[Hospitality News]

Shadrach Shan Joins Bar Trigona as Head Bartender

Bar Trigona at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur welcomes new Head Bartender Shadrach Shan, better known as Shawn. He joins Assistant Bar Manager Julian Brigget to usher in an exciting new era at one of the country’s most renowned bars.

Bar Trigona claimed a coveted spot among The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020, making it the first-ever bar in the country to receive this recognition. It was also named 12th Best Bar in Asia by Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021.

Guests can look forward to new discoveries at Bar Trigona in the coming months, including a fresh menu inspired by local produce and lively guest bartender takeovers. Also on the cards: an uptick in energy and playfulness, led by Shawn’s love for shaken cocktails and Julian’s passion for interacting with guests.

A member of the Bar Trigona team since 2018, Shawn has been an integral part of its journey from local favourite to globally recognised bar. He first came on board as Bar Supervisor, working his way up to Assistant Bar Manager and now taking the reins as Head Bartender. “I’m thrilled to take up the mantle from Ashish Sharma,” he says enthusiastically. “Leading the team here is my passion, my dream, my goal.”

With a zest for experimenting with local produce and making the most of every single ingredient, Shawn is keen to build further on Bar Trigona’s approach of sustainability and innovation.

“We will continue to redefine luxury beverages by showcasing the best of Malaysian farms and gardens,” he notes, adding that true sustainability goes far beyond simply eliminating single-use plastic. “We have to look at the entire lifecycle. What can we reuse, recycle, repurpose? I hope guests will join us as we explore different ways to help protect our planet.”

Born in Selangor, Malaysia, young Shawn initially planned to become an architect. All that changed when, at the age of 17, he got a part-time job at TGI Fridays. “Until then, I was quite shy and reserved,” he smiles. “But interacting with guests was so much fun! I loved engaging with new personalities, new flavours, new ideas. I knew this was where I belonged.”

After completing his diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Service from Singapore, Shawn began his career at the Gallery Hotel Singapore. He then honed his skills as a Bartender at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, followed by a move back to Kuala Lumpur with the same brand. After a successful stint at another five-star hotel bar in the city, he rejoined the Four Seasons family.

“Working at Bar Trigona was a game-changer for me,” he shares frankly. “This is where I really learned the craft of cocktail-making, the art of creating my own signature drinks. Now I’m excited to take things to the next level, with the support of my incredible team.”

Hospitality is second nature to Julian – “you could say it’s in my genes,” he says with a laugh. “My mum worked in the hotel industry, so I grew up in this world. By the age of five, I already had a hundred hotel nights under my belt!”

This early exposure gave Julian a valuable understanding of guest service, ultimately inspiring him to build a career in hotels. After earning an advanced diploma in hospitality management, he honed his skills at multiple luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur, rapidly moving up the ladder to bar service leader and then team leader. In 2018, he joined the preopening team of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur as Assistant Bar Manager, a role he has essayed with skill and flair ever since.

Why bars and not restaurants? “There are fewer protocols because people come here to unwind and have fun,” he explains. “Bar Trigona has a stylish yet authentic vibe, so I can be who I am.”

Unlike traditional hotel bars, the ambience at Bar Trigona is effortlessly relaxed, inviting guests to open up and be themselves. Keep an eye out for Julian who’s always with a warm smile and chic ponytail.

For Julian and his team, the Golden Rule is a daily motto: to treat others as you want to be treated. “Everyone who walks through our doors is met with a warm welcome and treated with genuine care. That’s who we are,” he says proudly.

The story of Bar Trigona is woven around its muse: the trigona honeybee. Native to Malaysia, these tiny, stingless bees produce a honey prized for its sweet and sour notes. The team sources its artisanal honey from a farm in Negeri Sembilan, a partnership that has flowered into a hive of eco-friendly initiatives over time. “Guests can even adopt their own beehive at the farm,” remarks Shawn.

Besides honey, homegrown ingredients such as cacao and figs are woven through the menu. “For us, a big part of sustainability means working with local communities,” explains Julian, noting that Bar Trigona’s hyperlocal approach is founded on long-standing partnerships with Malaysian farmers.

The team’s latest noteworthy project is Tree-volution, an ambitious reforestation initiative that is planting fruit trees around Malaysian farms. Proceeds from selected cocktails fund seed collection, planting and protection of the fledgling forest. Alongside with providing employment, the goal is to refortify the soil and restore biodiversity. Bar Trigona is also setting up its very own herb farm in collaboration with a long-time partner.

For more info, head over to https://www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur/dining/lounges/bar-trigona/

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Unveils an Exciting Festive Calendar

With the holiday season fast approaching, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi unveils an exciting festive calendar, filled with experiences that invite guests to reconnect with loved ones – and with the timeless beauty of nature.

Head to Langkawi this year-end for countless ways to make new memories together with loved ones at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, from waking up to sound of waves, to celebratory meals at the resort’s vibrant restaurants.

Set along a pristine mile-long stretch of beach, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is woven around tropical gardens and dramatic limestone cliffs, while lush rainforests and mangroves are located nearby.

Here’s what’s in store at the resort:

Mangroves Tour – Floating Jetty

Daily

Glide through a maze of mangroves between land and sea. Senior Naturalist Aidi Abdullah reveals the jungle’s many secrets – from root systems that protect the coast, to mischievous monkeys that reside overhead.

Schoolcation Festive Edition – Lutong Kids Club

Daily

Now, more than ever, Four Seasons believes that vacations should be joyful as well as meaningful. Kids can explore a fantastic line-up of activities that allow them to connect with nature, pick up new skills and broaden their horizons – all while having loads of fun.

Lobster Night – Serai Beach

December 3-4, 2021

Savour a succulent feast by the waves. Straight from the Andaman Sea, each fresh-caught lobster is individually examined by Chef Panjang. Only the best crustaceans make it to the plate!

Beach BBQ – Kelapa Grill

December 10-11, 2021

Tranquil beach? Check. Fabulous views? Check. A selection of premium meats, fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables? Check. Welcome to the ultimate island BBQ.

14 States Menu – Ikan Ikan

December 17-18, 2021

Feast on Malaysian favourites curated by the talented trio – Chef Panjang, Chef Bob and Chef Ismail. This menu traces a route across the country, from faraway Sabah and Sarawak to next-door Perlis and Langkawi’s home state of Kedah.

Bonfire Night – Rhu Bar

December 22, 2021

A bonfire on the beach brings a cosy end to the day’s adventures. Guests can sip Sleep Well cocktails or mocktails as they snuggle up to watch the dancing flames, canopied by a sky full of stars.

Family Yoga – Family Pool

December 23, 2021

Kids, parents and grandparents – everyone is invited to this beachside yoga session. Learn easy asanas, practice meditation, and focus on wellbeing as a family.

Christmas Eve Dinner – Ikan Ikan/Kelapa Grill

December 24, 2021

Discover a world of flavours on the plate. The Four Seasons culinary team takes diners around the globe with an international feast – from Italy and the Middle East, to India and China.

Morning Yoga – Teratai Pavilion

December 25, 2021

Begin Christmas Day on a bright, harmonious note. An experienced yogi guides guests through a series of energising poses, framed by lotus blooms and shimmering waters.

Beers & Burgers – Family Pool

December 25, 2021

Celebrate Christmas with a splash! Enjoy gourmet burgers and craft beers between dips in the pool. Also on the menu: cool mocktails and frothy milkshakes.

Mother & Daughter Festive Cooking Class – Ikan Ikan

Father & Son Cocktails Masterclass – Rhu Bar

December 28, 2021

Calling mums and dads to spend some quality time with their “mini-me.” These interactive classes give parents and kids a chance to learn, bond and have a great time together.

Sunset Bazaar – Retail Zone

December 29, 2021

Say hello to Langkawi’s local artisans at the Resort’s holiday market. Browse the best of island handicrafts, perfect as souvenirs and gifts.

Sunset Picnic – Rumah Ikan Fish House

December 30, 2021

As sunset colours light up the sky, share canapés and Champagne at the Fish House. Poised over the waves, this tranquil escape invites loved ones to cherish magical moments together.

New Year’s Eve Party – Ikan Ikan/Upper Serai/Rhu Bar

December 31, 2021

Say goodbye to 2021 in Four Seasons style. This fabulous soiree has everything one needs to bring in the New Year, from gourmet cuisine to astonishing fire-dances. Snuggle up with the kids for movie night and a bonfire on the beach, or dance the night away under the stars.

Lazy Morning Floating Breakfast – Adult Quiet Pool/Beach Villa

January 1, 2022

Slip into the pool for a sumptuous floating breakfast. Could there be a better way to start the New Year? This experience is also available in the privacy of the Beach Villa.

Discover Your Element – Geo Spa

January 2, 2022

Return to a state of body-mind-spirit wellbeing. This tailored journey is designed to identify personal imbalances and illuminate inner harmony.

12 Days of Christmas Joy

As the year draws to a close, gather friends and family for a magical Christmas close to home.

This relaxing getaway includes a valuable dining credit and daily breakfast.

For more info or to make a reservation, head over to https://www.fourseasons.com/langkawi/

Dine-In at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels And Resorts’ Rooftop Restaurants And Bars in Malaysia

This November, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts offers various rooftop dining experiences at the group’s cocktail lounges and rooftop restaurants at their properties in Malaysia.

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Celebrate the Tiki spirit by grooving to some eclectic beats while enjoying your drinks at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral’s Mai Bar. Mai Bar offers a wide selection of beers, wines and liquors while cocktail lovers can savour in their array of creative concoctions with crowd-pleasers like Mai Bar’s refreshing Moana Puru or Malaysian Princess Mai Tai as their signatures. Food includes homemade pizzas, juicy Wagyu and Angus burgers, and more. Situated on the 30th floor, guests can lounge beside the hotel’s infinity-edged swimming pool while taking in the views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

For reservations or more information, call +603 2723 1188 or visit www.aloftkualalumpursentral.com

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown invites guests to indulge in an evening of one-of-a-kind cocktails while getting acquainted with all that Chinatown has to offer. The red burnt brick, golden brass and tuxedo-like black and white floor tiles set a sophisticated backdrop for Jann’s signature jade wrap-around bar to shine, while featuring inventive cocktails inspired by traditional trades, local cultures and legends that make Chinatown a heritage destination. Guests can also step outside for a panoramic view of the bustling district below and views of KLCC and KL Tower for a juxtaposed view of old and new Kuala Lumpur.

For reservations or more information, call +6012 507 3327 or email dining@fourpoints.com

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

Experience the unique “Sunset in Motion” experience from the iconic Rooftop @ Le Méridien, with a panoramic view of the South China Sea and the five islands of the marine park. Bask in the tranquil journey as Kota Kinabalu oceanfront transforms from day to night, with the sun blissfully setting over the horizon, providing a picturesque backdrop with catamarans chasing after the sunset, fishing boats idly docking at the wharf, while the night market across the hotel comes alive.

Rooftop @ Le Meridien offers destination-inspired creative mixes and innovative bites including the ingenious signature cocktails concocted with local favourites including lihing, a tasty locally-produced rice wine, as well as snacks with a Sabahan twist. Guests can enjoy this from the comfortably designed open deck, or from one of three private spaces perfect for intimate celebrations or events.

For more information, call +608 832 2222

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel

Relax and lounge in the calming oasis at Sheraton Petaling Jaya’s Sala Bar, while soaking in the captivating city views of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, complemented by cocktails and light bites. Socialise in an outdoor setting with an elegant selection of tapas, local and Western favourites with refreshing cocktails.

Enjoy Ladies’ Night every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm, featuring a house wine buffet at RM69nett per person and 50% off house pouring on whiskey, vodka, gin and rum.

For reservations or more information, call +603 7622 8958 or email Dining.SPJ@sheraton.com

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

Presenting a wide range of cocktails, with martinis as a definite specialty, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa’s Breeze Lounge is the place to sip and savour, while taking in the serenity and beauty of Langkawi as the ideal backdrop for ultimate relaxation.

Guests can also choose from Wines of the World and light snacks while they soak up the serene atmosphere from the open bar, relax with a book on plush couches, or find a relaxing spot on the outdoor terrace for an unparalleled view of the Andaman Sea. Don’t forget to try the Crafted at Westin cocktails and mocktails the next time you are there. The signature beverage program, which encompasses a themed menu and offering, Crafted at Westin is all about fresh, handcrafted cocktails with no artificial ingredients.

For reservations or more information, call +604 960 8888 or email Westin.Langkawi@westin.com

Photo credits: Respective hotels