At Oi Brewhouse, everything begins with intent. Manu Misra, CEO of Oi Brewing Company, believes in honest brewing, letting ingredients, time, and process shape the beer without shortcuts. Partner Aman Talreja envisioned the space as a place where Pune could slow down, linger over a pint, and feel at home. Completing the experience, Culinary Director Vardaan Marwah designs food that feels familiar yet exciting, with flavours that make every sip taste better. Together, they have built Oi Brewhouse as more than a brewpub, it’s a space where good beer, thoughtful food, and genuine hospitality come together.
The story of Oi Brewhouse begins with the beer itself. Manu Misra, CEO of Oi Brewing Company, shares how a commitment to honest brewing and sustainability shapes every pint poured.
What does “honest brewing” mean at Oi, from recipe design to scale?
At Oi, honest brewing begins with not chasing shortcuts. We design recipes that respect ingredients and fermentation rather than masking flaws with flavouring or gimmicks. When we scale, the goal is not to dilute that integrity for efficiency but to protect it. That includes growing our own barley, sourcing organic ingredients and allowing beer the time it needs to ferment and mature completely. Honest brewing is about letting the beer speak for itself, not forcing it to become something it is not just to meet market trends.
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What were the hardest trade-offs in choosing sustainability over speed?
The hardest part was accepting that we would initially grow slower and often at higher cost than breweries taking a more conventional route. Organic ingredients, water reuse systems, solar power and carbon neutral operations all require long term investment. But we believed that if craft beer in India was going to mean something, it had to be built on responsibility, not just mindless expansion. Sustainability forced discipline but it also drove us to create systems and processes that were innovative enough to minimise costs, achieve parity with industry standards on speed and eventually build a brewery we are proud to stand behind.
What makes the Black Rice Lager special on an international tasting table?
Black Rice Lager is unusual not because it is experimental but because it is precise. We grow our own black rice, which brings a subtle nuttiness, aroma and texture that integrates beautifully into a clean lager base rather than overpowering it. On a blind tasting table, judges look for balance, clarity and drinkability and this beer delivers all three while still being unmistakably Indian. Winning the Chairman’s Selection Award at the Asia Beer Championship, possibly the most prestigious beer competition in Asia, was a validation that an Indian ingredient led beer can stand confidently on a global stage.
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While the brewing philosophy sets the foundation, the experience at Oi Brewhouse is shaped just as much by the space itself. Partner Aman Talreja shares how the brewpub was designed to bring people together and slow the pace of city life.
What gap in Pune’s drinking culture led to Oi Brewhouse?
Pune had great bars and great breweries but very few places where people could truly slow down. Oi Brewhouse was imagined as a space that did not rush you. Somewhere you could come for a beer and end up staying for the afternoon. We felt the city needed a place that brought together good beer, a strong variety of food, vibe and music, and genuinely warm service. That gap between good beer and good living is what Oi was built to fill.
How was commercial viability balanced with community driven design?
We did not believe these two ideas were in conflict. If people feel relaxed, welcome and connected to a space, they naturally stay longer and come back more often. Designing open gardens, comfortable seating and live music was not about sacrificing revenue. It was about building loyalty. Commercial success for us comes from becoming part of people’s routines, not just their nights out.
Where was the line drawn for Oi’s identity?
We were very clear that Oi would never be intimidating. We respect serious brewing but we do not want guests to feel they need to understand beer to enjoy it. Oi sits in the middle where great brewing meets easy hospitality. The beer is thoughtful but the vibe is relaxed.
With the space inviting guests to stay awhile, the menu completes the experience. Culinary Director Vardaan Marwah explains how food at Oi Brewhouse is crafted to complement beer while evoking familiarity and comfort.
How does designing food for beer change the creative process?
Beer is a very different companion to food compared to wine or cocktails. It has bitterness, carbonation and malt sweetness so dishes need to be designed with contrast and balance in mind. At Oi, I focus a lot on comfort food and familiar flavours that feel easy to eat while still being exciting. Everything on the menu is designed to complement craft beer, whether it is through spice, texture or richness. The food is playful but every dish is built to make the beer taste better.
How important was cultural memory in shaping the menu?
It was central. We wanted people to recognise flavours even when they are presented in new ways. Whether it is Bakarwadi Fried Chicken or Filter Coffee Tiramisu, these dishes are rooted in nostalgia and familiarity. That emotional connection makes the experience warmer. You are not just tasting something new. You are remembering something you already love.
How is progressive Indian food defined at Oi?
For me, progressive Indian food is not about being fancy. It is about being honest and curious. It means respecting where flavours come from while allowing them to evolve. Oi gives me the freedom to explore that in a relaxed and joyful way. The food does not need to impress. It needs to connect.
Together, these perspectives shape the ethos of Oi Brewhouse. In a joint reflection, the team shares how sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term vision guide their decisions.
How are sustainability values felt by guests?
It is visible in small, real ways. The water we reuse, the ingredients we grow, the plastic we avoid and the way the space is designed. Guests might not see every system but they feel the thought behind it. Sustainability is not a poster on the wall at Oi. It is part of how the beer tastes, how the food is made and how the space feels.
Who is Oi being built for and who is it not for?
Oi is built for everyone who enjoys good and consistent craft beer and is open to discovering new styles of beer or even the chef’s specials that are rolled out frequently. It is for people who are curious, whether they are experienced beer drinkers or just starting their journey. We are not trying to create a niche club. We want Oi to feel welcoming to anyone who values quality, flavour and a relaxed, honest experience.
Was there a moment sustainability felt hard to justify?
Of course. There were times when the numbers were challenging and the easier path was tempting. But we kept coming back to one question - what kind of company do we want to be proud of in ten years? That clarity helped us stay the course.
How are permanent and seasonal beers decided?
Our permanent beers are chosen to represent styles that are easy drinking and familiar while still carrying Oi’s unique character. These include our own staples like the Smoked Lager or a variation of the Gose that guests can keep coming back to. Seasonal and limited beers focus more on experimentation and collaborations with like minded people from the industry, such as Beer From Air. This allows us to keep the tap list dynamic while staying true to who we are.
What does success look like five years from now?
Success for Oi is not just more locations. It is deeper impact. If more people care about how beer is made, if sustainability becomes expected rather than exceptional, and if Oi continues to be a place people feel connected to, then we have done what we set out to do.
From the integrity of the brewing process to the warmth of its hospitality and the comfort of its food, Oi Brewhouse emerges as a cohesive vision shaped by many voices. What makes Oi Brewhouse stand out is how naturally its ideas come to life. Manu Misra’s commitment to integrity ensures the beer stays true to its roots. Aman Talreja’s people-first approach turns the brewhouse into a place guests return to, not just pass through. Vardaan Marwah’s nostalgic, beer-friendly menu adds warmth and connection to the experience. The result is simple but powerful: Oi Brewhouse feels honest, welcoming, and built to last, reflecting a future where craft beer in India is as much about community as it is about what’s in the glass.
