Cover Recraft's signature and classic cocktails keep regulars coming back to this bar
Recraft's signature and classic cocktails keep regulars coming back to this bar
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Recraft
Lester Fuentes and Cedric Mendoza operate Recraft, a friendly neighbourhood bar shaking up the local drinks scene
The bar scene in Quezon City is populated by local spots, each one bringing something fresh and exciting to the table. No two are alike, and you’ll always be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Lester Fuentes and his partners are bringing fresh bar concepts to the city, starting with Recraft, a cosy joint that embraces a friendly and easygoing ambience. “Recraft was a bar born out of necessity,” Fuentes, the founder, recalls. “We started in the pandemic; my sister owned a café, Craft Coffee, and her lease expired. The building was three floors and she wasn’t really using the upper two. So she came to me and asked if I wanted to open a bar there. I said I’d do it, but it had to be a place that I would personally patronise.”
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Above The ground floor of Recraft
Above Artistic murals keep it casual inside Recraft
The ground floor of Recraft
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Possessing a background in data analytics, Fuentes wanted to challenge himself in a new field. This mix of curiosity and a penchant for good drinks led to the founding of Recraft. The bar derives its name from his sister’s old shop, which was their way of reinventing the concept. It became an unexpected success, and Fuentes soon realised he had tapped into an unmet need in Quezon City.
Beverage director Cedric Mendoza is a veteran in the industry, serving as the head bartender of the Manhattan at the Conrad Singapore Orchard—climbing up the ranks from an entry-level position. “I think I was given a chance to be exposed to different cultures, the way they see cocktails, and how they appreciate alcoholic drinks,” he explains. “It’s all about recreating drinks, trying to make them the best version by adding a personal touch, and hoping to exceed guests’s expectations.”
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Above Cedric Mendoza, beverage director of Recraft
Cedric Mendoza, beverage director of Recraft
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Recraft distinguishes itself with its continuously evolving selection. Fuentes and his team travel extensively, drawing on from these experiences to improve. “We like to shuffle the menu every six months, and that’s what keeps people coming back,” Fuentes shares. “There isn’t a signature drink, per se.” However, old favourites remain available on a special classics menu for regulars to enjoy, alongside burgers, bowls, and other treats to make the night special. Don’t let the dark interiors fool you—there’s an unmistakable warmth here, thanks to the passion its bartenders pour into every glass and plate of food.
“I prefer ‘bartending’ to ‘mixology’. I don’t like to call it mixology. It feels cold,” Fuentes explains. “Bartending has a human aspect to it. ‘To tend’—which means to take care of. We do just that—the quality of the drinks, the service, and team spirit”.
“Bartending is my way of life,” Mendoza adds. “My mentor, Philipp Bischoff, used to say that bartending is a lifestyle, and I took that personally.”
Above “The cafe downstairs in our original location was called Craft. We just called the bar Recraft; it was this idea of just reinventing yourself and redefining an experience,” Fuentes shares.
“The cafe downstairs in our original location was called Craft. We just called the bar Recraft; it was this idea of just reinventing yourself and redefining an experience,” Fuentes shares.
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The pair believe the local bar scene has immense potential, especially as new entrants continue to open their own places left and right—proof that people are committed and inspired to make the Philippines an attractive cocktail destination. Recraft is an important piece of that puzzle, as it has since become an irreplaceable part of the community.
“At our core, we’re still a neighbourhood bar,” Fuentes muses. “We want it to last, and we make decisions around that. We want to be here long-term.” “We’re growing our group. We’re opening new bars, but we won’t just repeat concepts. It’s a lot harder, but a lot more fun too. We enjoy the creative process,” he adds.
The future looks promising for the Philippine bar and cocktail scene, especially with trailblazers like Fuentes and Mendoza at the forefront. What was once a simple pandemic project has become a staple for locals, beloved for its inviting cheer and down-to-earth vibes. It is best described by Mendoza’s confident assessment:
“I see Recraft being recognised as one of the most respected bars in the Philippines—and in the world.”
Visit Recraft, which is elevating the Manila cocktail scene to world-class levels at 39 Scout Tobias Street, Quezon City. Follow their Instagram @recraft.bar.
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Photography: Recraft
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
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Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
