Charming RESPITE

‘The refurbished Noordin Mews offers a warm welcome.

- AMELIA TAN

During the 19th century, the establishment of Noordin Street marked a pivotal moment in the growth of George Town, Penang. Locally known as “Jee Tiau Lor,” or “The Second Street,” in the Penang Hokkien dialect, this area now stands as a vibrant reflection of the city’s historical journey, melding traditional architecture with urban development.

And yes, Noordin Mews is nestled within the area, at the heart of Penang’s Georgetown. Originally constructed in the 1920s, it seamlessly fuses the eclectic Straits shophouse design with the charm of a thoughtfully converted mews. The shophouse, a European-inspired structure built to cater to both commercial and residential needs, defines the Peranakan community’s rich legacy.

The mews, on the other hand, carry a captivating history. Once constructed as carriage houses for the wealthy residents of Noordin Street, it played a vital role in the equestrian lifestyle of the upper class during the 18th and 19th centuries.