ZLB23, the award-winning Kyoto-inspired speakeasy at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, is set to host an exclusive bar takeover by Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Ranked No. 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, the celebrated Chinese speakeasy will be represented by bartenders Bastien Ciocca and Geumseong Liu, who will bring their signature approach to contemporary mixology to Bengaluru for one night, from 8 PM onwards.
Founded in 2016 by Andrew Ho and Bastien Ciocca, Hope & Sesame is recognised as Southern China’s first speakeasy. Located in Guangzhou’s historic Dongshankou neighbourhood, the bar is known for its inventive use of Chinese ingredients, progressive techniques and seasonal cocktail concepts. As the establishment celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2026, its distinctive cocktail philosophy will be showcased at ZLB23 through a specially curated evening.
Hope & Sesame’s international reputation has been strengthened by a series of prestigious industry recognitions. The bar has featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars for eight consecutive years since 2019 and has been recognised as The Best Bar in Mainland China from 2023 to 2026. Its debut on The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2025, at No. 29, further established its global standing. Additional accolades include the Philanthropy Award at the 2020 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and Best International Cocktail Bar in Asia-Pacific in 2024.
The collaboration will be hosted at ZLB23, concealed within Zia’s garden at The Leela Palace Bengaluru. Known for its Kyoto-inspired interiors, intimate atmosphere and carefully curated cocktail experiences, the speakeasy has welcomed acclaimed international bartenders and bars, contributing to Bengaluru’s growing presence on the global cocktail map.
For the evening, Bastien Ciocca and Geumseong Liu will showcase the creativity, precision and hospitality associated with Hope & Sesame. The takeover will offer guests an opportunity to experience Guangzhou’s contemporary cocktail culture in the distinctive setting of ZLB23, bringing together two celebrated bar destinations through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation.
The one-night-only takeover will take place at ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, 8 PM onwards.