Lucas was all set for bible school and a life as a pastor — then cocktails happened and politely derailed the plan. Today, he brings a sharp, on-the-ground perspective on the trends shaping Kuala Lumpur’s drinking culture. He speaks candidly about English-speaking crowds drifting from cocktails to protein shakes, alongside big-spending Chinese-speaking guests who are increasingly open to learning about cocktails. From Malaysia’s diverse, multi-layered bar scene to the myth of

At first glance, Junglebird might feel tiki — but Divy is quick to set the record straight: it’s not tiki, it’s Malaysian, the place he’s proudly called home since 2017. Divy moved from the UK to Kuala Lumpur to open Junglebird, a rum bar that’s become a cornerstone of the city’s cocktail scene. It may not be the conventional career his parents once imagined — think doctor or lawyer — but behind the bar, Divy found something that truly resonates with him: an interest in the h

Being in the bar, you see, hear, and experience all kinds of things. It exposes you to countless moments, conversations, and experiences. Some moments are funny, while others may be uncomfortable. I found it beautiful because it is very unpredictable and not repeated every day. The following anecdotes are drawn from observation and being present, not just in the bar I work in, but across other bars I’ve been to. Before engaging in a conversation, I’ve learned to understand th

Maria may look serious behind the bar, but don’t be fooled — when martinis are involved, Maria can quite literally drink anyone under the table. She is the bar manager of Penrose, and while she may be relatively new to the bar world, her rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Formerly a professional dancer — and a Miss Universe Malaysia 2018 finalist — she brought discipline, stage presence, and grace into bartending, where she underwent rigorous training under Jon Lee wh

She might look fierce with her tattoos and that semi-permanent long-sighted squint, but behind the bar Shirmy turns out some seriously mean cocktails. Shirmy is one of Kuala Lumpur’s pioneering female bartenders, a trailblazer who has spent years proving her mastery of the craft. After cementing her reputation as a cocktail maven, the pandemic pause gave her the chance to recalibrate and finally realize a long-held dream: opening her own bar. Today, she helms Bar Terumi, wher

Jon is best known for putting Penrose — and Kuala Lumpur — on the cocktail map, thanks to his steadfast commitment to elevated classics (and never selling just bottles). Jon brought his Singapore-honed cocktail experience home to Kuala Lumpur when he opened Penrose in 2022. The bar quickly earned a place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, cementing his role in pushing KL’s cocktail scene forward. His mission hasn’t slowed since. With the launch of Lavantha, Jon continues to introduce ne

With a firm dislike of Fernet shots and a soft spot for cats, Amanda’s playful spirit hides the depth of her experience as a globetrotting veteran of the bar industry. Amanda’s bartending journey began in Malaysia, where her talent quickly set her apart before taking her across the world. She went on to hone her craft in Singapore, New York, London, and Hong Kong, building a global résumé shaped by some of the industry’s most dynamic cities. Now back in Kuala Lumpur, she’s ch