Have you ever visited Ipoh’s famous Concubine Lane? It’s a must-visit for most tourists and the sights there are worth the trip. If you decide to wander the area around Concubine Lane, there’s a chance you will come across a rather old building at one of the nearby street corners. This is the Sinhalese Bar, one of Ipoh’s and Malaysia’s oldest surviving bars.
Step back in time
Image Credit: Edward McFayden on Google Review (Left), Tom Key on Google Review (Right)
It is impossible to miss, with the saloon doors that look like they came out of a cowboy film. Stepping into the bar itself, you will feel like you have time-travelled. The Sinhalese Bar is no fancy cafe with modern decor. What you are standing in is an old-school establishment that has been around since 1931. Think pink walls, old-timey posters, plastic chairs and a wooden liquor cabinet. Not much has changed since its opening.
Meet Uncle Alfred
Image Credit: Amar Kandasamy on Google Review (Left), Donggeon King on Google Review (Right)
If you want to know the story of the Sinhalese Bar, just strike up a conversation with the boss and owner. Alfred Perera is 85 this year, but the elderly bartender is still running the show here. He is the oldest son of the bar’s founder, GM Perera, and he inherited the place after his father passed away in 1966. You can spot the elder Perera’s photograph hanging over a door, adorned with a flower garland.
On most days, Alfred runs the place alone, with his pet dog Merlin sometimes greeting customers. Other times, his wife Kamalavathy can be seen helping out. Regardless, Alfred is always happy to tell younger Malaysians about all the history he and the bar have survived. Apparently, this bar is not just his workplace; it’s also his birthplace!
A long time ago
Image Credit: Ivy Simon on Google Review (Left), Tiffany Tan on Google Review (Right)
In an interview with Tatler, Alfred said his father, a Sri Lankan immigrant, established the Sinhalese Bar and lived on the upper floor with his family. This living area was where Alfred was born and raised. The bar was a favourite hangout for British colonial officers and white-collar workers like doctors and lawyers. Alfred remembers helping out at the bar since the age of ten. He even told FMT that he remembers watching Japanese soldiers from inside the bar, as they swept the streets post-surrender.
Beer and sausages
Image Credit: Sebastian Nummelin on Google Review (Left), Tom Key on Google Review (Right)
While the glory days may have long passed, the Sinhalese Bar is still very much operational. In fact, it still has regulars visiting, plus the occasional curious tourist. Alfred mostly sells beer and other hard liquors like gin, whiskey and brandy. If you come here expecting a heavy meal, you will be disappointed. The menu only has a few types of bar food, like fried ikan bilis and sausages.
Worth dropping by?
Still, if you like a good cold beer and a good story, Sinhalese Bar should be on your to-visit list. Alfred says he will manage the bar as long as his health permits him. Afterwards, he expects the bar to be passed onto his wife and his daughter. So be sure to say hi to this grand old duke the next time you visit Ipoh.
Sinhalese Bar
Address: 2, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9.30pm daily
Contact: 05-2412235
You should also check out: This Uncle’s Hokkien mee restaurant has been keeping tradition alive in KL for 97 years
Feature Image Credit: CK C on Google Review (Left), Moganraj Villavan on FreeMalaysiaToday (Right)
