Bunta unveils first glass bottles with Romy Gill MBE at The Pem

PRESS RELEASE posted by Bunta Beer

Nov. 4, 2026 at 7:56 am

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Bunta Beer raises the bar with first-ever glass bottle launch Indian-inspired alcohol-free lager elevates the drinking experience with a premium new format, debuting exclusively at Romy Gill MBE's The Pem on 3 November

Bunta Beer, the independent Indian-inspired craft beer brand founded by entrepreneur Gunikka Ahuja, has launched its first-ever 330ml glass bottles, marking a new chapter in its ambitions to establish itself across premium bars, restaurants and modern fine dining.

The bottles make their exclusive debut at acclaimed chef Romy Gill MBE's The Pem, within the five-star Conrad London St. James, bringing super premium and sophisticated presentation to Bunta's signature 0.5% ABV citrus lager and distributed via Champers.

Founded in 2025, Bunta was inspired by Britain's much-loved curry-and-a-pint tradition. Brewed with orange peel and coriander seed, the light, crisp lager was created specifically to complement the bold, complex flavours of Indian cuisine.

Now, with more than 100 UK listings, the independent brand is building on its success with a new format designed to enhance the drinking and dining experience.

Elevating the experience

For Bunta, the move into glass bottles isn't about reinventing the beer. It's about elevating the experience around it.

In premium hospitality, every detail matters, from the food and atmosphere to the glassware and the way a drink arrives at the table. The new bottles reflect Gunikka's ambition to bring Bunta into more premium bars, restaurants and modern fine dining establishments, where drinks are given the same consideration as the food. Founder Gunikka Ahuja is forecasting bottles to eventually make up 50% of the business.

Gunikka Ahuja, Founder of Bunta Beer, says:

"We've always been incredibly proud of the beer we've created. This isn't about changing what's inside the bottle, it's about elevating everything around it.

"When you go out for a beautiful meal, the experience matters. The food, the setting, the glassware, even the way your drink arrives at the table. I wanted Bunta to be part of that experience, not an afterthought.

"I want to see Bunta in more premium bars, restaurants and modern fine dining establishments, where just as much thought goes into the drinks menu as the food. Choosing not to drink alcohol shouldn't mean compromising on flavour, quality or the experience."

From a Diwali discovery to a five-star debut

The launch at The Pem brings Bunta's story full circle.

Romy Gill MBE first discovered the brand at a Diwali event in 2025. A passionate advocate for independent businesses, Gill has long championed smaller producers, particularly those celebrating Indian food, culture and heritage.

Having built her own career without established industry connections, she understands the importance of giving emerging brands a platform.

For Romy, Bunta was a natural fit for The Pem, offering a refreshing alcohol-free alternative created specifically to complement her contemporary Indian cooking.

Romy Gill MBE says,

“I want to support smaller producers and I’ve always championed those people. I’ve always acknowledged people because I come from a background which I had no support of a godfather or godmother in the industry to uplift me. But there have been a lot of people who have encouraged me, helped me on the way and that’s what I wanted to do for Gunikka.”

The two women also share a Sikh heritage and a love of food, family and bringing people together around the table.

When the opportunity arose to bring Bunta to The Pem, Gunikka fast-tracked production of the brand's first glass bottles, ensuring they would be ready for their exclusive debut at the restaurant. The bottle design features Ahuja’s brother - who is the ‘main character’ on the original can design - though now the creative has evolved to show him relaxing with a beer after work.

Gunikka adds:

"Romy has always been passionate about supporting independent producers, so having her champion Bunta means a great deal to me.

"We share so much in terms of our heritage and the importance of food and family. When the opportunity came to launch at The Pem, I knew I wanted to do something special.

"The glass bottles are a natural evolution for Bunta. It's the same beer, but with a more elevated presentation that opens the door to new venues and new experiences. Launching at The Pem is an exciting first step, and I'm ambitious about where we can take Bunta next."

A new chapter for Bunta

Born and raised in New Delhi, Gunikka left a career in textile innovation at Adidas in Los Angeles to launch Bunta in 2025, combining her Indian heritage with a passion for innovation and Britain's love of Indian food.

Its flagship 0.5% ABV lager is brewed with orange peel and coriander seed, delivering delicate citrus notes, subtle coriander and a crisp, refreshing finish. The beer is also gluten-free and vegan.

Since launching, Bunta has secured more than 100 listings across UK restaurants, pubs, hospitality venues and specialist retailers, with further growth supported by distribution partner Champers Drinks.

While Indian cuisine remains at the heart of the brand, Gunikka's ambitions extend beyond the traditional curry house, with the new glass bottles creating opportunities for Bunta to become part of a wider premium drinking and dining experience.

Trade availability

Bunta Beer's new 330ml glass bottles launch exclusively at Romy Gill MBE's The Pem, Conrad London St. James, on 3 November 2026.

Restaurants, hotels, bars and hospitality operators interested in stocking the new bottles can make trade enquiries directly through the Bunta Beer website or Champers wholesale.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Bunta Beer

Founded in 2025 by New Delhi-born entrepreneur Gunikka Ahuja, Bunta Beer is an independent Indian-inspired craft beer brand created to complement Indian cuisine.

Its flagship 0.5% ABV citrus lager is brewed with orange peel and coriander seed and is gluten-free and vegan.

Since launching, Bunta has secured more than 100 UK listings, with distribution supported by Champers Drinks.

Before founding Bunta, Gunikka worked as a Textile Innovation Manager at Adidas in Los Angeles. She is also developing Buntatex™, a biodegradable material concept designed to transform brewing waste into sustainable textiles and packaging.

About Romy Gill at The Pem

Located within the five-star Conrad London St. James in Westminster, The Pem marks acclaimed chef Romy Gill MBE's return to a permanent restaurant after six years.

Its contemporary Indian menu draws inspiration from her culinary journey, travels and heritage.

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