Loca—The Social House is a vibrant restaurant conceived in 2023, nestled in the heart of New Delhi. As a dynamic and exciting dining destination, Loca has quickly captured the attention of food and cocktail enthusiasts throughout the city. Specialising in elevated Mediterranean and Italian delicacies, Loca offers a unique culinary experience that merges traditional flavours with contemporary twists. This innovative spirit extends to their cocktail menu, which features a variety of creative concoctions designed to delight and surprise patrons.
To know more about the place, we interviewed Gurjas Sahni- Founder and Managing Partner of Loca—The Social House. At just 24 years old, Gurjas is a visionary leader who sets the strategic direction and oversees the daily operations of Loca.
Please tell us something about your outlet and its philosophy.
Loca is more than just a bar; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavours and vibes. Located in Delhi, it blends a cocktail-forward philosophy with Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, offering an immersive experience where great drinks, delightful food and a welcoming atmosphere come together. At Loca, our philosophy revolves around authenticity, innovation and creating unforgettable moments for every guest.
What’s your unique marketing strategy?
Our marketing strategy is centred around storytelling and creating experiences. Events like “Bar Banter Mondays,” live music nights and collaborations with leading alcohol brands for “Bar Takeovers” set us apart. We emphasise on engaging content on social media, showcasing our cocktails, dishes and events creatively, ensuring our audience feels connected to the Loca vibe.
How does Loca blend coffee-making with mixology?
We bridge the gap between the two by crafting coffee-inspired cocktails, such as our Espresso Martini. These creations bring together the richness of coffee and the artistry of mixology, resulting in drinks that are bold and unforgettable.
What inspired the “Brew & Bond” experience?
The “Brew & Bond” experience stems from our belief in creating connections. Coffee has always been a social catalyst and we wanted to amplify that by designing a space and experience where people can bond over exceptional brews and engaging conversations.
What makes your cappuccino a symbol of warmth and comfort?
At Loca, our cappuccino is crafted to perfection, with rich, aromatic coffee and velvety foam, served in an ambience that makes you want to linger. It’s not just a drink; it’s an invitation to relax and savour the moment.
How does Loca build a community of coffee lovers?
Loca hosts coffee appreciation events, tasting sessions and workshops, inviting enthusiasts to explore the world of coffee with us. By engaging with our patrons both online and offline, we’ve cultivated a space where coffee lovers feel at home.
What is your favourite dish from Loca’s menu?
It’s hard to choose, but our signature and my favourite Picante paired with our Kebab Chenjeh holds a special place for me. It perfectly encapsulates Loca’s balance of bold flavours and culinary finesse.
There is a lot of competition around, what do you do to make sure you get your audience?
We focus on offering an experience rather than just a meal or drink. From curating exclusive events to delivering impeccable service and crafting unique cocktails, we ensure that Loca becomes the place people talk about and return to. Our emphasis on building genuine connections with our patrons also fosters loyalty.
How do you keep your dishes different and special in your restaurant?
Our chefs and mixologists constantly innovate, sourcing fresh ingredients and blending global influences with a Mediterranean-Italian base. Seasonal menus, like our winter specials and Christmas offerings, ensure our guests always have something new and exciting to look forward to.
Who are the target customers for your restaurant?
Loca appeals to a broad audience—young professionals, food enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. We’re especially popular with those who value unique, thoughtfully curated spaces to unwind.
What’s next?
Expansion is on the horizon for Loca. With “Loca – The Coastal House” underway that will introduce Pondicherry cuisine to Delhi, we’re also working on expanding our brand identity, introducing innovative menus and elevating our guest experiences. We aim to establish Loca as a household name in the hospitality industry, focusing on both quality and scale. The future holds more outlets, events and opportunities to redefine hospitality.
