Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 20:Udayann Shah, Founder of Millar House Bar & Kitchen in Khar West, has carved a distinct space in Mumbai’s F&B scene by merging his real estate expertise with a deep understanding of cultural experiences. In this interview, he reflects on the inspiration behind Millar House a space designed to bring people together through food, cocktails, and community energy. Drawing from years of orchestrating large-scale cultural events and building human-centric spaces, Udayann explains how he envisioned a venue that feels premium without feeling distant, familiar without being predictable.
He shares how the blend of heritage charm and contemporary sensibilities shaped every design choice, from the vintage-inspired décor to the energetic programming. What sets Millar House apart, he says, is its focus on creating regulars rather than one-time visitors a philosophy rooted in authenticity, warmth, and consistency.
Udayann discusses how hospitality today demands agility and emotional intelligence just as much as operational excellence. His biggest learning: people return not just for good plates and good drinks, but for the feeling a place gives them. With upcoming collaborations and concept expansions in the pipeline, he envisions Millar House growing as a cultural platform one that mirrors Mumbai’s vibrancy and brings neighbourhoods together through experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and rooted in connection.
1. You have a strong background in real estate and hospitality. What inspired you to venture into creating Millar House Bar & Kitchen, and how did the concept come to life?
I’ve always been drawn to spaces that bring people together whether it’s through culture, food, or conversation. My background in real estate gave me a deep understanding of how physical spaces can influence emotion and experience. With Millar House, I wanted to create a place that captures the warmth of old Bombay while embracing the energy of modern Mumbai. The idea was to build something that feels familiar yet fresh a space where people can unwind, connect, and make memories.
2. Millar House has quickly become known for blending food, cocktails, and culture. What was the core vision behind designing a space that feels both premium and community-driven?
The vision was simple to create a place that feels premium, but never pretentious. I wanted Millar House to reflect a sense of belonging. Every design element, from the vintage décor to the balcony seating, was meant to make people feel at ease. At the same time, we wanted the experience the food, cocktails, and programming to have personality and flair. It’s where a football screening and a beautifully plated meal can coexist effortlessly.
3. From a business perspective, what sets Millar House apart in Mumbai’s highly competitive F&B and nightlife landscape?
Mumbai has no shortage of great venues, but what sets Millar House apart is the sense of community we’ve built. We don’t just focus on one-time guests we focus on creating regulars. Every person who walks in should feel like they’re part of something familiar. We’ve also been intentional with our menu its comfort food reimagined, not just another trend-based offering. That balance between innovation and authenticity gives Millar House its edge.
4. How has your experience in real estate and large-scale cultural events influenced the way you approach hospitality and brand building at Millar House?
Both industries teach you a lot about experience design and people management. Real estate taught me how important spatial flow and aesthetics are how a space can tell a story. My experience in cultural events, especially large gatherings like Navratri, reinforced the importance of connection and emotion. Hospitality, to me, is about curating moments that stay with people long after they leave. That philosophy has been central to building Millar House.
5. Running a hospitality venture in today’s economy requires both creativity and resilience. What have been some of the biggest challenges and learnings from this journey so far?
Every day in hospitality teaches you something new. The biggest challenge is consistency maintaining quality and energy, even on slow days. We’ve also learned the importance of agility; the market changes fast, and so do people’s preferences. The key is to keep evolving while staying true to your core identity. I’ve realized that good hospitality is not just about what’s on the plate, but the emotion people carry out the door.
6. Community seems to be at the heart of Millar House. How do you see the brand evolving as a neighborhood landmark not just a restaurant, but an experience?
Community is everything for us. I see Millar House growing as a platform for shared experiences whether its local artists performing, curated cultural nights, or neighborhood celebrations. I want it to be a space that reflects the pulse of Mumbai vibrant, diverse, and full of stories. Over time, I’d like Millar House to be synonymous with connection and warmth, not just great food and drinks.
7. How do you balance the creative and business sides of entrepreneurship from designing guest experiences to ensuring long-term profitability?
For me, creativity and business are two sides of the same coin. The creative vision gives the brand its soul, and the business discipline ensures that soul can sustain. I’m hands-on with both from menu curation to financial planning because I believe a founder has to understand the emotional and practical sides equally. The goal is always to create experiences that people value emotionally and economically.
8. What’s next for Millar House? Are there any expansion plans, collaborations, or new verticals in the pipeline that we can look forward to?
We’re in the process of exploring a few exciting collaborations and pop-ups that extend the Millar House experience beyond our Khar location. The long-term plan is to expand thoughtfully not just open more outlets, but create new concepts that carry forward the same sense of connection and creativity. You’ll definitely see more from us soon but always with the same heart that built Millar House.