Midnight Sensation.
HIGH above Penang island’s sprawling cityscape, happy hour takes on an entirely new dimension.
When drinks come with panoramic vistas, soothing sounds and pleasing sensations, every sip becomes pure indulgence.
That uplifting premise is what draws many to Senses Bar – an oasis-like outdoor retreat perched on Level 13 of Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Bayan Lepas.
From the moment you step onto its terrace, the urban bustle fades into a distant echo, replaced by the rhythmic ripples of an infinity pool and the occasional rustle of tropical greenery.
One might initially feel a luxurious Mediterranean resort vibe thanks to the gleaming white bar counter, giant mosaic mural and shady umbrellas.
Look again and you will find the design inspiration closer to home.
The hotel has a Peranakan-chic aesthetic, reflected in the patterned floor tiles, terrazzo tabletops and wicker furnishing.
Midnight Sensation.
Comfy royal blue and Tiffany blue loungers, most oriented outwards to capitalise on the scenery, invite you to kick back.
“We are a city hotel with a resort soul. We wanted to create a chill space where guests could mingle, unwind and let the world drift away,” said Iconic Hotel Group general manager Kevin Cheah.
“On clear days, you can spot Penang Hill and Penang Bridge.
“Nothing beats sunset hours when the city comes alive with lights.”
That calls for a tipple or two, and you will not be short of options.
Among the Marjorie Signature selections is Butterfly Kiss. A spirit-forward sipper, it marries the floral botanicals of gin with the earthiness of butterfly pea syrup, juicy sweetness of peach syrup and subtle herbal notes from dry Vermouth.
Though it starts off a vivid blue, a final spritz of acidic lemon juice lowers the pH level and causes a natural reaction that turns the drink purple, making it as visually striking as it is refreshing.
Winter Wonderland cocktail (left) and Santa Sunset Lemonade mocktail.
Midnight Temptation feels tailor-made for local palates, balancing the molasses notes of dark rum with gin, pandan and lychee.
The latter two ingredients weave in flavours deeply-rooted in South-East Asian desserts.
The pandan leaf’s nutty, coconut-like nuance is front and centre, with a splash of soda lending just enough fizz to keep the finish crisp and irresistible.
With Christmas on the horizon, Senses Bar has also unveiled the decadent Winter Wonderland cocktail.
Irish cream liqueur melds with warming whisky, vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon, creating a silky richness that echoes the comfort of eggnog.
It is the kind of indulgence that conjures snowy holiday scenes.
Given the bar’s family-friendly nature, the team has also crafted the Santa Sunset Lemonade mocktail for younger guests or those preferring to go alcohol-free.
Orange, lime and longan juices are shaken with a splash of grenadine and soda, resulting in a sweet and fruity treat.
Among the curated selection of international cocktails is the Smoked Negroni, where its characteristic bitterness is deepened by the aroma from charred walnut wood chips.
Butterfly Kiss.
The Kebaya Cosmopolitan, Strait Clover Club and Golden Baba Whisky Sour are spirited nods to local heritage and play on the property’s Peranakan theme.
The Salted Nyonya Caramel, with dark rum, cocoa cream, vanilla ice cream and milk, is a grown-up version of a chocolate milkshake.
Wines, beers and spirits complete the bar’s liquid offerings.
For nibbling, there are Baba Wings, Satay Panggang, Nyonya Rolls and truffle fries. Pizza, taco and burgers provide heartier alternatives.
Senses Bar often hosts mixologist guest shifts and can be booked for corporate and private events.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings feature a live band.
Looking for a place to celebrate the year-end? Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve countdown events will take place at 6pm on Dec 24 and 31 respectively, with entry priced at RM128+ per person.
This includes selected drinks, live performances, games, a best-dressed contest and lucky draw.
SENSES BAR, Level 13, Iconic Marjorie Hotel, No. 239A Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas, Penang. (Tel: 04-6889 888). Business hours: 4pm to midnight daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
