The hustle and bustle of Damansara Utama is an unlikely neighbourhood for a bar, but a perfect place to hide a speakeasy.

Among the workshops, office blocks, and hipster coffee joints is the inconspicuous Hyde at 53M. Located right above a hip café called The Good Batch (the same people who run the café are also in charge of Hyde) you’d never know it was there at a casual glance. Keep an eye out for the stairs to the left of the café, and follow them up to the black sliding door on the first floor.

The cosy speakeasy – furnished with dark wood, brown leather sofas and a long white marble bar on the inside, and an industrial-style alfresco balcony area – is a moody little space that has the vibe of a prohibition-era jazz bar. The bartenders are sharply dressed, and equally adept at putting together any drink from their menu of classic cocktails (and a few creations unique to Hyde) with an artisanal flair.

After something a little simpler than a cocktail? Hyde’s selection of champagne, wine, craft beer, and Japanese malts will provide you with worthy alternatives.

Take care with parking, as the surrounding area tends to fill with cars quite quickly and it might take some time looking for a free spot. Save yourself the headache and have a taxi drop you off (and then take you home after you’re done with your night on the town).

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