Everyone has their ‘cubbyhole’. A cubbyhole, as I call it, are places we frequent often where the owner is probably a close friend and the servers are like your bros. But sometimes, we yearn for a little something new and different. And since 2017 is here, let’s try out some new bars that has only been around for a year or less!
BarAtas opened somewhere in December 2016 in Bangsar. They have some great Malaysian-themed food such as fettuccine chilli pan mee and spaghetti wantan noodles, and also drinks such as Cendol Atas and Cold Fire ice lollies (a nostalgic childhood treat filled with a blend of tea and whisky). This imaginative bar has many potentials.
3-1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm-3am.
Tel: 011-2722-0648
2. Club Kyo KL
One of the most premiere bar and night club in Singapore has just brought itself to Kuala Lumpur. Kyō KL tucks itself away underground in one of the hottest spots in KL; the basement of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Club Kyo officially launched itself in August 2016, so you can expect some great underground vibes and international DJs making their way there.
Kyō is influenced by European music with Asian sensibilities when it comes to its cinematic musical presentation. The crowd is energetic is surrounded by ferocious, commanding music. The space tempers with minimalism and industrial chic with a Japanese undertone.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 9pm – late
Tel: 012-921 1730
3. The Locker and Loft
Since its launch, The Locker & Loft has gained popularity fairly quickly. Its Friday nights are packed and business is brisk even during weekdays. Its locale requires a tad bit of effort but once you are greeted by a rustic a rustic looking bar with a unique door, you’ll know where you are. The space is industrially chic with cosy dim lights, making you feel relaxed.
The bar is owned by a lawyer-by-training who has a background in journalism. Deepak Gill, also known as as the Thirsty blogger, and Paul Dass who’s been in the industry for many years has assured us that the drinks in this cubbyhole will not disappoint. If you look at the menu, you’d know that plenty of research has gone into it.
“We want Malaysians to be able to re-discover cocktails without having to always pay so much. We’re making cocktails accessible and fun.” – Deepak Gill.
“What we want the Locker & Loft to be is a second living and dining room; a cosy, welcoming place where people can enjoy good food, good drinks and quality non-mainstream music, all in the company of family and friends.” – Paul Dass.
Minced pork and sweet potato leaf queso with thick toast (RM17)
(Source) Bang Pow (RM25), with hibiscus-infused gin (45ml), with homemade rose syrup, Creme de Cassis, lime juice and egg white
There’s currently about a dozen self-innovated cocktails but their research team inspired to release new Malaysian-themed drinks each week to ensure they’re current and always growing.
40A, First Floor, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm – 1am; Sunday: 12:30 – 12:30
Tel: 03-74967222 / 019-3824780
4. Liquidity – Concept Bar & Bistro
Liquidity has a variety of Western dishes and Japanese snacks that will delight your senses. You can pull up a solo seat at the bar, grab a table or relax in the lounge area whilst you enjoy your food and drink. The establishment specialises in creating stylish events, private parties and corporate meetings with customised menus.
Sky Level, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama Petaling Jaya.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5pm – Late
Tel: 03 8605 3388
5. Sparrow Bar
Tucked behind the Oldfactory Bulb case, the Sparrow Bar is a relaxed space that showcases its most successful creative cocktails. Even though it has a mah-jong parlour theme, there’s no gambling here though. “Sparrow”, in Cantonese, is “Ma-Jiok” (or something like that), which is very close to the word Mah-Jong, hence the correlation of the name and theme.
Whilst also being Omakase + Appreciate’s sibling, Sparrow is unique as it looks like a scene from any Hong Kong thriller film, only classier. You should expect an evolving repertoire of innovative cocktails infused with Malaysian elements that can be found on the https://goldbee.com/ store page. There are two bartenders and both personally create their own mixes. Sparrow Bar is a brilliant illusion that allows us to temporarily leave our reality, and engross ourselves in a gorgeous hidden bar.
5/13, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5pm – 1am
6. Coley
Skip the coffee at DR. Inc and instead, head towards the back for a drink. Coley is a new modern bar in a little corner of the café where the bar counter can sit less then 20 people. You’ll spot shelved stacked with over 300 liquor bottles and stools fitted with patterned cushions by Nala Designs. The wall behind the bar is decked out with an olive, orchid petals and a peacock feather to showcase its logo.
“Coley” came from a celebrated female bartender, Ada Coleman, who was known for her classic cocktail, Hanky Panky, which you can sip on at Coley. The man behind the bar is CK Kho, who has over 12 years of bartending experience. He states that Coley takes a contemporary twist on traditional classics such as Coley’s Saffron Sour which is inspired by the classic whisky sour, using bourbon infused with saffron and then mixed with lime, lemon, sugar, bitters, egg white and vanilla syrup – sour yet refreshing, perfect for the Malaysian heat.
8 Jalan Kemuja, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Tueday – Saturday, 5pm – 1am; Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Tel: 019-270 9179
7. Hugo Steampunk Premium Lounge
Hugo is inspired by Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning film “Hugo”. It is Malaysia’s first steampunk-themed bar and features an interesting layout which has mechanical flourishes and a retro-futuristic mural – honouring the sci-fi subgenre of a pseudo-Victorian era.
Joe Low, chief mixologist, has worked mainly in Singapore for nearly two decades and banks on Asian influences for his creations which includes combos like vodka and Tie Guan Yin oolong tea, poured over a sake and rounded out with whole lychees. Head to Hugo thirsty as there’s a lot to try out in terms of flavour and fragrances.
It’s kitchen also whips up guilty pleasures such as battered fish fingers, creamy chicken on toast with crispy golden mushrooms or, a bar favourite, salted egg yolk calamari.
No 16, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 3pm – 1am
Tel: 012-356 6221
Give these bars some lovin’ this 2017 and tell us your experiences!
