The new year brings with it hope of a better tomorrow – one of good health (we’re looking at you, Covid-19 vaccine), big goals and high spirits. On that last note, what better way to celebrate the first work week of the year with drinks to look forward to this weekend? In the spirit of all things new, we’ve rounded up 5 new bars in KL to visit for a boozy boost to your new year. Cheers to 2021!
Frank’s Bar
Opened last October, Frank’s Bar is a semi-hidden bar inspired by the eponymous ol’ blue eyes singer, Frank Sinatra. Located within Avenue K mall (look for a fedora), this one-of-a-kind haunt is best described as “sonic-centric”. Here, signature drinks are aged in barrels treated to a playlist of Sinatra’s music, which are believed to create micro shakes that give the concoctions a smoother texture. Helmed by Giovanni Andrea Magliaro, the menu includes a variety of classics and new age innovations prepared by the mixologist in a 1930s setting. W @franks.kualalumpur
Location: L3-6, Avenue K Shopping Mall, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm to 11.45pm daily
The Curious Gardener
If you’re someone who would rather be in the company of plants than people (notwithstanding social distancing rules) yet appreciate a solid pick-me-up, this home garden cum bar may be your dream playground. Nestled in Bangsar, every corner of this cosy establishment is draped in lush greenery and potted plants. Form meets function in the menu, where the space’s conservatory of greens is translated into herbaceous blends. There’s Twisting My Melons (a mix of honeydew-infused gin, osmanthus-infused dry vermouth and fig leaf-infused tonic water) and Jack Of All Trades (a mix of jackfruit-infused rum, apple mint cordial and snow fungus soda topped with beetroot-dyed snow fungus, jujube and goji berries), to name a few. W @thecuriousgardenerkl
Location: G-01, Level Ground, The Sphere Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm to 12am daily
G-String KL
Warning: explicit content ahead. Barely two months old, G-String KL is setting itself up to be the sexiest bar in town. As its name insinuates, you’ll find risqué elements at this speakeasy, from the neon signs and interior paintings on the wall right down to the names of the items on the menu. Imagine having a vodka-based libation of Bubbles & Panties complemented with bar bites a la Cum On My Lace, with a larger-than-life mural of ladies scantily partying as your backdrop. W @gstring.kl
Location: 147, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm to 12am
Mizukami Highball by Shiso Dining
Headed by one of the city’s most renowned bartenders, Shawn Chong (formerly of Omakase + Appreciate), Mizukami Highball is the first upshot of his new brand: Mizukami Collective. Its name is the amalgamation of the words mizu (water) and kami (god in Japanese, us in Malay), paying homage to both Shawn’s Japanese influences and Malaysian culture. Aside from highballs (self-explanatory), the menu includes a selection of twists on classics as well as low-proof and zero-proof concoctions. W @bar.mizukami
Location: 368-B, Jln Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm to 11pm daily
Junglebird (coming soon)
While Junglebird isn’t new, the Asia’s 50 Best Bar Award winner will be relocating to a new home after three years in its original location. Still within the Damansara Heights neighbourhood, the new space – or Rumah Rum, as the team prefers to call it – promises a brighter, airier and greener design with an updated menu featuring Malaysian-inspired cocktails and all-day Asian, British and Caribbean cuisine. The bar will also offer an extensive range of rums from around the world when it opens early this year. W junglebirdkl.com
Location: 61M Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara 50490 KL
Opening hours: 1pm to 12am
