By V. Sivaji
Long known as the “Town That Tin Built”, Ipoh has traditionally been associated with its rich mining heritage, colonial architecture, famous food, white coffee and laid-back lifestyle.
But as the city welcomes a new generation of travellers, the tourism landscape is gradually changing.
Today’s visitors are not content merely to explore Ipoh’s temples, heritage streets and food trails during the day. Increasingly, they want to know what happens after sunset. And there is plenty to discover.
A recent visit by the writer to several restaurants, pubs and bars around the city revealed a refreshing and increasingly diverse nightlife scene.
It may not rival Kuala Lumpur or Penang in scale, but that is perhaps part of Ipoh’s charm. Its nightlife is more intimate, relaxed and distinctly local, with live musicians, intimate bars, heritage shophouses, cocktails, wine, good food and plenty of opportunities to mingle.
Rather than one concentrated entertainment district, Ipoh’s after-dark scene is spread across several pockets, including Old Town and Concubine Lane, Jalan Lau Ek Ching, Greentown and Medan Ipoh.
My evening began at Scotch Pub, an Ipoh institution that has recently undergone a transformation.
Located in Ipoh Garden South, Scotch has long been remembered as a favourite watering hole for generations of Ipoh residents. The pub has now been refurbished, giving it a more spacious and contemporary feel while retaining the character of the original establishment.
Local reporting described the reborn Scotch as a refreshed version of an old Ipoh favourite, with the familiar long bar still forming an important part of its identity.
The attraction here is not simply the drinks. Scotch also offers Western-style food, making it a convenient place to begin the evening with dinner before moving on to the more music-oriented venues in the city.
From Ipoh Garden South, the next stop was the atmospheric Concubine Lane and Panglima Street area, where heritage buildings take on a completely different personality after dark.
One of the more distinctive discoveries here is The Argo Tavern & Lounge.
Located in the Old Town area, The Argo is quite unlike the conventional pub. The interior has been designed around a ship theme, with recycled timber, nautical details and warm lighting creating the feeling of being aboard an old vessel.
The ambience is relaxed, with music ranging from slow rock and jazz to acoustic numbers.
During my visit, John Sham was performing solo on guitar and vocals, delivering a selection of sentimental favourites.
There is also an interesting story behind the performer. John is a former Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot who has since become a pilot trainer in Ipoh.
It is this kind of local personality that gives Ipoh’s nightlife some of its character. The entertainment is not necessarily about big-name acts. Instead, it is about discovering talented people with stories of their own.
A short distance away is Holy Guacamole – Ipoh, another popular Old Town stop. The mood here is livelier, particularly when the musicians get into their stride.
During the visit, Jerry on bass guitar and Amy on lead guitar and vocals provided the soundtrack, moving through a medley of rock favourites and faster-paced numbers.
Ipoh’s nightlife does not offer everything from traditional pubs and live bands to cocktail bars, wine lounges, jazz, acoustic performances and casual late-night cafés. For example, the city’s life provides another option for those who prefer to enjoy a more contemporary cocktail experience, the growing number of specialist bars.
Moving into the heart of Greentown, the atmosphere changes again. Here, restaurants and bars tend to combine food and drinks with a more polished setting.
Shayo Bar and Restaurant is one such example, offering a cosy environment for those who prefer to enjoy a glass of wine and good food while catching up with friends.
Greentown has long been one of Ipoh’s recognised entertainment areas, and the district continues to evolve as new operators introduce different concepts. You can also check out more outlets along Jalan Lau Ek Ching
Happy Pub hopping !