April 2011

It’s beginning to be a cliché to describe a new spot in KL as a city getaway or an urban paradise, but I’ll refrain from doing that for The Hill because despite boasting that vibe (it’s an oasis in a sprawl of towering office blocks), it’s much more. It has an amazing beer garden, their lounge and loft upstairs sucks you in, and with cocktails served in watering pitchers and plastic bags coffeeshop- style (their Kopi O), this is one cool tree house disguised as a bar.

The car jockeys downstairs can come on strong, but all frustrations disappear when you open up their cocktail menu. Specials are shown as cartoonish illustrations, but their drinks? They’re anything but a laugh.

I pass on the popular Watermelon Slush (half a watermelon with vodka and lychee liquor) and try the deceptively safe Milo Ais. It looks like what you’d get at a mamak, but a full shot of rum made it a very comforting drink indeed. Their Coco-nutz was creamy and tropical, and to wash your drinks down, I recommend The Hill’s great Dragon Maki.

Sadly, I missed out on the spectacle of someone trying to descend the stairs of The Hill after a dose of Weed Killer. A lethal combination of six spirits and fed to you with a hosepipe, I say good luck if your friends insist on taking you there for your birthday.

Fridays and Saturdays are their busiest and reservations are essential. KL’s thirsty bunch are so enamoured with this spot, they’re even reserving bar space. Plan ahead. If you’re coming with a large party, snatch up their Japanese Garden table. The little enclave is cozy and the godsend is a private beer tap.

When I visited, The Hill were about to launch weekly events. Mondays are for King and Queen of The Hill (a beerguzzling challenge for couples), and defying city tradition, Wednesday is gentleman’s night. Blokes are spoilt with servers in bunny outfits, and for the fairer sex, there’s still free cocktails. Win-win for all, but my boyfriend’s still not coming. Rachel Jena