The New Groove.

We check out Kuala Lumpur’s Heritage Row cluster of shophouses

WORDS JENNIFER CHOO

1. MAISON

For a club whose name means house in French, Maison is deadly serious about making itself every party animal’s place to call home. Welcoming people from every walk of life and every musical taste (each night of the week has a different musical theme), this is clubbing sans pretensions, with no dress codes, velvet ropes or VIP section. 8 Jalan Yap Ah Shak, tel: +60 (3) 2698 3328.

2. W WINE ROOM

Reminiscent of a New York loft but with an Oriental twist, W Wine Room is like a secret only the well-informed and well-heeled are privy to. This is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic bout of corporate slavery with a bottle from the extensive wine list. Quietly chi chi, this wine salon speaks volumes. 58 & 60, 1st Floor Jalan Doraisamy, Asian Heritage Row, tel: +60 (3) 2691 8672.

3. HERITAGE MANSION

The new kid on the block already has a reputation as the hottest club in town. The heritage façade houses a glamorous black, white and gold interior where patrons are served by their very own butler and French maid. House music rules the floors and DJs are handpicked specifically to get the A-list, invitation-only crowd going. 18-26 Jalan Kemunting, tel: +60 (3) 2694 6460.

4. UPSTAIRS@ THE LOFT

Light and sound sum up what Upstairs@The Loft is all about. Strike a pose on the illuminated catwalk-dance floor hybrid or linger at the massive island bar. Live sets from musicians blend seamlessly with DJ performances, and those with a secret agenda can retreat to the moody VIP room. 28-40 Jalan Doraisamy, Asian Heritage Row, tel: +60 (3) 2694 2888.

5. CYNNA@THE LOFT

Cynna is intimate, exotic and lush. Seating comprises banquettes and booths, ensuring that getting cosy is never a stretch. If this all seems too old world, a dazzling wall of LED lights keeps you rooted in the present. Catch a glimpse of the Petronas Twin Towers at the Glass Bar and enjoy the sexiest house music in town. 28-40 Jalan Doraisamy, Asian Heritage Row, tel: +60 (3) 2694 2888.

6. BED

An off-shoot of Bangkok’s renowned Bed Supperclub, Bed KL is an equally stylish affair. Futuristic and bright white, this is the place for those who like their décor, drinks and beats chilled. The ground floor hosts a champagne bar and lounge area, but the basement is where you really want to get into, if only to do some celebrity spotting. G-01, Heritage House, Asian Heritage Row, 33 Jalan Yap Ah Shak, tel: +60 (3) 2693 1122.