Indian metros are waking up to the joys of chilling out in lounge bars with a glass of bubbly. The once non-happening city is shedding its frumpy image to catch on the trend.

Kolkata's nouveau riches are hitting the BED, the swankiest night haunt in town. Amidst the mellow music, the clinking of glasses and the ripple of laughter, Kolkata is experiencing a new nirvana. It’s Saturday Night Fever folks and the city is learning to sway to a new tune. Not the regular ear-splitting, nerve-racking kind, but music that's balm for your soul and the ambience that take you on a journey to the Arabian Nights.

Welcome to the new age of lounging. If discos are déclassé and the pubs too noisy and crowded, lounge bars are the newest rendezvous of the discerning class. With its low seating, soft music and relaxed atmosphere, they are a clear winner by any standards. But if you think Kolkata and lounge bars make strange bedfellows, you are mistaken.

Coupled with the city's resurgence, which is reflected in the booming hospitality industry, lounge bars have suddenly become a rage. And the city's revellers, all eager to play footsie, are partying like there's no tomorrow. "Partying has acquired an entirely different connotation. It no longer means dancing in gay abandon to some raucous music. Chilling out with a glass of champagne or whisky while listening to the strains of Buddha Bar or hip-hop is the in thing."

Clearly, today's youth prefers to play it cool and safe. Drinking, mingling and snacking barely sums up their attitude. For those looking for a gastronomical high, BED, spread over 10,000 sq. ft. area, offers Chinese, Thai and Indian delicacies. An Arabian spread on the rooftop is also on the cards.

For the young professionals in their mid-20s and 30s, tired of loud music and frenzied dancing, lounge bars are an ideal place to relax and unwind. Also, the ambience of the place helps you to engage in conversation or do business without interruption." Even kids are allowed as there are no restrictions as such. The atmosphere of the place is such that even girls can come here and relax without being propositioned.