KATHMANDU — Renowned hospitality duo Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh have unveiled their latest venture, The Old House, a culturally rooted bar and culinary destination in the heart of Kathmandu’s Durbar Marg. Nestled beneath a century-old Banyan tree, the venue pays homage to traditional Newari life, architecture, and cuisine.
Drawing from the aesthetic of 1970s and 1980s Kathmandu, The Old House features an intricately designed interior showcasing classic Newari woodwork, tapestry, and flooring. Elements such as terracotta tiles, wooden planks, and a delicate coating of yellow clay are used to authentically recreate the era’s ambience.
The project is a collaboration with Desal Lama and Jigme Wangchuk Sherpa, the entrepreneurs behind The Park, a prominent lifestyle and dining destination. Lama, who has roots in Nepal and was raised in Darjeeling, expressed a personal connection to the region, describing the project as a “homecoming” and a tribute to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and natural bounty.
The bar’s drinks programme will feature signature cocktails from Lama and Singh’s acclaimed Indian establishments — Sidecar, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, and The Brook. Patrons can expect crowd favourites such as the Zing Thing, Cilantro, Foghorn, and Duk Ley.
On the culinary front, Dhendup Lama leads the kitchen, crafting a modern interpretation of Newari cuisine. The menu takes inspiration from the traditional Sekuwa barbecue technique — where marinated meats are grilled quickly over open fire — paired with an atmosphere of spirited conversation.
Complementing the alcohol selection, The Old House will offer teas and freshly roasted coffee by Nepal Coffee Company, along with a curated range of non-alcoholic beverages made from high-quality regional ingredients.
The venue is also set to host live music performances, enhancing its vibrant and immersive experience.
Singh noted the team’s enthusiasm for their first international venture, highlighting the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that define The Old House. The bar will operate daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
In addition to their ventures, Lama and Singh are also known for co-founding India Bartender Week, first held in February, underscoring their continued influence in South Asia’s evolving bar culture.
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