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Nestled in the historic heart of Melaka at 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, The Old Merchant stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant past and innovative present. Housed in a pre-war shop that once served as a private bank in the 1920s, this hidden speakeasy bar has transformed into one of Melaka’s most intriguing destinations for cocktail enthusiasts and nightlife seekers alike. Here, history blends seamlessly with modern mixology, offering an immersive experience that redefines what a night out in Melaka can be.
Our Vision: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
At The Old Merchant, the vision is to create a space where the storied past of Melaka converges with the creative energy of contemporary cocktail culture. The establishment honors its heritage by preserving architectural and design elements from its origins as a private bank while reimagining them in a modern, immersive context. This commitment to fusing history with innovation makes every visit a journey back in time—one that is both nostalgic and exhilarating.
History and Heritage: A Journey Through Time
The name “The Old Merchant” pays homage to the building’s fascinating past. Originally established in the 1920s as a private bank, the shop was a hub for financial transactions among Chinese immigrants. The traditional Chinese characters adorning the white façade and columns serve as a reminder of the building’s origins as a remittance service for those seeking to send money back to their hometowns in China. Today, these historical elements have been thoughtfully preserved and reinterpreted, providing a unique backdrop for an authentic Melaka cocktail experience.
Ambiance and Interior Design
Step inside The Old Merchant and you are immediately immersed in an atmosphere that exudes both opulence and intimacy. The interior is a tasteful blend of vintage charm and contemporary design. Ornate details such as red Chinese lanterns, traditional calligraphy, and antique furnishings are juxtaposed with modern lighting and sleek bar installations, creating a setting that is as Instagram-worthy as it is welcoming.
The centerpiece of the venue is a long hexagonal bar, behind which a wall of carefully arranged bottles is illuminated by retro neon signage. Hidden nooks, plush seating, and dramatic drapery create intimate corners ideal for conversation and relaxation. Whether you’re here for a quiet drink or a lively night out, the carefully curated ambiance of The Old Merchant sets the stage for a truly memorable experience.
Craft Cocktails and Signature Drinks
At The Old Merchant, the cocktail menu is as innovative as it is diverse. Expert mixologists craft each drink using premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and a dash of local inspiration. The bar offers an array of both classic and inventive cocktails that pay homage to Melaka’s cultural tapestry. Some signature drinks include:
- Love in Malacca: A light, citrus-infused concoction featuring Tanqueray gin, lemon juice, yuzu, and lychee syrup—garnished with longan, rosemary, and a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles for a playful twist.
- Bunga Kaseh: A vibrant, green cocktail that blends in-house pandan syrup and chrysanthemum tea with elderflower syrup and lemon juice, creating a drink that is as refreshing as it is visually striking.
- Chasing Sang Kancil: A bold, mini margarita creation with Captain Morgan rum, Amaro di Angostura, and chilli elements—designed to evoke the clever spirit of the legendary mouse deer from Malaysian folklore.
- Made for Nyonya: A gin-based cocktail with a delicate balance of cranberry and passion fruit, elevated with kaffir lime and a foamy egg white topping for a sophisticated finish.
- Made for Baba: A robust bourbon blend enriched with Amaro di Angostura and cinnamon, garnished with caramel popcorn—a drink designed for slow sipping and deep conversation.
Craft cocktails at The Old Merchant typically hover around the RM30 mark, with special Happy Hour promotions available before 9 PM for even better deals on drinks.
Live Music Performance
Enhancing its unique ambiance, The Old Merchant also comes alive with the sounds of live music. On select nights, the venue transforms into a dynamic hub of entertainment with live DJ sets and live band performances. Whether you prefer soulful acoustic tunes, energetic jazz numbers, or contemporary hits remixed with local flair, the live music at The Old Merchant elevates the overall cocktail experience, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and inviting.
This fusion of crafted cocktails and live music makes for a truly immersive night out. Guests can sip on their favorite drinks while enjoying rhythmic beats that complement the historical charm of the venue, making each visit an event to remember.
Customer Experience and Reviews
The Old Merchant has garnered a loyal following among locals and tourists alike, and online reviews attest to its distinctive charm. Guests often praise the bar for its intimate, speakeasy vibe, friendly service, and meticulously crafted cocktails. Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Instagram highlight its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, with many visitors noting that the live music performances add an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Practical Information
When planning your visit, remember that The Old Merchant is ideally located near the Melaka River, making it a perfect stop during an evening stroll along the historic streets of Melaka. Whether you’re looking to kick off a night of bar hopping or simply enjoy a quiet drink in a sophisticated setting, this hidden speakeasy bar is a must-visit.
Why The Old Merchant is a Must-Visit
For those in search of an authentic and immersive cocktail experience in Melaka, The Old Merchant is the ultimate destination. Its unique combination of historical ambiance, innovative drink offerings, live music performances, and warm, inviting service creates an atmosphere that is both captivating and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious traveler eager to explore Melaka’s nightlife, a visit to The Old Merchant promises to be a journey into the past with a modern twist—a true Melaka Cocktail Experience that you will not soon forget.
Join the Journey at Onalulu
At Onalulu, we are passionate about uncovering and sharing the most inspiring travel and culinary experiences from around the world. The Old Merchant is a shining example of a destination where history, innovation, and culture converge to create a truly unique nightlife experience in Melaka. We invite you to explore our detailed guides, local recommendations, and in-depth reviews at Onalulu.com and embark on a journey that celebrates the best of Melaka’s cultural and cocktail scene.
Step into The Old Merchant, savor every sip of its artfully crafted cocktails, enjoy the vibrant live music, and let the ambiance transport you back in time while inspiring your present. Your next unforgettable Melaka cocktail adventure awaits—join us and experience the magic of this hidden speakeasy bar.
Selamat menjamu selera, and happy exploring!
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Sarah Abbott
a month agoBeautiful, low lit bar with plenty of drink choices and wheat beer on tap. We sat in their outdoor seating which is on the river as they had live music inside on which was a little loud for us to talk. They seem to ask people to pay as they drink even if table service which is slightly odd, but this could be because we were sitting outside.
Dennis Lee
2 months agoA super IG place. So uniquely decorated. Superb! Just love it. Was early, band only starts 9.30pm. Start with their special cocktail, Sakura Blue. Not bad. Mainly with sake, grapefruit juice n dusted with Himalayan salt on glass edge. 2nd drink was Wo De Mei Ren. Service was attentive and friendly as per most reviews. Keep it up!
Shan Nie Chew
a month agoAtmosphere is nice, just like many bars alongside river here. Their cocktail just average, good but nothing great. While I was eating, the staff brought me the bill to check when I did not ask for eat. Couldn't enjoy my dinner, cocktail and the supposedly chill atmosphere. The staff not friendly, gave me a stern stare. Carbonara half full. The rudeness spoilt entire dining experience
Sheldon Vinsent
2 weeks agoCocktails here are nice and the waitress was friendly enough to give recommendations based on what you like. It might be too loud inside as there is a live band so you can sit outside by the river as well but sit away from the outside speaker if you really want a quiet and chill place to drink.
DEBBIE YEONG
2 months agoI recently visited The Old Merchant in Malacca with my family, looking forward to a pleasant experience during our holiday. However, I was disappointed with the way our visit turned out. After spending time enjoying our food and drinks, we were surprised to be presented with the bill without even requesting it. This made us feel rushed, as though we were being asked to leave, which is not what we expected from an establishment of your reputation. It dampened what was supposed to be a relaxing outing for my family and me. I hope you take this feedback constructively and consider how such actions can affect the overall guest experience. As Malaysia prepares for World Tourism 2025, I believe ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors is essential.