Offshoot of iconic Singapore colonial-era bar- relaxed sophistication with superb drinks and delicious pub food
October 31st, 2013
Signifying the first new luxury hotel in Makati for nearly twenty years, the opening of Raffles Makati in December 2012 introduced Manila to the globally renowned Raffles hallmark blend of colonial era heritage and sophisticated contemporary luxe. Included within the luxury all-suite hotel are two of the signature “institutions” from the original Singapore Raffles- the Writers Bar, and the Long Bar. The original Long Bar is renowned as the birthplace of the iconic “Singapore Sling” cocktail- which was created in 1915 by the Chinese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The distinctive pink cocktail has since spawned many iterations across the globe, but the original version is still served today at the Long Bar- essentially as it was nearly a century ago.
Labelled as the iconic “grand dame” of Singapore’s luxury hotels, the heritage listed Raffles Hotel was established on Singapore’s then waterfront in 1887. At the new Raffles Makati the heritage of the original Raffles has been preserved in design elements that evoke the grandeur of the colonial era, melded with the contemporary elegance of the modern 30 story tower housing three separate properties- the 32 suites of Raffles Makati, the Raffles Makati Residences, and the sibling hotel brand- the luxury Fairmont Hotel. Located to one side of the street level lobby of Raffles Makati, the Long Bar decor references the original Singapore bar with its dark timber ceiling and massive 10 metre plus long bar counter, classic mosaic tiled floors, and other colonial era ornaments, at the same time also evoking a modern style of understated elegance, and relaxed sophistication.
Long Bar Drinks & Bar Menu
While embracing its colonial era heritage, the Long Bar is also firmly grounded in delivering a first rate contemporary cocktail program, complemented with sumptuous bar cuisine and vibrant live music. The experienced team of bartenders serve up stellar renditions of classic and signature cocktails, as well as offering a full bar service with imported and local draft beers, wines and premium spirits. An all-day Bar Menu features selections of both snacks and more substantial dishes, with the weekday “The Long and Short of It” power lunch set menu, and the Saturday Beer Brunch, both popular promotions. A generous daily Happy Hour promotion between 6 pm and 8 pm offers an enticing package of free flow drinks and bar snacks platter.
The Long Bar opens daily from 12 midday until 2:00 am.
Check the Long Bar Facebook Page for updates on upcoming events and promotions.
Inside the Long Bar
The impressive solid dark mahogany bar counter spans over 10 metres in length- with the dark timber cabinetry behind the bar referencing the style of the original Long Bar in Singapore. Classic black & white movies play continuously on the inbuilt-LCD screens- evoking the by-gone colonial era.
Bartenders are formally attired in elegant white shirts and waistcoats with black ties- but the friendly and efficient service is a hallmark of the local culture. A tradition of the original Long Bar that has been adopted in Manila are the wooden bowls of complementary un-shelled peanuts on tables and down the length of the bar. Guests are encouraged to drop the empty shells onto the mosaic tiled floors- a quirky contradiction to the otherwise sophisticated environs.
Raffles Makati commissioned artwork from local artists to feature throughout the hotel- the whimsical collage behind the Long Bar evokes the process of a bartender mixing up the Raffles signature cocktail- the Singapore Sling.
Luxurious dark brown leather Chesterfield sofas extend along the high-ceilinged, slender space between the main bar counter and the lobby-side entrance.
Looking down onto the bright and spacious dining area at the rear section of Long Bar- with the outdoor terrace adjacent. Overhead fans oscillating mechanically replicate the installation in the original Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Paying homage to a local Filipino legend- a pop art style collage depicts the famous boxer Manny Pacquiao- with a pair of his boxing gloves showcased in an adjacent glass cabinet.
A pop art tribute to the famous silent movie era comedian- Charlie Chaplin- who had a long association with Raffles in Singapore as a residential guest.
A secluded spit-level outdoor terrace offers relaxed open-air seating for enjoying the balmy tropical evenings.
Long Bar Signature Cocktails
Spicy Mango Chelada– mango chili infusion, fresh lime, Tiger Beer.
Makati Luxury Sling– Tanqueray Ten, Cherry Blossom, Grand Marnier, Benedictine, Lime and Pineapple juice, Angostura Foam, 24k Gold flakes.
Makati Manhattan– Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Citrus & Don Papa-Spiced Red Vermouth, Angostura Bitter.
Selections from the All-Day Bar Menu
The Long Bar Burger– Angus Beef, Tomato, Lettuce, Onion, Gherkin, Bacon with French fries on the side.
(L) Merguez Sausage with tomato & harissa sauce
(R) Smoked Salmon Tarte Flambee – (tortilla flour)
Fried Duck Rolls- Peking duck wrapped with coriander, hoisin sauce, onion leeks serve with ginger plum sauce.
Crispy Rock Shrimp- Rock shrimp tempura served with chili mayonnaise.
Long Bar Menu & Promotions
(click on images to enlarge)
Long Bar- at Raffles Makati- Manila
Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City 1224. Philippines
Reservations: +63.2. 555 9777
Website: www.raffles.com/makati/
Facebook Page: Raffles Makati
Opening Hours: All-day dining 12:00 pm ~ 02:00 am
Dress code: Casual-chic
Entertainment: Monday to Thursday 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 7:00 pm to 2:00 am
Promotions:
Happy Hour- Daily 6 pm to 8 pm Free flow on red and white wines (monthly selections), unlimited pourings Singapore Sling cocktails & premium draft and bottled beer. PHP 680 net per person.
“The Long & Short of It”– power lunch Monday to Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm. Set 3 course menu- choice of appetizers & main + selection of desserts- PHP 995 net per person.
Saturday Beer Brunch– every Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm. Free flow international & local draft beer; cold cuts, fresh salads, classic pub favourites, desserts & live music. PHP 1990.00 net per person.
See also: asia-bars.com review article on LONG BAR at Raffles Hotel, Singapore
