Cover Raz Ng and Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
Raz Ng and Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
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A first look inside Bar None, set to open this December
The first time I meet Raz Ng is at Penang Cocktail week at her guest shift at Wine Not, and her commanding and confident energy immediately makes an impression. That, and also the fact that one of her cocktails, prepared inside a cream siphon, splattered all over the restaurant wall, an image hard to get out of my mind. Funnily enough, I also meet Arsenio Mariano Jr., more commonly known in the industry as Ash, at a cocktail week, this time in Kuala Lumpur, at a Hennessy competition. He carries with him a similar confidence, built on years of expertise and wisdom, a respected veteran in the bar scene.
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Above Raz Ng and Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
Raz Ng and Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
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For those familiar with Asia’s bar scene, these will not be new names. While born in Malaysia, Ng built her career in Singapore, having last worked at Sugarhall under the Jigger and Pony Group. Ash brings with him decades of experience as both a bartender and a mentor, and together, they have a foundation like no other.
While many other bars pride themselves on their classic cocktails with innovative spins, Ash and Ng embody the concept, bringing with them strength in both experience and modern technique. Furthermore, the duo have a close relationship like no other. “Ash isn’t just my mentor, but my industry dad,” Ng chuckles. It’s true—a close friend of mine said he believed Ng when she told him Ash was her father (he also told me he still wasn’t sure if it was a joke).
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Above Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
Arsenio Mariano Jr. (Photo: Michael Yap)
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As such, along Jalan Kemuja, Bar None was born, a concept rooted in day-drinking, which was actually Ash’s wish, redefining the nightlife market. Here, modern classic cocktails are at the heart of the concept, accommodating a maximum of 40 guests in the earthy space fitted with art from local talents.
“Opening my first bar has been incredibly exciting, especially being back in Malaysia,” Ng says. Obviously, having worked in Singapore, there are key differences—less speciality bottles, a more laid-back pace, she lists. “But it’s taught me to breathe, trust the process, and enjoy the build.”
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Above Raz Ng (Photo: Michael Yap)
Raz Ng (Photo: Michael Yap)
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At the end of the day, home is home. “I’ve been running around the world, learning, growing, and winning, but I’ve always promised that I’d come back and build something here,” she ends. “Bar None is a fresh canvas to paint with all the flavours and chaos in my head.”
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
