As the week draws to a close, the enchanting melodies of jazz permeate the air, signaling the beginning of the violet hour at The St. Regis Bar Jakarta. With the sun gracefully descending from its peak, casting a warm golden glow, this sophisticated establishment sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Nestled amidst the thriving central business districts of Kuningan, Sudirman, and Thamrin, which form one of the fastest-growing business centers in the Asia Pacific region, The St. Regis Jakarta has firmly established itself as a prominent luxury hotel in the city, catering to discerning guests seeking unparalleled elegance and impeccable service.
Boasting a lavish and meticulously crafted design, the St. Regis Bar Jakarta opened its doors in late 2022, paying homage to the renowned King Cross bar in New York. Here, the art of drinking is exalted, and the rich legacy of the original House of Astor, embodied by The St. Regis New York, is honored, creating an atmosphere where indulgence and sophistication intertwine.
“The concept behind St. Regis Bar Jakarta is deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the renowned St. Regis Bar in New York, particularly the historic King Cole Bar that graced The St. Regis New York back in 1932. Drawing inspiration from these iconic destinations, we pay homage to their legacy by introducing a jazz-infused bar experience with a strong emphasis on expertly crafted cocktails.” Explained Clément Larre, Director of Food and Beverage of The St. Regis Jakarta.
King Cole Bar is a true legend among the plethora of bars in New York City and has long been revered as the ultimate destination for cocktail enthusiasts. This iconic establishment is the birthplace of the beloved Bloody Mary and has played host to a myriad of famous couples, from the enchanting duo of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio to the iconic pairing of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Welcome to The St. Regis BarJakarta
As guests step into The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, they are instantly greeted by a grand hallway adorned with captivating bar islands at its end. The front two rooms showcase an extensive collection of fine beverages. One room is dedicated to an impressive array of Whisky. At the same time, the other proudly displays an abundant selection of wines, spanning from the enchanting new world to the timeless old world.
“As you step into our establishment, you’ll immediately feel transported to the energetic ambiance of New York City. The meticulous design by Champalimaud, a talented New York-based designer, captures the essence of an authentic jazz bar, from the mesmerizing chandeliers to the carefully selected furniture. Our attention to detail is evident in every element, including the captivating mural at the end of the bar,” said Clément. Designed by Eddy Susanto, the mural tells a captivating story of Indonesia’s rich music history and the evolution of jazz.
Meet The Velvet Band
The St. Regis Bar Jakarta takes its reputation to new heights with the presence of its resident band, the Velvet Band.
“They are an integral part of our team, and we take great pride in their exceptional performances that truly enhance the ambiance of the St. Regis Bar. One of our key highlights that sets us apart is our live band. We carefully curate bands with diverse backgrounds, and our Velvet Band takes the stage every day from 8:30 PM onwards, captivating and entertaining our guests. It’s a defining element that makes the St. Regis Bar a remarkable destination,” said Clément.
Comprised of five members, the Velvet Band transports you to a world of enchanting jazz melodies and soulful R&B tunes while you indulge in the exquisite cocktails offered at The St. Regis Bar Jakarta.
Brandi, the lead vocalist, has honed her skills under the guidance of the renowned opera singer, Mr. Curtis Rayam. Charith, the drummer, is a seasoned performer in the club and bar scene in Colombo, known for his versatility across different musical genres.
“Our music revolves around jazz, but as the night progresses, we seamlessly transition into R&B and popular music,” explained Omar. With a decade of experience, Omar, who handles the bass and serves as the band leader, is admired for his tasteful and versatile performances.
Hailing from southeast Italy, Marco has been passionate about music since ten, specializing in playing the piano and keyboard. “It’s nearly impossible to feel down in this atmosphere,” Marco shared his experience at The St. Regis Bar Jakarta. With their lively presence and genuine passion, the band effortlessly captivates the crowd with their irresistible music.
“Being from different countries, we strive to showcase our style in our songs, which gives our music a unique touch. With our diverse nationalities and experiences, I’m confident that we possess a certain charm that audiences can eagerly anticipate during our performances,” Marco elaborated.
A Remnant of New York
Stepping into the bar, its utmost focus lies in the programming centered around the vibrant spirit of New York and its charming suburbs. This dedication ensures that each cocktail crafted holds its unique narrative, bringing a captivating tale to your glass.
“In 1934, Fernand Petiot, the bartender at The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar, invented the Bloody Mary. Since then, it has become a staple in all St. Regis bars. We proudly offer the original Bloody Mary here. At the same time, each St. Regis location also offers its own locally inspired version,” shared I Putu Hendra Pramana, the St. Regis Jakarta Bar & Beverage Manager.
St. Regis Bar Jakarta takes the concept of the iconic Bloody Mary to new heights with their rendition of a localized masterpiece known as the Batavia Mary. Embracing the archipelago’s diversity, the Batavia Mary pays homage to the vibrant culinary traditions that have shaped the city’s identity. This distinctive drink combines locally-made arak, vinegar (cuka), and sambal oelek to bring forth the unique and bold flavors that define Jakarta.
“The Violet Hour is one of my favorite drinks; it is our signature drink here at St. Regis Bar. Its exquisite taste and refreshing qualities make it a true delight,” exclaimed Hendra.
At the culmination of each day, as twilight descends, The St. Regis Bar Jakarta indulges in the glorious tradition known as the Violet Hour, a cherished favorite among our signature drinks. Embracing the essence of a classic martini, an enduring symbol of sophistication and refined elegance, this libation marks the transition from work to leisure, beckoning the advent of a limitless evening.
The Violet Hour is an exquisite blend of gin, aromatized wine, orange liqueur, violet liqueur, orange bitters, and a touch of lemon oil. Infused with delicate floral and citrus notes, this concoction provides a revitalizing lift to the senses, creating a tranquil and inviting ambiance while igniting the hunger to embrace the night’s festivities and surrender to the rhythmic melodies of jazz.
With its inviting ambiance and exceptional drink selections, The St. Regis Bar Jakarta promises an unforgettable experience where indulgence, sophistication, and the universal jazz language converge.
The St. Regis Bar Jakarta
Rajawali Place, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Blok Kav. B/4, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12910