- Name – Renjith Reji
- Instagram – @themallubarfly
- Favorite alcoholic drink – Margarita for its balanced taste of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
- Favorite non-alcoholic drink – Ivory Cooler at the The Ivory Club, made with shrub of lime, orange, and mint peels. It’s super bittery and has a full body that refreshes the palate.
When Renjith Reji first considered a career path, the kitchen seemed the obvious choice—until curiosity led him straight to the world of mixology. Now, two years into his bartending journey in Trivandrum, he’s on a mission: to weave sustainability, storytelling, and local flavor into every glass.
From Kottayam to Kochi to Trivandrum: A Bartender’s Path
Originally from Kottayam, Renjith pursued a hospitality diploma after a zoology degree. While interning as a chef in Kochi, his path took a turn as he discovered the world of cocktails through Flair and Mixology training. The stories behind cocktails, their glassware, and ingredient alchemy captivated him, inspiring his entry into bartending. An interview with The Ivory Club followed, and before long, he traded pans for shakers—never looking back. He still feels like he just started this bar yesterday, reflecting his enduring passion.
The Mission: Elevating Cocktail Culture in Kerala
When Ivory Club opened, Trivandrum lacked a significant cocktail scene. Renjith and the team seized this opportunity, aiming to build a strong cocktail culture, they introduced new practices to Kerala, such as transparent block ice, distinct cocktail-making techniques, and sustainable bar practices.
They foster the beverage community through International Bartender’s Day gatherings and were the first in Kerala to host a proper bar takeover with a renowned out-of-state bar. They also initiate takeovers, venturing to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
Local narrative: The Ivory Club’s menu design explores and incorporates micro-local flavors from across Kerala, weaving Trivandrum’s art, heritage, and culture into signature recipes. The creative process centers on sustainability and a deep connection to place. Each cocktail tells a story: part cultural tribute, part sensory journey, meticulously narrated to guests to spark curiosity and adventure.
Raising the Bar: Overcoming Perception
A significant challenge Renjith highlights is guests’ hesitation to try new cocktails, often preferring their comfort zone. The team overcomes this by being master storytellers, explaining each drink’s origins, process, and taste profiles. Alkhamar the Director of Food & Beverage ,notes that understanding a cocktail’s story makes guests excited. This strategy is proving successful, with patrons becoming more open and a more diverse crowd, including women and families, now feeling welcomed.The Ivory Club prides itself on being a women-friendly bar with regular female guests.
The Team Behind the Bar
The Ivory Club’s success is a testament to its exceptional team. Renjith highlights manager and beverage lead Vishnu, who drives consistency, quality, and marketing efforts; and bartenders Azad, Mahesh, and Abhinav, described as the bar’s backbones. The senior leadership of the hotel along with the marketing team has played a crucial role in aligning their vision in making the bar the talk of the town. This team serves exceptionally balanced cocktails and engages guests with stories. The young, passionate team fosters healthy competition, always striving to learn and innovate—pillars underpinning the bar’s growing reputation and its feature among India’s 30 Best Bars.
What’s Next: Global Aspirations, Local Roots
Ranjith and team plans a revamped menu and exciting bar takeovers, A takeover 2.0 is set for Mid – September, alongside their in-house beverage program. Renjith also aims for the World Class competition in 2026. The Ivory Club’s teams dedication to innovation, quality, and community building truly makes them a standout in Kerala’s burgeoning bar scene.
