The Old Merchant: Melaka First Speakeasy Cocktail Bar

The Old Merchant Melaka 滙庄, the first speakeasy cocktail bar in this historical city. A must-visit place for chill & drink if you are not sure what to do in Melaka at night.

We came across The Old Merchant Cocktail Bar while strolling along the promenade of Malacca River after our dinner at nearby Jonker street night market. People were seen chilling outside a no-name shop, with old-school stainless steel metal mug in hand, which raised our curiosity on what was the drink content. ” At this hour, not Kopi Gao kot ” Summerkid said. Hahaha.

Decided to walk in and find out. Then errr...washroom came in sight. Lol. Went in further and wow! Our question was answered! It is a speakeasy bar – The Old Merchant Melaka.

Thoughtfully designed interior, highlighting oriental elements at almost every corner; from the Chinese art painting, vintage arched way, lion door knocker around the bar to red lanterns and Chinese-style oiled paper umbrella hanging from the ceiling.

We love the long bar with a wall of whisky and spirits, illuminated by this memorable 鬼佬凉茶 retro neon signage. Perfect for an Instagram-worthy shot.

We learnt that The Old Merchant was evolved from an original ancient private bank established in the 20’s. If you came from the “main entrance” – a shop painted in white, located along Jalan Kampung Pantai. You will see the words 葆德公司汇兑信局 on the shop’s pillar.  These Chinese words mean 汇庄, or 汇兑局, acted like private remittance service provider to help immigrants in Nanyang to transfer money back to their home in China those days.

So sip on your favourite cocktails, and enjoy the moments of stepping back in time through this concept bar. Go for the Classic Cocktail including Long Island Ice Tea, Jungle Bird, Mai Tai, Whisky Sour, Magharita and Mojito; or Bartender Cocktail Creation such as Majapahit, Bunga Kaseh, Made for Baba, Made for Nyonya, etc..

Majapahit RM35 – Barcardi Carta, Macaron Syrup, Lemon Juice, Sour Soup Juice, Pernod

Bunga Kaseh RM30 – Tanqueray, Lemon Juice, Pandan Syrup, Elderflower Syrup, Chrysanthmum Tea

Sun Wukong RM35 – Hennessy Vs, Banana Liquer, Angostura Bitter. Our favourite cocktails on The Old Merchant Melaka ‘s menu.

Made for Nyonya RM30 – Tanqueray, Lemon Juice, Cranberry Juice, Passion Fruit, Kaffir Lime

Other than cocktails, The Old Merchant also offers champagne, wine, beer, whisky and spirit. Visit before 9PM for better price on their “Happy Hour All Day, Everyday” bottled beer and jug cocktail.

The Old Merchant Melaka 滙庄

Address:
88, Jalan Kampung Pantai
Melaka, 75200 Melaka
Malaysia.
Opening hours:
6PM-1AM (Tue-Thu, Sun)
6PM-2AM (Fri-Sat)
Closed on Mondays

How to reach: Look for a shop painted in white, with 葆德公司汇兑信局 written on pillar