First, the face crumples, bracing the taste buds for the bitter liquid. Once you’ve gulped the shot, the burning sensation in your gut lingers as you bite into a lemon to mellow the taste. No one really enjoys shots. It is the after-effect that matters.

Why should one have to go through the untasteful process at all? Thank heavens, the owners of He Said She Said decided to find a solution to this question when they launched in Delhi less than a year ago. Last month, they opened doors in an otherwise gloomy lane at Veera Desai Road.

When I first enter the premise, it feels like I have stepped into Noddy’s land as I spot toyland interiors with its colourful wooden panels on the bar, casual seatings of high stools, chairs and comfortable sofa tables. You can leave your gadgets behind, there’s blackboard and chalk to scribble (read fidget) with.