Three X Co’s entrance looks like a vintage barbershop.
Special concoctions, rare finds among highlights of these winning bars
Mention Bangsar and some of the trendiest bars in town come to mind.
Be it a night of partying or enjoying cocktails over lively conversations with friends, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of options available.
This week, StarMetro checks out some of the popular spots in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, that have carved a name for themselves and even bagged awards in the bar scene.
Three X Co
“Hidden” within Bangsar Shopping Centre, the unusual set-up of a vintage barbershop is the key to the entrance of Three X Co.
Helmed by David Hans, Asia’s first World Champion of the Giffard West Cup 2017 competition, with friends Wong Waihung, Daniel Gunawan and Angeline Tan, the place is inspired by bars that blend oriental elements with Prohibition-style speakeasies trending across the world.
Part of its mission is to educate and get more people to appreciate craft cocktails.
Choose from two main types of cocktails – the Cockytails Signature Series, which features local-and oriental-inspired cocktails, or the Inner Circle’s List, which offers classic cocktails with a modern twist.
One of the highlights in the former category is the Eastern Poem cocktail that blends ginseng rootlets, gin infused with pei pa kou (traditional Chinese cough syrup) and East Imperial Yuzu tonic water.
Meanwhile, the Gentlemen Speak from the Inner Circle’s List is inspired by the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Eastern Poem cocktail at Three X Co.
It uses Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon, Mancino Bianco vermouth, Bigallet China-China and bitters to bring about a more layered profile such as cinnamon, vanilla and orange notes.
The bar has won numerous awards, such as the 2018 Kuala Lumpur Best Gin and Tonic cocktail in the East Imperial Gin Jubilee contest as well as Malaysia Winner for Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2019.
This month, Three X Co is having guest bartenders from Bangkok and Singapore, while in August, barmen from two Japanese bars and a South Korean bar will visit.
Three X Co opens from 5pm to midnight (Monday to Thursday), 5pm to 1am (Friday and Saturday) and closes on Sunday, unless Monday is a public holiday.
For reservations, call 019-336 6031 or email threexco@gmail.com
Coley
Tucked away in a quiet street of Bangsar, Coley pays homage to Ada Coleman (1875-1966), the late iconic female bartender of The Savoy hotel in London, UK.
Founded by Kho Chee Kheong, Coley’s chic interior and dim lighting amid lush greenery and suburban vibes are inviting.
The year 2017 was the most significant for Coley as it won “Best Hospitality Team”, “Best Cocktail Bar” and “Bartender of the Year” at The Bar Awards 2017.
It also placed No.46 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018 and rose 19 spots to sit in 27th the following year.
The bar’s cocktail menu plumbs the rich depths of local ingredients like coconut water, kedondong, pandan, asam boi and air mata kucing.
Coley’s Hanky Panky adds a unique twist to Ada Coleman’s creation by using jenever, London dry gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
One item – the Gin and Coconut, which has London dry gin, coconut water and sugar – became such a hit that it is synonymous with the bar.
Another cocktail – Coley’s Hanky Panky – adds a unique twist to Coleman’s creation by using jenever, a botanically rich spirit made in the Netherlands, mixed with London dry gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca.
Located at No.6G, Jalan Abdullah, off Jalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Coley opens from 5pm to midnight daily except Sunday. For reservations, WhatsApp 019-270 9179.
Visitors are encouraged to use an ehailing service for convenience.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet first opened in 2018 and serves some of the finest spirits and cigars in Kuala Lumpur.
In 2020, it took some downtime to do a full remodel and now, it has reopened its doors with a whole new interior and tailor-made bar to include the serving of cocktails.
Deemed to be Bangsar’s first cigar bar, The Cabinet was nominated as among the World’s Top Five Best Cigar Lounge for the Cigar Trophy Awards 2018/2019.
The Cabinet’s 69 Buzz consists of gin, spiced syrup, fresh orange juice and egg white.
Some of its cocktails include Yuzu Elderflower which comprises gin, yuzu, elderflower liqueur and a dash of lemon juice, as well as Chetti Jungle Bird which combines dark rum, bitter orange liqueur, pineapple, vinegar reduction, jaggery and Fire Tincture.Patrons can expect a range of cigars that pair with myriad whisky choices.
Regulars can sign up for membership and enjoy perks such as priority access and exclusive discounts.
Located at No.80A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, the bar opens from 5pm to 1am daily except Sunday.
For reservations, call 011-332 24053.
Hyde
Adopting the concept of the pre-Prohibition speakeasy era, where cocktails were the highlight, Hyde is reminiscent of the early 1920s with a tasteful infusion of the 21st century’s cool vibes.
The bar serves an assortment of cocktails, from the pre-Prohibition and post-Prohibition eras, as well as classics and classics with a modern twist.
Using mainly white spirits, visitors can check out the bar’s BeGIN Promotions which is dedicated to gin lovers from 5pm to 9pm daily, from RM58++ for three glasses.
Hyde’s Japonism which comes with Hennessy VSOP as its base.
Another signature cocktail is Japonism, which comes with Hennessy VSOP as its base.
If you cannot find a drink that suits you, the mixologists can tailor-make one based on your preferred alcohol base and taste.
Located at 53M, Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, the bar opens from 5pm to midnight (Tuesday to Wednesday, and Sunday) and 5pm to 1am (Friday and Saturday).
For reservations, call 018-213 9291.
61Monarchy
61Monarchy boasts over 400 types of whisky from around the world, with the majority being Scotch Single Malt.
Touted as the first whisky bar in Petaling Jaya since 2015, it also serves classic whisky-based cocktails, whisky flights, barrel-aged cocktails and a variety of curated spirits ranging from rum and gin to wines and champagnes, as well as cigars.
It takes pride in independent bottling of unique wine and spirit casks.
A customised, attention-to-detail Whisky Flight Journey can be ordered for guests keen to discover rare whisky offerings.
Located at 61M, Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, the bar opens from 5pm to midnight (Monday to Thursday) and 5pm to 1am (Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays).
For reservations, call 018-213 9291.
