Fair-Weather Bender
1 May 2011
For expatriates living abroad, specifically, in this part of the world, it’s all about the lifestyle. Here in KL, a life of sunshine is intrinsic with the idea of a promised land where it is summer all year round and life is a dream of sipping fine wine or an ice-cold beer outdoors while gazing lazily upon many a sweet sunset.
Alfresco drinking is a trend on the up in this town. Sipping cool beverages and watching the rush of people go by has become one of the most popular ways to unwind, relax and have a great time of late - where a host of roof-top terraces and outdoor drinking havens have cemented themselves as the newest sanctuary for those seeking to kick back and knock back a few after a hard day’s work.
Traditionally, outdoor dining is a major part of Malaysian culture and has long been a celebrated exploit of the masses. In other parts of the globe, the slightest glimmer of sunshine swiftly prompts all and sundry to head outside, where the likes of England, Spain and Italy are notorious for encompassing ubiquitous alfresco drinking spots during the spring and summer months.
In-keeping with an upturn in the variety of KL watering holes, the past few years have seen the conception of many new alfresco style venues and people are now beginning to follow suit by taking advantage of the magnificently warm climate (when it’s not raining!) which can be enjoyed on a year round basis by embracing the great outdoors not just for dining but also as an exceptionally pleasurable.
BAR ITALIA
Currently under refurbishment, Bar Italia and its roof-top terrace have drawn in the punters time and again with its warm European style set-up. It’s a popular place for pre and post dinner drink in the heart of Changkat.
DAVID BROWN’S RESTAURANT & TEA TERRACE
Hanson Li, Senior Marketing Executive at David Brown’s describes how this fascinating colonial Restaurant and Tea Terrace on top of Stawberry Hill attracts people from all over the world ‘with a panoramic view of Georgetown and cool fresh air’ enjoyed by all thanks to its elevated setting on the peak of Penang. Definitively British whilst possessing a wine list that is both eclectic and inviting, David Brown’s prides itself on its ‘beautiful al fresco garden’ which can be enjoyed with dinner and drinks.
ASEANA CAFEBAR, STRAITS QUAY
Part of the Melium Group, a leading retailer in international luxury fashion and lifestyle brands, Aseana Café Bar is located at Penang’s latest must-visit destination. The cosy armchairs are inviting and the added delight of the sea breeze whipping your hair as you sip on your choice of tipple is not to be missed.
Tel: 04–8907 711
LA BODEGA
La Bodega is perhaps the original expert in capturing that summer style with an environment that truly encompasses the European and Latin American inspired outdoor atmosphere. Everything from its décor to its drinks menu emphasises a laid back, lusciously Latin ambience where a jug of Sangria or a cold jug of beer among friends is a great way to enjoy the vibe.
IL LIDO ITALIAN DINING + LOUNGE BAR
Since its arrival on the scene last year, il Lido has been providing a supreme venue for fine Italian cuisine while offering a smooth and stylish place to have a drink atop its stunning roof-top Lounge Bar. Beppe de Vito, Managing Director of il Lido puts their success down to the fact that ‘there’s a growing demand for unique F&B concepts here and outdoor bars are definitely considered different.
KL-lites like the unrestrained and playful vibe that alfresco bars have over indoor pubs. Moreover, people in KL are getting more in-tuned with the urban lifestyle; they appreciate, and they want, quality in the places that they choose to spend their happy hours at.’
THE SOCIAL
This inviting pair of venues remains ever popular for one key reason and that’s that the owners have stayed true to their original concept of being both laid-back and welcoming. This is reaffirmed by their candlelit outdoor areas, which serve in giving the place a great natural buzz. Coupled with some seriously decent happy hours The Social maintains its place as one of the best places for an after work jar—alfresco style!
TWENTY ONE KITCHEN+BAR/TABLES+TERRACE
Both venues do exceptionally well at creating that alfresco feel whilst being able to morph back into a more predominantly indoor venue should the rains begin to pour. In Bangsar, the tables+terrace continues to attract a slick and glamorous clientele with its open, breezy terrace and stunning view of the city, while the kitchen+bar
has a great balcony area overlooking Changkat. We strongly recommend the cocktails in both venues, and if it’s a refreshing spring/ summer style drink you seek then Mojito is definitely the way to go.
TEEQ
Teeq is a restaurant that enjoys a stunning location on the roof of Lot10 and offers one of the very few roof top terraces in town. The views are superb and many head here to enjoy a few glasses of wine before heading to the increasingly popular nightclub Rootz next door by the same owners.
Craig Morraies, Event and Entertainment Executive for Rootz and Teeq describes how time off work is best spent in a great setting when people are ‘looking to relax and have a good time, nothing could be better than enjoying a meal or an ice cold beer on a rooftop for the ultimate combination of great company, great food and drink, and of course, great weather.’
WIP
To say this addition to BSC has made quite a splash in the F&B scene in KL might well be an understatement. The success in not surprising at all given that they’ve achieved a wonderful balance between natural and modern where the open style and sleek surroundings create a place that affirms in full the growing allure of outdoor drinking. Great happy hours, beautiful décor and an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and refreshing makes WIP a front runner as a venue at which to share a few casual outdoor pints, cocktails or wines.
SNIFTERS UNDER THE SUN (OR STARS)
Cider
The popularity of cider has become something of a phenomenon of late. The apple based beverage has been delighting the masses and it’s really no surprise given its reputation as a crisp, clean thirst quencher. Geoff Siddle, owner of Sid’s Pub concurs with the drink’s increasing popularity over here saying that “cider is the cleansing ale”. Strongbow is one brand that has been successful since its release in Malaysia. Its characteristics make it the perfect hot weather drink.
Lager
The sweet nectar that is beer has long lent itself to being the well-earned golden prize at the end of a hard day—for some the beginning and middle as well! When it comes to lagers especially, the ice cold spectacle of a fresh pint is one that’s surely best enjoyed in the gaze of pure unadulterated sunshine. Kronenbourg 1664 was a welcome recent addition to the scene following its KL release last year, and given how this town loves its lager it’s expected more big names will follow suit.
Pimm’s
Renowned for being the quintessential English summer drink due to its refreshing and fruity taste, Pimm’s is served with fresh fruit and mint leaves to round off its distinctive zest. An iconic warm weather beverage if ever there was one it is also one of the poshest drinks around. Pimm’s is one of the two staple drinks at Wimbledon, the Henley Royal Regatta, and the Glyndebourne opera festival, the other being Champagne. Not ubiquitous in Malaysia, Pimm’s is worth hunting for.
Gin & Tonic
The perfect summer buzz of revitalising taste and flavour. Aficionados take their pick from Tanqueray or Bombay sapphire but why not try Hendrick’s for a very different but very satisfying cucumber-infused concoction.
Wine
Wine has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of the upturn in outdoor drinking and Ben Cadman, General manager of HM wines agrees it could well be because “an influx of trendy alfresco F+B outlets open. This has in turn seen people change their drinking habits. We’re seeing more cocktails around and new beers being released while white wine sales have increased no end as Malaysians realise it’s a great light warm weather drink.” Ben’s outdoor.