Kep, Cambodia
Hello Travel folk! Last time we did a review of Kep Sailing Club Restaurant and today we are checking their Lounge Bar, just across the path. The lounge at the Kep Sailing Club is the perfect place to spent hours while watching the descending sun. One might argue that with a million-dollar view, you don’t have to expect much of a service. On the contrary, when we were at the Kep Sailing Club Lounge Bar, we were “happy as a clam”. Surely, idyllic Cambodian’s sunsets and soothing waves played their part, but there is more.
Ambiance
First thing first, summer fun is at home at the Kep Sailing Club. Before we reached the Lounge, we noted activities of all sorts that can happen on this seaside side property. The list is long, so we will focus on the spacious Lounge itself. Most notable is the breezy feel of the open Lounge made of wood. The material is kept in dark chocolate tones that act like a hug with supporting pillows in sunset tones. Next to the bar is a meaningful art piece made of used tins that livens up the back wall. Overall, beach life for sure.
Kep Sailing Lounge Menu
A special place on the menu belongs to the Cocktails, but there are other options. Of course, there is beer, wine, and stronger spirits, but you’ll find alcohol-free options and a handful of bites as well. Our eyes were pointed on mixed drinks so expect the details on those. In general, we enjoyed the experience but we weren’t blown away by artisanal magic. Sure enough, we enjoyed the roasted peanuts seasoned with kaffir lime leaf, chili, garlic, and lemongrass.
Our Cocktails
Lychee Lime Fizz
Refreshing mint kept us cool till the end but it took over the main wheel from lychee. We missed this fragrant sweet fruit in the aroma, but we got one meaty example inside to nibble on. Indeed, it was a lovely counterbalance to the lime juice. Once the fruit went down the drain, we appreciated moderate honey touch.
The Lounge Special
Sweet pressed citrus syrup with aromatic and orange bitters complimented each other wonderfully. Nevertheless, the drink wouldn’t be such a delight without the heavy influence of pineapple-infused rum. Plantation 3 Star Pineapple Rum bonded with the bitters due to its smokiness and tropical fruit extending much further than just pineapple.
Pina Colada
Beach bar simply can’t exist without good ‘ol Pina Colada. This Pina Colada was the real deal from start to finish owing to fresh ingredients. Juiced pineapple and fresh coconut were the real gems. Although the 3 years aged Havana Club rum rounded up the drink with its characteristics. Think of caramelized pear and banana, but most of all we picked on the vanilla and smoked oak.
The Mistake
This mistake smashed us with for our taste too sweet introduction, leaving us searching for the fading passion fruit. We found it in the aftertaste, right where the ginger and aromatic bitters were hiding as well.
Final Thought
Although the view is outstanding, the ambiance lovely, and the summer breeze on point but there is just one detail missing – artisanal cocktails. You know, homemade liqueurs, syrups, more fresh juices and presentations, all that and more creativity as well. I know the majority is just fine with “classics” made of mainstream syrups, but hedonists like us are willing for more. And that is right! Kep Sailing Club Lounge has a lot of potentials, and who knows maybe next time we will be there they will show us all best.
Thank you for your attention Hivers and see you next time!
