Gravity atop G Hotel Kelawai in Penang offers stunning views of George Town’s skyline, including the iconic Komtar Tower. — Photos: JEREMY TAN/The Star
IN A modern world defined by experiences, rooftop bars represent the pinnacle of imbibement.
While there is nothing wrong with having a tipple at ground level, doing so against a backdrop of city skylines, twinkling lights and vast landscapes elevates the experience to a multi-sensory and social media-worthy affair.
Such sky-high spaces are trending across the world’s nightlife capitals, but there are still only a handful in Penang -- with the cleverly named Gravity atop G Hotel Kelawai one of the most spectacular.
Located 24 storeys up and some 83m from street level, the place exerts a pull with its alluring combination of crafty tipples, tasty nibbles and stunning visuals.
To get to Gravity, take only the two outermost elevators at the lift lobby. The one furthest in only goes up until the 23rd floor.
The ride up is dim by design, so when the doors open, the 270-degree panorama that unfolds will feel almost theatrical. Standing out among George Town’s skyline is the iconic Komtar Tower, while a litany of high-rises are juxtaposed against the island’s lush inland hills.
On clear days, the Penang Bridge is also visible.
Gravity’s air-conditioned lounge is plush and modern, with an expanse of windows framing the vistas like picture postcards.
Mild and tropical, the Blue Hawaiian will please many.
Dark wood panelling also serves to focus your attention outside, as the views are the star here.
Not that the drinks are any less enticing.
Bartender Danial suggested I start the evening with the signature Blue Hawaiian.
Made with rum, Malibu, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, lime juice and cream, it was distinctly tropical and conjured images of the beach.
Mild, easy to sip and highly photogenic, no wonder it is a crowd-pleaser.
“Guests are always fascinated by its baby blue colour. It’s been a favourite since we introduced it nearly a decade ago,” Danial shared.
Yearning for something with more kick, I went for the frozen Lime Margarita next.
Just tequila, triple sec and lime juice blended with ice, it was the perfect tonic for the island’s sweltering weather.
The zingy Lime Margarita is a perfect tonic for warm days.
Notes of agave revealed itself under the sharpness of the lime. Bits of zest accentuated the zingy aroma, while the slushy ice kept the drink cold and refreshing till the last sip.
The origins of the Margarita (which is Spanish for “daisy”) is a complex web that will probably never be deciphered.
Two leading theories point to it being created in Mexico around the 1930s.
In one legend, it was a happy mistake – an Irish bartender accidentally poured tequila instead of brandy when making a Daisy (a Victorian-era brandy-based drink). The customer liked it, word spread and the rest was history.
Another story credits restaurant owner Carlos Herrera for inventing the drink for dancer Marjorie King, who could only drink tequila but did not like it neat.
So Herrera added salt and lime juice, supposedly setting the basis for the drink we know today.
As it started to get dark and the city lit up, I shifted outside to Gravity’s al fresco deck.
Located beside the hotel’s infinity pool, there are high tables and low sofas.
The breezy setup felt inviting, beckoning guests to congregate and have a good time.
The Sunset Citrus cocktail takes its cue from dusk’s hues.
Looking around, the crowd seemed sophisticated, mainly city dwellers like myself who were escaping from the urban jungle below and enjoying a literal high provided by this atmospheric space and its concoctions.
It was also an ideal moment for the Sunset Citrus, a cocktail made with gin, cointreau, egg white and garnished with an orange peel “bird”.
The gin’s bitter notes were well-tempered by the citrusy cointreau and alcohol-infused sugar lining the rim, resulting in a deliciously fruity yet potent drink.
“We want to celebrate the beautiful light shows that nature puts on in the skies in front of us most evenings.
“This drink was introduced as a September special, but it’s been so popular that we’re extending it till the end of October,” said Danial.
Cocktails aside, Gravity also serves a full range of beers, fine wines and liquors.
Complementing the drinks is a vast ala carte menu of bar snacks, salads, pastas, sandwiches, meat and seafood mains, local hawker favourites and desserts. Set meals and afternoon tea are also served.
GRAVITY, G Hotel Kelawai, No.2 Persiaran Maktab, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Penang. (Tel: 04-238 0000)
Business hours: Noon to midnight, daily.
