Hyderabad dials Zero40 for craft beer: 23 Degrees Design Shift imagines it in a mango orchard

24 Feb 2025

If the sunny courtyards, lush trees, and promise of an all-day social escape don’t already have you making plans, the city’s newfound palate for craft beer might. From the first pour of design to the last sip of craft beer, this microbrewery in Hyderabad by 23 Degrees Design Shift finds its spirit in heritage, hops and hospitality. In the heart of the financial district surrounded by a lush mango orchard, the all-day social space dubbed Zero40 blends the city’s charm with contemporary trends, brewing a leisurely buzz that’s as much about culture as it is about design.

Supple sunlight streams in the corridor seating; Photography by Shamanth Patil

Wooden tables, mezzanine level and integrated trees create a warm, inviting atmosphere with a blend of natural and industrial elements; Photography by Shamanth Patil

Craft beer, crafted spaces

As you walk in, a pavilion welcomes you with the gentle hum of water flowing beneath a charming bridge. It’s the perfect prelude to what’s ahead—sunken courtyards that seem to hug the land, and the mango and neem trees that seem to have been woven right into the design. Every corner is a surprise, with elevated plinths and thoughtful seating that makes you want to stay a little longer. And for those who need extra ease, ramps and accessible seating ensure no one’s left out.

A space that’s both laid-back and alive with possibility—where craft beer meets carefully crafted design. The space weaves around its ten mango trees and a sprawling neem, with the architecture following the curves of the landscape— the design ebbs and flows according to the orchard’s ecology.

The bar counter introduces a bold geometric shape, with Corten steel elevating its form against a backdrop of warm particle board and the cool grey tones of basalt flooring from Stone Life; Photography by Shamanth Patil

Design with purpose

Every pint here is served with a side of design. The open-air layout of the space effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a well balanced, relaxed al fresco cocktail. The design is defined with tactile richness, textures ranging from the rawness of stone and brick walls to the sleekness of metal and glass elements, the juxtaposition creating a dynamic environment. Exposed red mud and grey ash bricks, rough aggregate finishes and bush-hammered basalt flow into the indoors, where corten steel and timber complement the rugged feel. Tiled glazing panels flood the space with natural daylight, casting beautiful patterns of light and shadow across the floor.

As you step into the property, an elevated brewery with a chic industrial vibe welcomes you at the entry and reception. The heart of the space is a central courtyard, where exposed brick and wooden flooring come together to create a charming open-air theatre by 23DDS; Photography by Shamanth Patil

Water flows beneath a charming bridge which leads us to the microbrewery. The bush-hammered basalt flooring is by Stone Life; Photography by Shamanth Patil

The space is divided into five distinct zones, each promising a unique experience. From the entrance a lively space greets you, leading you to a sunken amphitheater framed with exposed wood and cement finishes, that adapts itself to the occasion. The southeast corner is a more quaint retreat for intimate gatherings or casual pints. The pavilion features a hanging garden, a live counter and a variety of seating arrangements from lounges to high stools and benches. Throughout the orchard wooden benches are placed for beer lovers to unwind and cheer under the flecked shade of mango trees.

The rustic entrance, framed by mango trees, invites you into the brewery, where fly ash bricks and bush-hammered basalt flooring create an intriguing reception area. A lightweight polycarbonate roof lets in natural light, subtly revealing the space beyond; Photography by Shamanth Patil

Pints and plates

Think eight beers on tap—from a crisp lager to a velvety stout—paired with bites like lukhmi, bunny chow, and haleem samosas. An absolute must-have bar bite is the medu vada onion rings, equal part comfort and experimentation like the space itself.