Media

Penang, 1 January 2020 – Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel, the grande dame of British colonial heritage hotels on Penang island has stepped up its dining experiences boasting a touch of heritage flair.  

Three new dining outlets, namely Java Tree, Palm Court and Farquhar’s Bar will be introduced in conjunction with the reopening of the hotel’s refreshed Heritage Wing this December.

Replacing the previous Sarkies and 1885 are Java Tree and Palm Court, while a remodelled Farquhar’s Bar will be in operations in a new location at the Heritage Wing.

With the introduction of these new outlets, guests can expect a new whole level of culinary experience as the E&O celebrates both classic and heritage flavours.

Hotel general manager Alison Fraser said the management is very excited with the unveiling of these new dining outlets as it marks a new chapter in the hotel’s history.

“We have put a considerable amount of attention and care in designing both the physical space as well as the menu offerings and we hope they will be well received by our guests,” she said.

Of the various cuisines to be offered, Java Tree will be serving an assortment of Straits Nyonya recipes and classic European dishes.

Java Tree holds a special significance as it is named after one of the key historical elements located at the garden area of the hotel’s promenade, which is the oldest living species of the Java Tree on the island.

The tree was planted before the establishment of the hotel in 1885 and has since became an important part of the E&O.

Palm Court, on the other hand, is named after the Palm Court Bar which used to operate at the lobby area beneath the echo dome during the management of the Sarkies Brothers.

Bachelors, planters, traders and sailors used to gather at the Palm Court for a glass of stengah (drink made from equal measures of whisky and soda water, served over ice) and it soon became the place to be seen at as it featured orchestral concerts every Sunday morning.

However, the current Palm Court will not function as a bar. Instead, it will be offering a la carte menu featuring assorted Indian and Malay inspired dishes, Chinese noodles and casual international favourites.

The ever-popular three-tier afternoon tea will also be served at the Palm Court.

Returning hotel guests will be glad to learn that the much-loved Farquhar’s Bar has managed to retain its name although it has now been relocated to a new location.

The bar has been modelled as a vintage cocktail bar, with stunning views of Penang’s waterfront outside its expansive windows.

Guests can expect to unwind with a selection of fine beverages including classic cocktails and time-honoured bar staples at the Farquhar’s Bar while taking in the scenic view of the Andaman Sea.

The Heritage Wing of the E&O Hotel is currently under refurbishment and will be opened to public in December 2019. Rooms are available for booking on the E&O Hotel website.

For further F&B enquiries and booking, please contact 04-2222000 or e-mail fbcentral.resv@eohotels.com.