The Merchant and The Merchant Live, An All New Paradigm Bar Experience @Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya

Party goers in Petaling Jaya can now chill out at The Merchant, Armada Hotel. Used to be known as Merchant Pub 17 years ago, it is has now been restyled and renamed The Merchant after a major makeover. It's grand launch was held last month with guests and fellow media gracing the occasion.

The bar offers a swanky comfort akin to a hybrid of cosmopolitan New York bar and an updated London gentlemen's club. Exuding elegance and style, The Merchant is well designed with a stunning long illuminated copper and wood bar that immediately commands full attention. 

Another feature of the bar is the illuminated long and high Onyx Table and barstools perfect to cater to large groups, communal tastings or wine dinner events. Different types of high seating arrangements can also be found at the “Beer Barrel” and “Chess” tables.

We are treated to free-flowing canapes, cocktails, wine, whisky and beer throughout the evening.  

At The Merchant, different spaces were created, catering to the various guests' preferences. One such addition is 'The Balcony' an outdoor seating space with views overlooking the busy Federal Highway and the PJ skyline.  

At The Merchant Live, guests can escape into the three private suites to become their own superstars as the suites were equipped with touch screen karaoke entertainment (with up to 30 pax 

capacity). Themed red, gold and silver respectively, plush and roomy comfort, let's sing your hearts out in style and privacy. For those who took a break from singing, you can test your aiming skills at the Phoenix Darts Machine available in each suite while the biggest suite even had it’s very own American Pool Table.

Showcasing some of The Merchant’s culinary specialties, we were treated to a variety of stylish and elegantly prepared canapés which included smoked duck with orange, grilled beef with asparagus, pandan chicken served in shot glasses, otak-otak on toast, assorted sushi balls, mini lemon and raspberry tarts.

In my hands is the star of the evening, chocolate cigar rolls served in whisky glasses that even came complete with crushed oreos disguised as cigar ashes.

As the night grew, let's head over to The Merchant Live, a more upbeat venue

which is an extension of The Merchant that can be accessed directly from within the The Merchant through a see through glass walkway. The Merchant Live was also packed as guests were dancing to 

retro classics and one hit wonders from the 80’s and 90’s before Hydra, hailed as the leading cover band in Malaysia, took centre stage and performed a diverse mélange of the hottest music  mixing and blending, contrasting and highlighting the different genres of music weaving a web of music that had the crowd singing and dancing along the whole night. 

Happy us posing at the photo booth to seal our memories of #themerchant opening with printed photo.

The amazing entrance of "The Merchant"

The Merchant perfect spot for pre-dinner venue, business discussion meetings, a meeting place for after work drinks or work off the excess partying at the adjoining The Merchant Live, and end with an indulgent nightcap back at The Merchant.  

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TheMerchantLiveBar?fref=ts

The Merchant

Open Daily from 1600 to 0100 (Monday - Sunday)

The Merchant Live 

Open Daily from 1900 to 0100 (Monday - Saturday, off on Sunday)

From 9pm onward, support local live music series.

*No cover charge

The Armada PJ Hotel

Level 1, Lot 6, Lorong Utara C, Section 52, 

46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 03-7954 688 ext 4629 or 4554