Remember Razzberry Rhinoceros? The iconic music venue comes back as a cultural hub

Known for supporting rock bands in the ‘90s, Razzberry Rhinoceros is now a cultural venue that goes beyond music

If there’s one word to describe Mumbai’s live music scene, it’s unpredictable. While last year saw the shutting down of premier music venue Blue Frog (Lower Parel), this week saw another iconic venue, Razzberry Rhinoceros (Juhu) make a comeback. Razzberry Rhinoceros was known for supporting independent and underground acts in the city, in the ’90s. It was especially popular for giving a platform to rock and metal bands — something which venues still hesitate to do. Guitarist Warren Mendonsa, drummer Gino Banks, drummer Sidd Coutto and vocalist and guitarist Sahil Makhija have all played at the venue. In the mid-2000s, it shut down for gigs and has served as a banquet hall since.

The lawn area where the gigs take place(Photo courtesy: Razzberry Rhinoceros)

The Bistro section (Photo courtesy: Razzberry Rhinoceros)

In 2007, it was taken over by Piccadilly Group. Now, the group has roped in brothers Neeren and Nitin Tewari (both with experience in the hospitality industry) to overhaul the venue. The programming at this seaside venue will feature local bands and international acts from all genres — from rock to sufi to EDM — thrice a week on average. The venue can host 1,500 concert-goers.

The patio area (Photo courtesy: Razzberry Rhinoceros)

The new avatar of Razz, as it was fondly known, aims to accommodate much more just live music. It will host activities like yoga and Zumba sessions. “The idea is to create a cultural club,” says Neeren.

The focus is also on providing a dining experience, which was missing earlier. Unlike now, gourmet food stalls and food trucks were not a stand feature at music concerts back then. “I used to visit the place often when I was younger. I remember eating palak khichdi and club sandwiches,” says Neeren.

The Razz Bar section (Photo courtesy: Razzberry Rhinoceros)

Razzberry Rhinoceros is now divided into five food and beverage areas (The Bistro Section, The Patio, Razz Bar, The Deck, and a members’ only section) with a different menu for each, put together by chef Ranveer Brar. To persuade the college crowd to visit Razz Rhino, a canteen menu beginning at `175 will feature dishes such as chipotle paneer tikka satay and ghee roast chicken.

Check it out

What: Razzberry Rhinoceros is open every day from noon to 1am

Where: Juhu Hotel, Airport area, Juhu

Call: 96195 04274