Cleverly hidden behind a set of rusty lockers and sans a signboard is The Locker & Loft – a quaint and modish den for food and drinks which is the brainchild of lifestyle blogger Deepak Gill who’s better known as the Thirstyblogger and his partner Paul Dass, a maverick entrepreneur.
What makes this speakeasy outstanding is its Asian-accented crafty cocktails, tapas and main courses that are pleasantly distinctive and we’re glad to report – admirably top notch. This cosy and rustic establishment boasts a lively nonchalance that adds to its charming appeal, and it’s a spot where people can enjoy good food, drinks, quality music and company.
Mutton Varuval Quesadillas with Mango Chutney (RM17) – This is a bold starter that’s a must-try in our books. It’s a delicious crowd-pleaser we’d gladly devour as a satisfying main.
Minced Pork and Sweet Potato Leaf Queso with Toast (RM17) – Queso may be a Mexican thing, but Locker & Loft’s delightful take pleasures the Malaysian palate to no end. It’s creamy, savoury and well spiced.
Grilled Watermelon Salad (RM20) – Yeap, this is a peculiar combination, but the flavours from the grilled watermelon, wasabi dressing, lychee, feta cheese, tomato and kesum leaves mingled together presents a noteworthy salad.
Potato and Bitter gourd Pakora with Mint Yogurt Dip (RM12) – We absolutely adored this greasy, crunchy goodness that was full of flavour. It’d go amazing with beer!
Smoked Duck Aglio Olio Linguine (RM28) – We’d stray away from aglio olio elsewhere as the dish is presumably bland. Having said that, this smoked duck linguine with lap cheong, chilli flakes, coriander and garlic was strikingly on point.
Slow-Cooked Char Siew Baby Back Ribs (RM55) – Although we quite enjoyed the ribs, the Chinese-style char siew marinade fell short of our expectations. Nevertheless, this six-rib portion was huge and well worth for sharing.
Grilled Mutton Rack with Percik Sauce (RM55) – There’s just no competition to this dish as it was excellent. The rich, nutty, sweet and spicy percik sauce is divine paired with tender mutton rack.
Sago Gula Melaka (RM15) – Although this is one of our favourite traditional desserts, Locker & Loft’s version was a bit of a letdown compared to the other two desserts we’ve tried.
Butterfly Bun (RM14) – Char koi is served with homemade chocolate kaya, mango and ice cream. The char koi provided a nice crispiness to the dessert.
Crispy Pain Perdu (RM16) – A glorious dessert we highly endorse, a buttery french toast is complemented with lightly salted homemade butterscotch sauce, mango and ice cream. The harmony between savoury and sweet was heavenly.
Bang Pow (RM25) – A mix with hibiscus-infused gin and house-made rose syrup, Bang Pow is a zesty and refreshing fruity, boozy beverage.
Southern Quack (RM30) – We’d return to Locker & Loft repeatedly for this distinguished black truffle-infused cocktail that’s made with Aylesbury Duck vodka. Every little sip packed a punch!
Brown-Brown (RM30) – This uncomplicated yet nostalgic drink is a blend of Milo kau plus two shots of vodka.
Locker & Loft is also the first bar outside Australia to serve West Wind gins that are distilled with pure water from Margaret River and incorporates native Australian plants. For music aficionados, Locker & Loft runs Blues Nights on Tuesdays and House Nights on Fridays, whereby local deejays will take the decks.
40A, Jalan SS 20/10,
Damansara Kim, 47400
Petaling Jaya.
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays – 5pm to 1am, Sundays – 12.30pm to 11.30pm
Tel: 019-3824780