Penrose, a minimalist cocktail bar in Kuala Lumpur, is now amongst the most admired drinking spots across all Asia. At the recent reveal of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, the Malaysian favourite rose 42 places in the annual ranking to claim the Nikka Highest Climber Award. KL native Nicholas Ng reveals the secrets behind the bar’s success, which include ultra-personalised service and a bid to spark conversation between guests
In the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, there’s a bar that’s bringing the art of conversation and cocktail creation together. A place where community takes precedent over convention and strangers don’t just intersect, they are actively encouraged to interact.
It’s this bold approach to fostering an engaging and engaged environment that has made the bar one of the most talked about drinking dens in the city and catapulted it into the top 10 of this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. The bar in question is Penrose, the newly anointed winner of the Nikka Highest Climber Award, which climbed from No.50 in 2023 to claim the No.8 spot in 2024.
Receiving this award is not merely an acknowledgement of Penrose’s high-quality cocktails, but also a celebration of the unique experience it offers. Behind the bar’s success stands its founder, Jon Lee, who, along with his dedicated team, has meticulously crafted an environment that prioritises personal engagement and community building.
Penrose jumped 42 places from its 2023 ranking to earn the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2024
At Penrose, the approach to service is both intimate and thoughtful. Guests are greeted with an authentically warm welcome, as the team enquires about how they discovered the bar and gently encourages them to interact with other patrons.
“We believe in fostering connections,” Lee explains. “On quieter nights, we enjoy introducing guests to each other, enhancing our network and enriching the overall experience for everyone.” This ethos reflects a broader mission to create a space where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared appreciation for creative cocktails.
The menu is a carefully curated selection of 15 drinks, each inspired by classic recipes and enlivened with a contemporary twist. Its signature banana daiquiri, for instance, combines distilled banana, tamarind, pimento berry and tonka bean, offering a refreshing yet complex balance of flavour.
“We aim to provide an elevated experience that is both approachable for newcomers and exciting for seasoned drinkers,” Lee says. The decision not to display bottles at the bar further emphasises the personal touch, as guests are guided towards drinks that the team believes will suit their palates. This also means many are nudged towards trying something out of their comfort zone.
The Penrose gibson is one of the bar's signature spins on a classic
Kuala Lumpur’s cocktail scene has been blossoming of late, with fresh green shoots appearing every month and an increasing number of venues pushing the boundaries of bartending and mixology. Penrose stands out not just for its modern aesthetic, but for its commitment to both functionalism and thoughtfulness.
This philosophy is deeply rooted in Lee’s diverse career in the hospitality sector, which spans more than 13 years. He began as a cook and only seriously got into bartending after working at Singapore’s renowned Tippling Club and later through organising underground parties across the Malaysian capital.
Penrose, which has just celebrated its second anniversary, feels more like a local meeting house than a bar, attracting a loyal following in the process. “Our goal is to build a drinking community focused on meaningful connections rather than the impulses of intoxication,” adds Lee.
Further recognition at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards is a significant acknowledgement of the collective efforts of the team, according to Lee. “Winning it is a great testament to my team and their hard work. It means we have a responsibility to improve and innovate with integrity to further build the cocktail scene in Malaysia.”
Penrose founder Jon Lee (centre) is set to open a second bar in early 2025
The award, he notes, does not place the bar above others but rather provides a platform to develop relationships and foster trust within the country’s cocktail sector.
Looking ahead, Penrose is set to expand with the opening of a new cocktail venue. While details remain under wraps, Lee hints at a larger space that will continue the bar’s commitment to experimentation. The new venture is expected to open early next year, promising an even more immersive and expansive experience for both visiting and resident cocktail enthusiasts.
With its focus on community and innovation, and a predilection to provide a personalised guest experiences, Penrose is not just a bar but a shining example of the continuously evolving cocktail culture in Kuala Lumpur.
Miss this year's ceremony? Watch the highlights here:
The list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed at a live awards ceremony at Rosewood Hong Kong on 16 July. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube to stay up to date with all the news and announcements.
