G Spot’s new Level 3 perch offers expansive views of Gurney Drive and the surrounding skyline.
FINDING the G Spot is easy when you are in Penang; just head to G Hotel Gurney.
The name may raise a few eyebrows, but those familiar with the bar and lounge know that it is a place for good drinks with views to match.
Its Level 3 perch opens up to panoramic vistas of Gurney Drive promenade as well as the surrounding skyline and ongoing Gurney Bay coastal development.
Like the rest of the trendy hotel, G Spot exudes contemporary elegance with sleek wood finishes, designer furniture and sculptural light fixtures.
The bar frames a broad range of spirits but the best seats in the house are actually by the lounge.
Here, an expanse of greenhouse-like glazing affords uninterrupted views.
On clear days, one can see as far as the mainland.
Early evening is a good time to stop by for drinks as one can watch the cityscape come alive with lights.
This scenic ambience combined with lots of seasonal promotions make the bar a popular place to chill over a libation or two.
G Hotel Gurney communications director Christina Tan said G Spot used to be located on Level 1 but was relocated after the hotel underwent a major refurbishment in 2022.
“As we transformed our ground and first floors into the Central Gurney food-and-beverage hub, we moved the hotel lobby and in-house restaurants to Level 3.
Jingle Berry (left) and Gingerbread Delight.
“This area used to be the gym. After seeing the views, it made sense to move G Spot here along with our renamed coffeehouse Cafe 168.
“Both have now become an interconnected space,” Tan said.
“It’s a window on the world where you can sit back, enjoy great drinks and take in Penang Island’s northeastern coastline.
“Many guests stop by for a quick tipple before proceeding to their buffets,” she added.
For Christmas, G Spot has created several cocktails.
The first, Gingerbread Delight features characteristic cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and vanilla notes in a heartwarming yet refreshing sipper.
This comes from its base of spiced rum.
Bitters, lime juice, soda and ginger syrup lighten everything, resulting in a drink that is aromatic and pleasingly warm as it lingers.
There is also Jingle Berry which blends gin, rum, sweet berry tea, and soda.
It may remind one of a delicate iced tea infusion – until the alcohol kicks in.
Its intense red contrasted by sprigs of green mint makes it an unmistakably Christmassy drink.
Boston Beach Party (left) and Illusion.
Think of a fireplace and you will feel all the cosy comforts of the holiday season.
These drinks are only available until Dec 31, after which there may be new concoctions, perhaps inspired by Chinese New Year.
Throughout the year, G Spot offers a selection of classics such as Boston Beach Party which blends gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whisky, triple sec, vermouth, orange juice, syrup and cola.
You will smell the high ABV right away.
While the mixers make it deceptively easy to drink, do beware as not many will stand up to a second or third glass!
Equally potent are the Long Island Iced Tea and AK47.
For something lighter, there is Illusion, a bright green, midori and vodka-based tipple that also feels tropical thanks to pineapple juice.
Also on the menu are world-famous entrants like Caipirinha, Caipiroska, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, Bloody Mary, Tequila Sunrise, Pina Colada, Singapore Sling, Black Russian and Tom Collins.
There is also a good selection of wines, beers, mocktails and tasty bar bites, while Cafe 168 has options for festive buffets.
G Spot, Level 3, G Hotel Gurney, Gurney Drive, Penang (Tel: 04-238 0180). Business hours: Noon to midnight daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
