drink that settles into a sweet ending without losing definition. Sea Fog, made on gin and citrus, changes visually when shaken; But the charm lies in its clean structure and measured acidity. Golden Ash combines dark rum with pineapple juice, lime and egg whites, resulting in a drink with a restrained tropical flavor. The bar also lends itself to smoky cocktails, where subtle wood and char notes are used to add structure.
The food menu is concise and well thought out, designed to accompany rather than compete with the drinks. Seafood features prominently. The crispy calamari arrives well cooked, the coastal spices adding heat without overshadowing the freshness of the squid. Butter Garlic Shrimp, combined with grilled millet bread, provides richness underpinned by a crunchy, hearty base. The BBQ Cilantro Marinated Pomfret is gently cooked with a tomato sauce that complements the fish. Vegetarian options remain in place. Creamy wild mushrooms on sourdough toast are delicious without being overwhelming, while charred broccoli with harissa glaze and tahini cloud provide complexity through layering.
The new The Lighthouse Bar overlooking the lighthouse and beautiful beach at The Park in Visakhapatnam. Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
As the day sets, the Lighthouse Bar reads the room differently. The venue transforms from a leisurely setting during the day to a more deliberate mood as the evening approaches, where tone matters more than spectacle. “We see it as a destination, not a stop,” says Biswas. “It’s for travelers, locals, and anyone who values design, sound, and well-made drinks.”
The Lighthouse Bar is open all day, 11am to midnight.
