The Den is the new under-the-radar saloon in the Makati CBD’s… just what the scene needed

Shhh! Keep it down…speakeasy, sip easy.

Makati’s denizens have been waiting for a fresh speakeasy concept for some time now, and the Makati Shangri-La has stepped up to the challenge.

Formerly one of the VIP private rooms of the Shang Place, which can accommodate up to 50 at a time, the pop-up concept is but a sexified extension of one of the Manila’s oldest Chinese fine-dining establishments.

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

Think a glamourised opium den where dark, sultry vermillion lighting makes every oriental detail and chotsky, like a waving gold Maneki-neko, glow in the dark. The room’s original glittery chandeliers were retained while edgier design elements were added, such as the Chinese characters that spell out “secret,” that jump off the walls.

Fanciful, oriental-inspired signature cocktails curated by beverage manager, Clayton Munar, tastily conjure noble imagery of mystical societies and bygone dynasties. From the dark spectrum of liquor, the Fú (Plantation dark rum, orgeat syrup, peach, like, bitters, and house-made sesame-pineapple soda) or the Opi-Yum (Hennessy VS, Chinese 5-spice syrup, rosemary, apple, and bitters) will appeal to everyone; from the clear, the ladies might like the Jasmine Lily (Opihr oriental spiced gin, rose syrup, lemongrass, lemon, and house-made jasmine tea espuma).

Those who don’t drink will love the pretty Shanghai Snow Garden (liquid nitrogen elderflower syrup, cucumber pulp, aloe vera, coconut water, and Sichuan button flowers) or a “dessert drink” like the Annin (almond syrup, coconut milk, lychee, and ginger).

Additionally, Kalel Demetrio, AKA Liquido Maestro of Agimat Foraging Bar fame, whipped up five for-a-limited-time-only concoctions aptly called Violet Lotus, Diplomatic Sour, China Town, Year of the Dragon, and Imperial Mojito.

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

Food-wise, the bar chow is in theme what with addictive savoury snackables such as fried wontons, scallop dumplings, Wagyu spring rolls, Szechuan shrimp, and Dragon’s Skin (deep-fried fish skin with salted egg). For those so inclined, the red bean pancake is a sweet treat worth trying.

Intimate, relaxed, and conducive for a low-key tipple, this is exactly the kind of speakeasy the heart of the city was aching for. How long The Den will be “popped up” for, however, is unknown. So enjoy this little hideaway while you can.

Tatler Asia

Tatler Tip: One can access The Den via Shang Palace or from a nondescript passage leading from Makati Avenue (look for the BDO!).

 

 

The Den at Makati Shangri-La Manila is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to midnight. For reservations, call +632.8814.2580.