Can't decide whether you want to go out or stay in? Break all of the rules and do both. Bars are popping up everywhere that make you feel at home when you go out. Drink from room to room with the bedroom, the kitchen, even the laundry.

Cellar Door

Starting at the lowermost portion of any respectable home. Unlike basements which invoke images of dust covered junk, infestations and in the more unfortunate cases—ghosts—a cellar is specific to the storing of wines and the name was chosen to recreate the ambience of a traditional winery.

“When you go to wineries, say in France or Italy, they have their own cellar and customers who visit can not only taste the wines but they can sit down and have a chat with the winemakers themselves,” explains Outlet Assistant Manager, Shalwani Sharif who also acts as resident sommelier.

That feeling of conviviality is prevalent at the Cellar Door, and once you’ve passed through the imposing front door (that doubles up as part of the wall when opened) it’s like Christmas came early this year. With over a hundred wines, full variety of beers and liquors, you won’t be in a hurry to get home.

Feeling overwhelmed by the array of choices? Fret not as help is at hand; “If you ask me personally, I don’t think that the expensive wines are the best wines,” admits Shalwani.

“If you like the taste (of a particular wine) than that is the best wine for you. We always ask the customer what is their preference, the style of wine they like before we make a recommendation.” Inconspicuous and retiring, Cellar Door is ideal for those who are looking for a place to relax, enjoy and learn about wine.

There’s also a light tapas menu that’s great for sharing. Happy hours are from 5–9pm every day. Ladies drink for free on Thursdays.

Doubletree by Hilton, The Intermark,182 Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Tel: 03–2172 7272
www.makan-kitchen.com

The Library

Another part of the house that is noted for its scarcity in these regions, The Library, serves as a welcome reminder on how to put the fun back into functional. Although the rows of spines are undeniably faux, the atmosphere is snug and comfy allowing for a quiet read, curled up in the corner with your favourite drink during the day—should you be so inclined.

“Traditionally, a library is defined as a collection of useful material for common use, at The Library we offer patrons a ‘library’ of drinks, food, music and entertainment,” explains Dickson Cheong. Evenings are a little more upbeat with live performances, games nights and talent competitions.

The French theme is predominant at the Avenue K outlet which opened recently and is aptly referred to as ‘The Fourth Chapter’. From its red-bricked walls to framed posters, there is a young, idealistic and carefree vibe that would appeal to the working crowd around the KLCC area.

“We are targeting the executives and professionals who wish to wind-down after a busy day, by embodying the joie de vivre philosophy,” says Dickson. The Library also has the distinction of being one of the outlets to offer a self service beer tap for big groups.

Ground Floor, Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang, KL. Tel: 03–2161 3849
www.thelibrary.my

Twenty.one kitchen+bar

Feeling a little peckish we head for the kitchen. Though not equipped with cooker, fridge and sink it serves its purpose of keeping hunger pangs at bay. Notorious for its ‘Ladies Nite’ every Wednesdays which draws in the twenty-something, mainly European crowd, we say go when the sun’s still out.

Chose your seat outside on the terrace or indoors, flick open a menu and settle down for a leisurely lunch with your mates. The place is divided into two portions to accommodate the diners downstairs and the drinkers upstairs so if you find the lunch eating into the evening, head on to the bar for ‘afters’—a bowl of Russian Spring Punch to share and a platter of Nachos dipped in a yummy taco sauce.

As for its name, twenty.one was the result of a series of coincidences and the kitchen+bar bit were to highlight the fact that it is not just a bar. The design adds sleekness to it that sets it apart from the other bars on Changkat.

20–1 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL. Tel: 03–2142 0021
www.drbar.asia

GO:
Urban Tropics, held every last Thursdays of the month. Go dressed in your favourite sarong or summer dress and you could win a prize for best- dressed.

ALSO TRY:

LAUNDRY

Wash away the grimy residues of a busy day at this rather peculiarly named bar. Perhaps it is suggestive of the cyclical nature of various musical hopefuls that perform there or maybe it was the drums … drum, washing machine ... get it? This in its turn emits a funky, eclectic vibe that is best experienced with your bunch of besties. Even better if they can strum a few cords and carry a tune.

Ground Floor, Western Courtyard, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03–7728 1715
www.laundrybar.net

THE LOFT

No there’s nothing New York-like about this loft. This pub is so quintessentially British, they even have their own futsal team. Located alongside the Kota Kinabalu harbour, right smack in the middle of town, it is the favourite spot with resident expatriates for after-work drinks.

The Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088–270 387
www.loftkk.netfirms.com

THE BACKYARD PUB & GRILL

Heading outside, the Backyard pub though not located outdoors remains a sports enthusiast’s hideout come football season. Rustic and unrefined it is reminiscent of the watering holes back in England, attracting the older but young at heart expatriates.

Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, KL. Tel: 03–6201 0318
www.backyardpub.com

THE MANOR
And rounding them off nicely is the stately, sexy and characteristically spacious manor comprises three rooms Desire, O Walk and The Terrace. Whether it’s a countless number of cocktails, mouth-watering meals or a thumping dance floor that you’re in search of, this exclusive house of fun is the place to be.

Asian Heritage Row, Jalan Doraisamy, KL. Tel: 03–2691 3030
www.asianheritagerow.com

SULTAN LOUNGE

Looking to while away the evening at Sultan? Then make sure you’re suited and booted for a night out here. Contrary to popular belief, Sultan is not the laid-back, placid space to loll in your flip-flops and shorts. As the story goes the host hotel had asked Stephan Depoux—of Buddha Bar, London fame—to design the space as a lounge. “But it’s a nightclub,” stresses General Manager, Yacine Bouaouni.

“Casbah didn’t exist at that time. And what they (the hotel) realized is that when you use it as a lounge it’s not very cosy, because as you can see it’s too long. So they turned it into a nightclub.” But that hasn’t stopped the regulars flowing in. Representing the elite, cosmopolitan city-slickers, Sultan thrives on weekends when the cabana like booths are in high-demand.

“On Fridays and Saturdays the booths are booked well in advance and its bottle service only.” Grey Goose, Chivas Black Label and Macallen are top choice while the Guava Cosmo and signature cocktail Kamikaze remain firm favourites with the fairer sex.

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Tel: 03–2179 8882
www.mandarinoriental.com

GO:
Harem on Wednesdays which offers free flow cocktails for ladies from 10pm–1am and there’s more to look forward to in September with fashion night on Thursdays.