The Modern Alchemist

In town recently for his guest shift at SUSHISAMBA, Jon Lee, founder of Penrose, one of the most progressive and celebrated bars in Malaysia, caught up with us for some heady existential stock taking.

- WORDS INDRAN PARAMASIVAM PHOTOS PENROSE

IT'S NEVER JUST about the drink.

A good bartender isn't merely the source of an upper-echelon cocktail. As Jon Lee shows dashingly every time he is at work, an outstanding custodian of the bar weaves a quietly high-stakes experience over the counter, presenting visions both tantalising and exquisite.

Penrose's ascent to the apex of cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur's landscape is because of his ingenuity and ardour in ensuring that the stars always twinkle within its cosmos. Securing eighth position in 2024's Asia's 50 Best Bars roundup, the bar has been the canvas of Jon's visionary ethos since its inception in 2022. The former Tippling Club bartender came to Singapore recently for a guest shift at Sushisamba, opening the door to an insightful conversation about the intricacies of the cocktail as high art.

How was your guest shift at Sushisamba?

It was fantastic. Kaus did a great job putting everything together. We had a great crowd, and the energy flowed smoothly throughout the night. The shift ran late, but the team was incredibly supportive, which made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.

What kind of prep work goes into a guest shift of that nature?