The private room at Union. (
Unwind at swanky new bar and restaurant in Damansara Heights
EVERY TIME I drive past Plaza Damansara in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, it’s almost like a reflex for me to be on the lookout for any new watering hole or restaurant that have sprung up.
Well, there is a new bar in town and it’s called Union, occupying a spacious corner at the end of the block.
Swanky, with a touch of classy minimalism is how I would describe this bar and restaurant, birthed by three co-owners of different professional backgrounds.
Union officially opened in June this year and has so far attracted the attention of the upper-middle class who drop by for after-work drinks and casual meet-ups.
Union is somewhat reminiscent of a gentlemen’s bar, with its warm and plush mocha-brown leather chairs and orange, velvet ottomans that one can comfortably settle into and unwind with a drink of choice.
The decor is swanky, with a touch of classy minimalism
This complements the steely grey Suzuka-styled concrete-effect panelled walls that give off an industrial feel to the place, all conceptualised by one of the co-owners who is an architect.
You won’t see any art on the Italian marble walls, instead there are sizable TV screens for guests to watch their favourite sports events.
Smart layouts and usable space are incorporated into the architecture, with little nooks within the dining area that allow for some privacy, or if you prefer, the al fresco area which has a pleasant balmy breeze in the evenings.
There is even a private room that can fit about 10 guests for cosier get-togethers.
Hot Thai Lime Chicken
The beverage menu has the usual staples – from draught and bottled beer to classic cocktails, spirits, wine, champagne, chilled juices and soft drinks as well as tea and coffee.
“We don’t label ourselves as a ‘cocktail bar’.
“We want Union to be a place where everything is good, from the drinks to the food,” said co-owner and managing director Sandeep Chokra.
We sampled the classics of Red and White Sangria, Whiskey Sour, Sex on the Beach, Espresso Martini and Negroni.
(From left) Whisky Sour, Espresso Martini and Red Sangria.
An array of notable gins as well as single and blended whiskies are available.
The food menu is impressive, curated by Sandeep who took a culinary course in Thailand to learn how to cook some of the dishes offered, such as Tom Kha Gai, Hot Thai Lime Chicken and Som Tam salad.
The lime glazed chicken definitely goes well with the drinks.
Shepherd’s pie pizza
The menu includes rice dishes like Nasi Lemak Buttermilk with a choice of prawns or chicken, Devil Curry and other dishes like pasta and Shepherd’s Pie.
This Halloween, Union will be decked out for the occasion on Oct 29, where ladies who arrive in costumes will be served free Sangria.
UNION, No.54G, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: daily from 4pm to 12am. For reservations, visit www.gounion.my
