[Photo: BRIXTON 23 Facebook]

One of those ‘hidden in plain sight’ secret bars that inspires the imagination, BRIXTON 23 unexpectedly occupies the lower floor of a men’s tailor on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Entering from the road-level, you’ll be greeted by rather well-dressed staff who will usher you to a hidden stairway behind a false wall that’ll lead you down to the bright and airy lounge (thanks to the full glass ceiling).

The masculine décor of the tailors also appears in the bar, where you’ll find rich chocolate leather sofas, terra cotta-coloured barstools huddled around the black marble top bar, wooden flooring in a herringbone pattern, and black iron beams holding up the back bar as well as the DJ booth above it. They draw their inspiration from the 2014 spy flick Kingsman, hence there are a few private rooms hidden behind more false walls (try not to get lost), and an elusive and smart ambiance.

BRIXTON 23 is a restaurant and lounge that runs a lunch service from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays, plus dinner from 6pm to 10pm (and subsequent revelry until late). The gourmet menu puts a twist on modern fusion cuisine has a good selection of Western and Asian dishes that is sure to impress any date. The cocktail menu is not fussy but also on the playful side, and the wine list is concise.

Their weekly offerings include Ladies Night on Wednesday, Gentleman’s Night on Thursday, Beer Pong on Fridays, and Saturday Flings to kick off your weekend. Do note there is a quiet expectation that guests dress for the occasion when visiting, so get out some of your smart threads and make a night of it.