The Wise King
Tucked discreetly beneath a mural-adorned alley in Central’s Soho, The Wise King is a cosy, Spanish-flavored speakeasy born from the 13th-century reign of Alfonso X of Castile—the monarch who championed tapas as the ideal complement to drinking. Founded by acclaimed mixologists Joe Villanueva and Sandeep Kumar, this bar artfully entwines food and drink into every concoction, offering both by design—not as an afterthought. Step inside and you're met with low-lit opulence: plush velvet seating, damask-patterned walls, polished wood, and gold accents that softly glow in the intimate space. The bar is conversationally compact—yet grand in its presence—inviting you to linger over thoughtful cocktails that come with tapas-style bites, like the Iberico-accented Jamón Old Fashioned or creamy SuperColada with ricotta and chia. The approach blurs the line between sipping and savoring. Signature drinks extend beyond classics. The El Sabio is a Mediterranean riff on Negroni, brightened with fire tincture and ginger carbonate, while the King’s Negroni mellows the beloved bitter with olive gin, limoncello, Mancino Rosso, and Kahlúa. For dessert lovers, the Tiramisu cocktail provides tiramisu foam over passion fruit and rum, and Pistachio offers a savory, creamy finale via pistachio shrub and ricotta foam. Since its 2018 launch, The Wise King has gained renown—crowned No. 34 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022 and still holding its reputation today. The vibe is intimate, the craft is intentional, and the pairing of flavor and ambiance makes every visit feel like a late-night royal court gathering.
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