The annual list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was revealed recently and two KL-based bars JungleBird and Coley Cocktail Bar made it to 38th and 46th place respectively. The Manhattan in Singapore bagged the top spot, but we’re still pretty chuffed that two of our own made the cut.
Photo: JungleBird/Instagram
JungleBird opened last year and prides itself on being a ‘Rumah Rum’ (House of Rum) furnished with local rattan furniture, bamboo and a lush tropical wallpaper that looks awesome after a few of their famed rum cocktails. Co-owned by champion mixologist Johua Ivanovic and international bartender Divy Chauhan, rum is the name of the game here with over 100 labels from around the world. Named after the renowned cocktail created at the Aviary Bar in the Hilton KL in the 70s, JungleBird has made a name for itself not only due to its drinks but the casual, uber cool vibes.
15 Plaza Damansara, Jalan Media Setia 1
Bukit Damansara
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2011 7715
Photo: Coley Cocktail Bar/Instagram
Coley Cocktail Bar’s forte is their ‘koktel’ drinks using true blue Malaysian ingredients like assam boi, barley water, coconut water and even air mata kuching (drink made with dried longan). Coley used to be located within DR.Inc but is now all grown up and moved to its own space just down the road. The drinks are still innovative and well-priced – there aren’t many places you can get cocktails at RM25! The man behind the bar is CK Kho who’s passionate about his craft and obviously a thing or two about mixing drinks.
6-G Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 019-270 9179
These two neighbourhood bars deserve their place on the list and if you haven’t already been, check them out soon.
