With no mixology experience, these M’sians opened a cocktail bar making self-taught drinks

When you walk into Cafe Superfluous by day, you’re greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, with patrons leisurely enjoying their mid-morning breaks. 

But as the sun sets and the cafe lights dim, a quiet transformation happens that brings to life CONTI’, a cocktail bar co-owned by a group of passionate individuals.

The team behind CONTI’ consists of two couples, Nicholas and Angie, and Justin and Samantha. While Nicholas and Angie are seasoned in the cafe industry, owning both Cafe Superfluous and Neighbours Coffee, Justin and Samantha come from a completely different background—the legal industry.

Justin, a lawyer who runs his own legal firm, reflected on the origins of CONTI’. 

It all began when Nicholas and Angie were planning the opening of Cafe Superfluous, their third cafe, in Taman Desa.

“We were high school classmates. When he opened Cafe Superfluous, he suggested utilising the same premise at night as a bar. He then proposed the idea of trying to obtain a liquor license, and if we are able to obtain it, then we can try running our own cocktail bar,” he said.

So, they partnered up to run a cocktail bar. This idea was not only practical in terms of cost management but also aligned with a growing trend in the post-COVID era, where many people were gravitating towards cocktail bars over clubs.

A shared vision

The concept behind CONTI’ was simple yet profound—create a space where friends could gather, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy great drinks without the distraction of loud music. 

This vision resonated with the four of them, who, as they grew older, found themselves drawn to quieter, more intimate settings for socialising.

However, bringing CONTI’ to life was no easy feat. “Initially, we wanted to hire an experienced bartender who would take care of most of the things, but we spent, I think, around three to six months trying to hire someone but to no avail, then through some discussion, we decided to do it ourselves,” Justin told Vulcan Post.

With no formal background in mixology, they turned to the internet, learning the art of cocktail-making through YouTube videos, Google searches, and hands-on practice. 

“Also, we went to a lot of bars in and out of the country and burnt through our pockets drinking outside to get inspiration,” he added.

The name CONTI’ is derived from the word “Continental”. “I also suspect because Nicholas watched John Wick during that and he got inspired by the movie where a hotel by the same name serves as a central location,” Justin said jokingly. 

Additionally, the name reflects the idea of a “CONTInuation” from cafe to cocktail bar, a nod to the bar’s shared space with Cafe Superfluous.

A learning experience

The team behind CONTI’ faced numerous challenges in their early days, from sourcing suppliers to perfecting their cocktail recipes. 

Without a formal background in the hospitality industry, every step was a learning experience, said Justin. 

They spent weeks finding the right suppliers, asked countless questions to industry veterans, and continuously experimented with new flavours and techniques.

Despite these challenges, CONTI’ has managed to carve out a niche for itself. The bar’s innovative approach to cocktails, combined with its warm and inviting atmosphere, has attracted a loyal customer base. 

As CONTI’ shares its space with Cafe Superfluous, this dual-purpose use of the premises not only reduces costs but also allows the team to invest in higher-quality ingredients for their drinks.

However, the shared space presents some logistical challenges, particularly in terms of storage, but the team is committed to making it work.

Unique appeal in Malaysia’s cocktail scene

Malaysia is no stranger to cocktail bars, with many establishments offering a mix of classic and contemporary drinks. 

However, the founders believe that CONTI’ stands out with its intimate and subdued environment, where the focus is on the conversation as much as the cocktails.

“We try to be a bar where friends can get together, sit down, have a talk, and have great drinks. This is why we don’t really have loud music. We also try to revise new menus from time to time so the customers who come can always have new things to try,” he said.

This approach has resonated with a clientele that values the ability to enjoy a drink without shouting over the music. 

CONTI’ also places a strong emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with local flavours, which is evident in their diverse and ever-evolving menu.

Their bestsellers, such as the Kungfu Pandan and CONTI’ Sour, have become local favourites.

The price range of their cocktails is around RM40 to RM55. If you’re not into alcohol, they have non-alcoholic drinks too.

Innovation and recognition

Innovation is at the heart of CONTI’s success. While the bar offers a selection of classic cocktails, it’s the original creations that truly set it apart. 

CONTI’s bartenders, Seng and Eugent, are constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, resulting in drinks that are both imaginative and delicious. 

One such creation, the “Sunny Side Dutch,” even won a prize at the prestigious Bols Cocktail Battle, a testament to the team’s growing expertise and creativity.

The journey to winning this prize began with a friend’s suggestion to try Advocaat, an egg yolk liqueur. Intrigued, Justin and the team began experimenting, eventually creating a “salted egg” cocktail that caught the attention of the judges. 

“I did not think that I would win the competition, winning it does indeed give all of us at CONTI’ a boost in morale, that maybe, just maybe we are doing something right,” said Justin.

The road ahead

Looking ahead, the team behind CONTI’ hopes to continue building on their early successes. While they have no immediate plans for expansion, they are focused on gaining traction and recognition within Kuala Lumpur’s competitive bar scene. 

Running a bar while managing a legal firm is no small feat, but if there’s one piece of advice Justin can offer, it’s this: “Do whatever you like. Just do it and regret it later. Regret doing is better than regretting not doing.” 

For Justin, the journey from law to mixology has been challenging but immensely rewarding, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

CONTI’ is a labour of love, an example of the power of passion and perseverance. So, if you find yourself in Taman Desa, swing by Cafe Superfluous during the day, but don’t forget to stick around as the evening falls. You might just find yourself sipping on something extraordinary.

Featured Image Credit: CONTI’