Upon a visit to the capital of Malaysia, Happy Hour Asia paid a visit to The Cove bar for an evening happy hour tipple or glass of wine – a sophisticated venue that is also somewhat of a discovery for such a need. A hidden cove. The Cove (previously called Whisky Cove) is situated within the new lodging Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur managed by Banyan Tree, which is connected to the upscale Pavilion shopping centre.
More than anything else The Cove is a discreet hotel bar – a hidden and sheltered venue consisting in small rooms, with the bar room at the centre. So The Cove feels more like a speakeasy and seems to be designed for privacy and a place where groups of guests can have small parties without being seen by a large crowd.
Bartender at The Cove, The Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur
It feels perfect for a conversation for business people and business travellers, and a stylish choice as after-hours bar with its splendid downtown location.
Its entrance already sets the stage for a discerning and discreet bar experience, as the entire venue is well hidden behind walls. The bar hosts happily gives a tour of the various options for private or semi-private seating choices, circumventing a main bar room at the centre. Among the choices it offers a private dining facility, ideal for more intimate gatherings. Yes, “unwind in a cosmopolitan hideaway” – as its introduction description says.
There are purple neon-lit, semi-private rooms with two-seater sofas, armchairs, large floor lamps, bespoke wallpaper, black and brown patterned rugs and metal interior dividers. The chocolate brown-hued flooring is laid diagonal.
One private room has two sofas, double two-level tables, multiple velvet armchairs and a large flat-TV screen for Karaoke.
The Bar itself comes with a chocolate-brow veined marble countertop, with a row of stylish mustard leather bar stools in front. In the ceiling there is a rather flat and round chandelier with oblong crystal glass rods.
A bit thicker and more square than those crystals is the size of the “ice block” with the bar’s logo on it that the bartender is placing in the drink glass, as the base for a cocktail he is mixing. For any guests with an interest in the details of bartending this front seat row is a way of getting up close with the action. Such a privileged seat is easily obtained upon our visit.
Beer on tap comes from Carlsberg and Kronenbourg 1664, while the international cocktail selection includes a wide selection of the most anticipated drinks, such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini and Old Fashioned. As an aperitif, the Aperol is a good choice.
For Happy Hour I opt for a glass white; ‘BellesVignes’ – a Chardonnay – Viognier blend. Upon this visit there is also a Sauvignon Blanc: ‘60 Drops’ from, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand; a ‘Belles Vignes’ made of Grenache – Syrah – Marselan (GSM – from the Pays d’Oc wine district in southern France); a Cabernet Sauvignon – Sangiovese: ‘Banfi col Di Sasso’ from Tuscany Italy; and ‘Trapichce Alaris Malbec’ from Argentine.
Bartender at The Cove, The Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur
More wine from the updated menu includes: Wairau River, Pinot Noir from New Zealand; Carte D’or’ Champagne Drappier; Voga Prosecco Spumante; and Sixty Drops, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand – to name a few.
Among the gins, that includes the excellent Mare Mediterranean from Spain, some other bands stand out to explore: The West Wind The Sabre (Aus), Sipsmith London Dry, Williams Sloe & Mulberry, or Fords Gin.
As for Single Malt Whiskeys these are on the menu: Glenlivet, Founder’s Reserve; Macallan, 12 years; and Singleton, 12 years.
‘Seasonal bar snacks’ include: Cheese platter, Malaysian grilled satay, Pavilion club sandwich, and Spicy salmon maki.
Promotions vary month by month and have included: ‘Gin & Tonic Promo’, presenting an array of exotic Signature Gin concoctions; ‘Omakase Cocktails’; ‘Whisky Flight Promotion’ for Bushmill and Highland Park; and the ‘Gentlemen Week‘, featuring 20% off a wide selection of beverages such as draft beer, Glenlivet whisky, Grey Goose, Stolichnaya, Bacardi, Havana Club or Hendrick’s Gin.
Check relevant online channels for future promos.
