Republic

Much buzz has been surrounding Republic, the new bar that just opened at the new wing of Sunway Pyramid. The hype is understandable though. Conceptualised by the same people behind the popular Laundry at The Curve, citizens from surrounding areas of Subang Jaya, USJ and Bandar Sunway can only hope that it breathes much-needed life to the township’s rather lacking nightlife scene.

For the all-important first impression, I have to be honest and say that Republic was a tad underwhelming. This is probably due to the fact that the first thing that greets you as you approach it is its outdoor bar. The al fresco dining area itself feels rather messy. Unlike Laundry where they had small barricades erected to separate the bar, Republic’s outdoor area is left to the open, so the floor layout feels very nonchalant, with chairs and tables arranged around the bar and out to Oasis Boulevard. You don’t get the feeling that you’ve “arrived” at the bar; it’s more like you’re just strolling in. The bar, however, is nicely stocked and more than ample. The bartenders are enthusiastic, and when I was there, they were flipping bottles in beat to the music. And right on top of the bar, overlooking the entire boulevard, is the DJ podium.

Leading into the inside of Republic, is something quite unexpected: a lighted runway! Perfect for anyone who believes in dressing up to impress, the runway definitely focuses the crowd’s attention to anyone walking on it (it can get a little slippery, though). Unlike the al fresco area, one can make a definite entrance inside. There’s yet another DJ console inside, albeit a smaller one. Since Republic takes on an Oriental theme, their walls are painted opulent red while colourful Eastern lanterns dangle from its exposed ceiling. The couches are also in red, and there are interesting touches of décor here and there, such as a wooden cabinet made to look antiquated. Still, since the space itself is huge, they can do with more such decorative touches.

Following its Oriental theme, Republic’s cocktails also reflect this creative direction. The Longan Mojito (RM23.90) is, as you would have guessed, the classic mojito with longans. The 107th Concubine (RM25.90) is a blend of dragon fruit, rum, crème de cassis and cranberry while Miss Saigon (RM26.90) is mixes passionfruit and sake on top of its white spirit base. For something more interesting, try their Teapot Shots (RM30), Black Mamba Shots (RM15.90), or Cocktail Tower (RM150), which is a 2-litre tower filled with your choice of South China, Red Yakuza or Margarita Lime.

As for the music, Republic has lined up DJ Daryl on Sundays (funky house), Jason on Mondays (chill-out house), Nicky C on Tuesdays and Saturdays, DJ Low on Wednesdays (drum n’ bass), indie electro on Thursdays (courtesy of Lexxtronik and Xes! Xes!), and hip hop on Fridays with DJ Nesh. Though it still needs time to grow into its own, Republic’s presence at least jazzes up the club scene in Sunway, which was previously dominated by CocoBanana Club (formerly known as Q Bar).

Text Sarah Chan Photo Valene Tan