ROYAL BAR
The hotel: Palace Hotel Tokyo
When it opened: 1961
Historic features: When it opened, the original Royal Bar quickly became an iconic destination in Tokyo among travellers and the city's elite. After over 50 years, the hotel has restored the bar counter and back bar area, and kept the original design by the bar’s first chief bartender Kyoshi Imai (1924-1999), who had a dedicated following both locally and among international guests. He designed the back bar space with refrigerated glass cabinetry, to keep glasses frosty and the gin thoroughly chilled. The interior of the cabinet can be lit up to highlight these original installations. Sitting in the 25-seat bar, guests can still enjoy the antique environment as it was five decades ago.
What’s new: Furnishings, such as the velvet chairs, leather bar stools and the dark woodwork decorations have been added, but are in keeping with the historic atmosphere.
Signature drinks: Japanese whiskey, shochu and classic martinis.
THE JAZZ BAR
The hotel: Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai
When it opened: 1920s
Historic features: The bar was famous for its live jazz band and English-style décor during the 1920s and 30s, becoming pivotal to Shanghai’s “Jazz Age”, and very popular among locals and international travellers. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan are among the big names that enjoyed a tipple at this venue in its heyday. The bar has now been renovated and made smaller, but the original dark wood double door, wood panelling and stone features have been preserved. Most importantly, on the stage the same band – called Old Jazz Band – of six veteran musicians, still performs as they have since the 1920s.
What’s new: The audio and lighting technology supporting the band’s performance has been updated, but the overall original rustic atmosphere of the 1920s remains.
Signature drinks: Martinis and Manhattans.
SAIGON SAIGON BAR
The hotel: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
When it opened: 1959
Historic features: This bar has changed little since its original opening. During the 1960s and early 70s, the venue was the unofficial headquarters for generals and foreign correspondents to discuss and report the Vietnam War. During the war, people gathered at the rooftop garden terrace, where they could see the air strikes across the river. Much of the bars fittings – such as the antique fans and raked ceiling – have been preserved. The spot remains a good vantage point to look out across the city and take in the sunset.
What’s new: The furnishings have been renewed, and several bands now perform in the evenings and add a musical element to the historic atmosphere.
Signature drinks: Tropical drinks, such as Good Morning Vietnam, Lychee Martini, Nineteen Mojito.
Signature snacks: Tapas with crostinies, pork liver pate, curried shrimp cocktail, lamb samosas and breaded mussels.
LONG BAR
The hotel: Raffles Hotel Singapore
When it opened: Early 1900s
Historic features: This bar is renowned for being the birthplace of the Singapore Sling. In 1915, Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the hotel, developed the famous cocktail, and since then ordering the drink has been a must. More importantly, Singapore Slings in other places have different ingredients from those in the Long Bar, where the exact recipe remains a secret. But the cocktail is not the only feature of this bar that gives a taste of times gone by: the décor also maintains a sense of history. After several rounds of relocation and renovation, the Long Bar's design today still exudes a sense of the Malayan plantations of the 1920s. The traditional reed fans, polished teakwood bar and wicker chairs have been renovated to echo the historic atmosphere. Another tradition that remains at the bar is the peanut shells that cover the floor. Guests are encouraged to brush peanut shells off the table and bar-top to the floor as a way to keep the relaxed ambience.
What’s new: The bar has changed little after the last relocation and renovation in 1991. Nowadays, there's live music.
Signature drinks: Singapore Sling and Martinis.
Signature snacks: Chicken, beef or lamb satay, fried calamari rings, and Long Bar mini burgers.
TAP ROOM BAR
The hotel: Manila Hotel
When it opened: 1912
Historic features: It was in this very bar that the conceptualisation of the Cathay Pacific company came about. The stage upon which local and international bands play has remained the same since the 1970s, as has the dome background made of stained glass. Another original fixture in the Taproom is the main bar itself.
What's new: Some furnishings including the carpet and chair upholstery has been updated.
Signature drinks: The Chamberlain drink and the Louis XIII de Remy Martin, a cognac that is blended and aged for a century.
Nino Lin
