Update 2015 – Circus has closed.
Exciting new addition to KL nightlife- chic venue combines great cocktails, live music and enticing dining
November 30th, 2012
The recently opened ( September 2012) Circus is a sleek, modern cocktail lounge and restaurant that has been generating considerable attention in the KL nightlife scene. Located within a large corner space of the upscale Fashion Avenue lifestyle zone of Pavilion KL, Circus successfully pulls together the seemingly disparate modes of all day casual drinking venue, classy dining, stylish cocktail lounge and vibrant late night live music venue. With a provocative interior design that embraces an eclectic assemblage of modern design elements, including splashes of “Pop-Art” graphics as highlights on table tops and walls, and advanced LED color changing lighting effects, the venue seamlessly transforms as day progresses into night.
Circus has been conceived as glamorous venue where patrons can indulge in sublime cocktails, dine from a menu of contemporary international cuisines, and party late into the night to the beats of resident DJs and live musicians. The serious action is in the cocktail list, where a stunning rendition of over sixty cocktails are presented- ranging from authentic re-creations of vintage drinks to the modern concoctions of molecular mixology. With such a broad range of cocktails, the exploration of the menu provides a delightful journey of cocktail appreciation- with innovative combinations of ingredients creating tastes to please all palates.
Open all day- from 10 am in the morning, Circus is conviently positioned for city workers looking for a quick lunch, a leisurely afternoon or evening get-together for socialising among friends, after-work drinks, and evenings of stylish dining, sensual cocktails- and vibrant late night music and partying. Circus have generous daily Happy Hour promotions on selected drinks, and regular evening musical events. Live musicians feature every Wednesday and Friday nights, with resident and guest DJs playing their tunes late into the night throughout the week.
The flamboyantly realised main room of Circus- with dining tables in the foreground, and bar counter across the back wall. Massive LED panels with programmable visuals are fitted into the ceiling.
High tables in front of the bar feature “Pop-Art” graphics under glass top. The musicians’ stage is in the background.
The main bar features a dramatic, color-changing, back-lighted wall- with a hexagonal-patterned bottle display and quirky Pop-Art graphics.
The wood-fired pizza oven and serving counter- adjacent to the bar counter.
A separate section at the front of the space- separated from the main room by metallic-chain curtains.
The front room overlooks the exterior streetscape through floor-to-ceiling glass panels.
Some of the table tops feature the quirky Pop-Art graphics.
Highlights from the Drinks List
Circus take their drinks seriously, and head mixologist, Joshua Ivanovic from the UK, has channeled his passion for the “Golden Age” (1920 & 30’s) of cocktails to construct a massive list of 60+ cocktails that are detailed in the entertaining and informative drinks menu. Cocktails are categorised under groupings such as “The Moods of Circus”; “Molecular Cocktails”; “Vintage Cocktails”; and the signature creations under the “House Cocktails”. Meticulous sourcing of hard to find ingredients and specialty spirits ensures that the exquisite cocktails are authentic in every detail, and served in an eclectic variety of glassware and drinking vessels that Joshua has tracked down from his global sources.
In addition to the cocktails, Circus also boasts an extensive wine and champagne selection that are showcased in the glass-encased cellar near the main entrance. Beer drinkers are not overlooked with imported and local beers on draught, plus a well-crafted list of imported bottled beers. Spirits include a good variety of Single Malts, plus premium spirits, cognacs, and aperitifs.
Non-alcoholic drinks include mocktails, fresh fruit juices, and an impressive list of gourmet teas from the exclusive TWG label.
Circus offers a large selection of vintage and NV champagnes
Apry Vous Julep– Cognac, clove-infused apricot brandy, mint & sugar syrup. “House Cocktail”. Gold-plated Julep mug hand-made in India.
Mercenaries Black Tot Flip– Rum, pedro ximenez, cinnamon, sugar syrup, egg yolk. “House Cocktail”
Spiced Cider Cocktail- Vodka, apple juice, lemon juice, spices, sugar syrup. “House Cocktail”
Bottles of premium spirits are served chilled in custom crafted ice buckets.
Selection of dishes from the Food Menu
The Circus Executive Chef David Caral draws from both his Spanish background, and his extensive experience cooking in some of the top kitchens in notable culinary centres such as Madrid, London, New York and Miami, to create a truly international cuisine for the dining menu at Circus. Familiar dishes include selections of Wood-Fired Pizzas, and gastro-pub favourites such as Traditional Fish and Chips; Crispy Herb Roasted Organic Spring Chicken; Chili Beef Pie; and Wiener Schnitzel. Other choices include good selections of Salads, Pastas and Risotto, and Sandwiches & Burgers. Dessert highlights include Apple Tart Tatin; Fondant Au Chocolat; and Soufflé à l’orange.
A separate menu of Bar Bites is available all-day for grazing whilst enjoying the drinks- popular choices include- Delicious Veggie Fritters; Nachos Grande; Buffalo Wings; and Kofta Skewers.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders– Butter lettuce & a blue cheese sauce
Black Angus Carpaccio– Shitake mushrooms, shaved parmesan, truffle oil
Wood-Fired Pizza– Vegetarian- Grilled vegetable, pesto, sun dried tomatoes & buffalo mozzarella
Ahi Tuna Tartar-Avocado, ginger-lime dressing
Fajitas Beef– Onions, capsicums, guacamole, sour cream & pico de gallo
Circus- Bar, Lounge & Restaurant at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Address: Lot C3.10.01b, Level 3, Fashion Avenue – Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Reservations: +60.3. 2141 6151
Website: www.circus.com.my/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CircusKL
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am~ 2:00 am
Friday & Saturday 10:00 am ~ 3:00 am
Happy Hour: Monday to Saturday 4:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm ; Sunday 4:00 pm ~ Closing.
Special low prices on beers, selected cocktails, wines & spirits.
Dress Code: Smart Casual
