It’s party time in Siolim; Boilermaker has turned one. And if you’ve ever stepped inside, you know this isn’t just another anniversary; it’s a celebration of what happens when a bar genuinely captures its neighbourhood and community.
From day one, the vibe here hasn’t been “let’s make a bar”, but more like “let’s make a space you always feel invited into. The kind of venue where you walk in, someone greets you by name, and before you’ve even ordered, you’re already in good company. Whether you’re from the industry or just the area, you get the same easy warmth. No hierarchies, no “cool crowd” energy, just a space where everyone belongs.
And you can feel that intention in every shift, how each bartender, server, and floor team member connects with guests. It’s hospitality that feels human.
“I think one of the threads about the service and hospitality of Boilermaker was to make sure that there was never selective hospitality, which is something that is often done very unconsciously. Yes, sometimes that means giving everyone a free shot, which isn’t the best for business, but everyone loves it.” Pankaj Balachandran said in an earlier conversation.
But it’s also smart hospitality. In a year when staff shortages have been a global headache, Boilermaker has done something few can claim, it’s retained its team and grown its own. When I caught up with him just after launch he spoke of nurturing a team, and one year in, it's clear that plan was well and truly put into practice. Pankaj puts it perfectly:
“So for us, it was very important that everyone gets that (training) as well as talking to people on the floor because all of them are outgoing, outspoken individuals, so I think I need to nurture those individuals that are not outspoken and outgoing because I want them to pick that up as a skill set.” - PB
This isn’t a bar that just trains staff; it shapes confidence, conversation, and connection. The culture behind the counter is as warm and open as the one in front of it.
I spoke with Deepthi Dsouza who holds the position as Floor Manager to get more insight into Boilermaker’s approach to guest interactions, and how it differs from other venues she has worked in. She explains,
“We create an atmosphere where guests feel like they’re partying at home; relaxed, comfortable, and genuinely enjoying themselves. The same spirit applies to our team: they’re given the creative freedom to keep guests entertained and at ease, in a way that makes them feel as if they’re in their own space. Our instruction to the team is simple, we never compromise on the fundamentals of service, like water service, clearance, and other basics. At the same time, we encourage the team to build genuine connections with guests so that when they return, it’s not only for Boilermaker as a whole, but also for the way a particular person made them feel”.
This 365 day mark not only celebrates a full year of service, but also achievements along the way. Making the 50 Best Bars Extended List a few months back so the venue hit capacity night on night in the months following. That’s no small feat. For a young venue, it’s a recognition that says, yes, the drinks are sharp, but more importantly, the soul is strong.
Chatting with Nakul Bhonsle, the man behind Great State Aleworks and Boilermaker, he describes where this fast lane to success has come from.
“While Boilermaker is one of the first in India to celebrate spirits and craft beers together with our solid product offering, I feel that's not the reason for our success. It's our young, energetic team and the hospitality that they bring to the table.”
“Time and again, I've heard from friends/guests that it's the team and their warm hospitality that brings them back to the bar (apart from solid drinks)!” Nakul highlights.
And then there’s the fun side because at Boilermaker, it’s never just about doing things right; it’s about doing them joyfully. Whether it is the toe tapping playlist that you can’t help but sing along to after a few tipples, or the swinging lights, Boilermaker has secured its place for locals and travelers alike, and makes it hard to think of heading out in North Goa before it existed.
So here’s to Boilermaker, one year of laughter, loyalty, late nights, and the best kind of chaos. A neighbourhood bar that has embedded itself in the community. No pretence, no velvet rope moment, just a genuine space where locals come, the industry drops by, friends gather, and strangers become regulars. The kind of place where if you pop in for the first time you might leave with your name known, your story heard, and your next visit already lined up, proving once again that hospitality isn’t about perfection, it’s about being hospitable.
