Magic casts a spell on South Mumbai's club scene

Remember queuing up outside Fire & Ice at Phoenix Mills to enter that happening hotspot? I do. And so do a lot of my clubbing friends. In fact, we even have a Facebook group that gets together to reminisce about what used to be the perfect nightclub — equal parts good music, good crowd, ample space and decent eats.

It shut down all of four years ago, but somehow the magic seems to still charm South Mumbai clubaholics. Magic, did I say? Well, the same guys who were behind Fire & Ice — Vishal Shetty, Ketan Kadam, Rohan Parikh and Pranav Desai — are already casting a spell on Mumbai with their latest lounge — Magic.

Tucked away in a quiet lane, opposite the Jewel of India restaurant in Worli, Magic lives up to its name in more ways than one. The laidback ambience and cool interiors done in wood and metal allowed me room to breathe and just to be. The lighting pleased me and ensured that I enjoyed my privacy. And unlike Fire & Ice, where dancing was almost mandatory, Magic is all about lounging on the comfy couches in the larger bar area. A few steps up the stairs will take you into the super exclusive VIP lounge where you can share a table with your special someone or crack a magic-fuelled deal.

I’m enchanted.

Magic: 12-A, ground flr, Hornby Vellard Estate, Lotus Cinema building, Next to Vitesse Motors, Opposite The Jewel of India, Worli, Mumbai; Tel: Prices: Start at Rs 300; a discount of 30 per cent on drinks during the ‘Magic Hours’ of 6-9pm.