Tucked in the heart of the city, surrounded by nostalgia colonial houses, this bar is made for those who want some quality time with their company. Comfy couches flanked by 60's english series at play, and subtle lounge music in the background, one can linger here for hours. You won't realise you're in the heart of the city as not a squeak of traffic can be heard.
*And the main road is just a 2 minutes away!
*And the main road is just a 2 minutes away!
Nestled between old houses on Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Barlai takes residence on the ground floor of Seksan's Sekeping boutique hotel (Sekeping Sin Chew Kee). Unlike other commercial bars, this one retains its charm and character of the old houses in the area. Trees keep this place cool during hot days and the little bell in front of the entrance just adds to its charm.
*From the outside, its honestly easy to miss and as I walked in, I really thought I was walking into someone home.
As I walked around the corner into the main courtyard, I was welcomed by the sight of mixed matched tables and a swing. Seems like someone is hard at work giving love to pre-owed furniture.
*I'm definitely smitten by the charm of this place.
*From the outside, its honestly easy to miss and as I walked in, I really thought I was walking into someone home.
As I walked around the corner into the main courtyard, I was welcomed by the sight of mixed matched tables and a swing. Seems like someone is hard at work giving love to pre-owed furniture.
*I'm definitely smitten by the charm of this place.
Barren walls are covered in reclaimed old road signs gives this place character. A combination of great mood lighting, old and new furniture and friendly staff, you'll never notice the time passing. Plus the drinks help too.
As I stepped in, a little counter with cakes welcomed my pondering eyes. I noticed the map of Australia on the back wall, followed by a projected movie wall to the left. As I take in the ambience of the place and the how clever they are to section areas with raised floors and furniture, one would think that was it. But no… it isn't. Only those who dare explore further will gain its hidden secret; a private-two level seating area with its own little open green space at the back of the house.
As I walked towards the back, I found another small open space which leads to the toilet. And honestly, it does feel like you're in a pretty-cool-chic home with a large open space for a living room complete with a bar.
As I walked towards the back, I found another small open space which leads to the toilet. And honestly, it does feel like you're in a pretty-cool-chic home with a large open space for a living room complete with a bar.
The drinks here are not too shabby either with their own signature Lemongrass Tonic, which is perfect on a hot day as well as the classics like Mojito. There is a small list of drinks for those non-alcoholic types and they do serve a small selection of sandwiches and cakes.
I absolutely love this bar cause:
The location is just brilliant.
No one would ever suspect this place is just a stone's throw away from Changkat Bukit Bintang. Its next to the Kuala Lumpur Police headquarters, close to Time's Square and you won't even hear the traffic when you're in here! Its amazing. I felt as if I dropped out of the 21st century and walked into colonial era Malaya. Its quiet, out of sight and right in the heart of the city.
The ambience is perfect.
The well adorned deco, beautiful drinks and amazing music selection makes time fly a bit too fast. Its just a beautiful setting that is pleasing to the eye and the ambience is calm and relaxing, which makes it feel as if you're at home. It picks up a notch in the evenings with people coming in for pre-drinks on the weekends or after work drinks, during the week that makes this place lively in the evenings. Perhaps the only lively place on the block!
The location is just brilliant.
No one would ever suspect this place is just a stone's throw away from Changkat Bukit Bintang. Its next to the Kuala Lumpur Police headquarters, close to Time's Square and you won't even hear the traffic when you're in here! Its amazing. I felt as if I dropped out of the 21st century and walked into colonial era Malaya. Its quiet, out of sight and right in the heart of the city.
The ambience is perfect.
The well adorned deco, beautiful drinks and amazing music selection makes time fly a bit too fast. Its just a beautiful setting that is pleasing to the eye and the ambience is calm and relaxing, which makes it feel as if you're at home. It picks up a notch in the evenings with people coming in for pre-drinks on the weekends or after work drinks, during the week that makes this place lively in the evenings. Perhaps the only lively place on the block!
BarLai
3 Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 4 pm - 12am
Friday: 4pm - 2 am
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm - 12am
3 Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 4 pm - 12am
Friday: 4pm - 2 am
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm - 12am