Country Barn Pub & Restaurant

Located across from USJ Giant Hypermarket, Country Barn is a cosy family-run pub and restaurant that is equally family-friendly – their philosophy is food cooked in Country Barn is how it is cooked for their family at home (so you’ll notice their dishes are never overdressed). Their menu features a decent selection of Asian and Western foods that are home-style and hearty, including dishes like King Gopal’s Uppu Curry, Mary’s Mutton, The Chief’s Pork Steak, and Bangers and Mash. If you’re with friends, hang out at the long black marble-topped bar with draught beer taps, or cue up a game of pool in the lounge.

Address: No. G16, Jalan USJ Sentral 3, USJ Sentral, Persiaran Subang 1, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Telephone no.: +603 8011 5582
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CountryBarnUSJSentral/
Operation time: Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 12am; Fri – Sat: 5pm – 1am;
Google Map:

 [Photo: Country Barn Pub & Restaurant]

The Hive

Just like their original shop in Bangsar, The Hive in Ampang stocks an extensive range of dried bulk foods (like grains, flour, seeds, teas, etc), lifestyle accessories (bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel water bottles, and a sizeable collection of reusable straws), as well as locally-made beauty products. You’re invited to ditch the plastic bags, fill up your reusable stainless steel flasks, and live the zero-waste life!

Address: Bangunan Hock Choon, 1st Floor Jalan Ampang, 50450, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Telephone no.: +6011 1144 3887
Website: https://thehivebulkfoods.com/
Operation time: Mon – Sat: 8:30am – 8pm; Sun: 9:30am – 6pm
Google Map:

 [Photo: The Hive]

Mrs Jones’ Parlour

The newest gin bar to crop up in the Klang Valley is in PJ, Section 17, located just above Tujo. Named after a gypsy girl who travelled to Malaya in the 1960s who fell in love with and married Davy Jones, a British officer who suffered from bipolar disorder, which she sought to treat with homemade potions and brews. The décor has widely been compared to your grandparent’s living room (or if the Aussie Frankie Magazine started decorating cute hipster bars in Southeast Asia), and it exudes a twee, unpretentious vibe. Their selection of gin spans the globe, and they have a great variety of wine available as well.

Address: 617a, Jalan 17/10, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Telephone no.: +6011 1100 0621
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MJonesParlour/?ref=br_rs
Operation time: Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 1am, Fri – Sat: 5pm – 2am
Google Map:

 [Photo: Thirst Mag]

The Lido

Not just another rooftop bar, The Lido occupies three levels at the top of Alila Bangsar for uninterrupted, 360-degree sweeping views of the surrounding neighbourhood. The super luxe and modern bar opens from 6pm onwards, which makes it an ideal spot for sundowner cocktails (from a menu tailored by Principal Bartender Ruben Anandha and Proof & Company); or if that’s not your style, choose from the selection of spritzers, tonics, wines, and beers.

Address: Level 42-44, Alila Bangsar, 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Telephone no.: +603 2268 3888
Website: http://thelidobar.com/
Operation time: Fri – Sun: 6pm – 12am
Google Map:

 [Photo: The Lido]

Soma

Their signage boasts ‘cocktails and wonders’, and they deliver on both. Operating just above a locksmith in the increasingly hip Taman Tun, Soma’s a cocktail bar with a good selection of classic and modern tipples made to perfection. The bar itself is elegant, and a great spot to have a cosy catch up with friends after work for some quiet drinks made well.

Address: 145A, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Telephone no.: +6011 3669 0879
Website: https://www.facebook.com/soma.cocktailsandwonders/
Operation time: Sun – Thurs: 6pm – 2am; Fri – Sat: 6pm – 3am
Google Map:

 [Photo: Soma]

Empire by Zouk

One quarter of the new Zouk Atrium entertainment complex in Resorts World Genting (made up of Zouk, RedTail by Zouk, and RedTail Karaoke), Empire by Zouk is the hip hop-themed dual club lounge that will take nightlife in the highlands to another level. Inspired by the upscale lounges of New York, Empire is an urban blend of art, fashion, and music, with walls covered in graffiti and mixed media art by Malaysian artist Umibaizurah Mahir Ismail. If you don’t know, now you know.

Address: Zouk Atrium, Level G SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Telephone no.: +603 2718 1118
Website: http://zoukgenting.com/
Operation time: Weds – Sat: 11pm – 3am
Google Map:

 [Photo: Empire by Zouk]

Wine Kulture – Wine & Drinks Shop

Nestled in the new Ben’s Independent Grocer’s in The LINC KL is the wine retailer and bar of Wine Kulture, where you can find an impressive selection of bottles from Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. You’re welcome to open a bottle from the shop to enjoy at the bar (or anywhere else within the store), or try any of the wines that are available by the glass (ranging from RM19 to RM100+, which are rotated every two weeks). And feel free to track down any of the three sommeliers on duty with your questions.

[Photo: Wine Kulture]