Mug Holder of the month

Our customers have always been our primary focus. They’re the ones who bring life to the place, create memories and end up giving the place its familiar, friendly vibe.

And there are so many different kinds of people who come through our doors daily, that we wanted to get to know their stories.

The Mug Holder of the Month is our little way of celebrating our customers, and their unique stories.

Say hello to Dr. Srinivas, our Mug Holder of the month from Toit.

Our standard opening question: why do you think you were selected as the Mug Holder of the month?

I have been amongst your earliest customers. I am still a regular in spite of my considerable disability which I developed following a paralytic stroke.

What do you do?

I am an Eye surgeon

Are you from Bangalore?

Originally from Bombay but having lived here for 31 years, I consider myself a Bangalorean.

What do you like most about Bangalore?

It’s beer culture, quite unlike any other Indian city. Specially the microbreweries.

What is it about Toit that brings you back here so often?

Excellent beer, nice ambience, considerate service. Because of my physical disability, I have a few special needs which are always met by the courteous staff, right from the valet and doorman to Ashwin, the manager.

Have you always loved beer?

Yes. The love for beer has grown over the years because of the exposure to different beers during my extensive travels overseas.

Tell us about one of the best memories you’ve had at Toit?

It was 3 months after my stroke and I had been house bound. I came to Toit as my first outing with friends and the staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable that I now celebrate each recovery moment at Toit.

What’s your best go-to snack with Toit beer?

Popcorn with Truffle oil.

Tell us about things other than work that interest you?

Travelling, hiking, trekking, swimming. playing the key board.

Were you always interested in the field of medical sciences?

Yes, since I was a kid. My uncle is a surgeon in Bombay and that inspired me

What made you chose the field of Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmic surgery involves very fine work which is extremely satisfying and provides great value addition to a patient’s life and hence to mine.

What is your personal opinion on the technological advances in the field of medical sciences?

We are riding a huge wave of technical advances at this moment. The flipside, while allowing us great results, is less reliance on clinical acumen and more on machines.

You’ve been in Bangalore for 3 decades, what changes have you witnessed in the cities culture as a whole and also with respect to a change in the drinking culture?

Bangaloreans are not as courteous as they used to be, in life and on the road. This is a big loss to the city and I much prefer the Bangalore of 30 years ago. On the plus side more people are appreciative of beers and wines especially craft beers where once it used to be just spirits like whiskey and rum. The pubs are more a place to unwind and socialise than to get drunk and we hardly ever see any drunken scenes and certainly not at Toit. Bangalore has also become more receptive to just women having a good time in the pub on their own.

What is the biggest difference between Mumbai and Bangalore?

The work culture in Mumbai is much better, more professional and there is a healthy respect for time whereas Bangalore works on IST (Indian Stretchable Time). Mumbai also has a more liberal and open culture without much moral policing.

How did you first hear about Toit?

We heard about Toit as soon as it opened and were intrigued because we had never heard of a brew pub in India.

What is your go-to Toit brew?

The Red Ale has been my favourite but my wife likes the Wheat and the IPA.