Say Hello to Ruby Wong. At Ruby Wong Godown Bar in Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery

Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery unveils yet another unique and elegant experience in its intricate weave of multi-layered repertoire of offerings with the seductive allure of Ruby Wong Godown Bar. There's an air of mystery and intrigue with just a hint of mischief down the basement of the luxurious 5-Star boutique hotel property, with the very name eliciting a strange curiosity. Read on for a taste of spirited libations and hearty bites, down the basement at Ruby Wong's Godown Bar...

Once you figure out the secret entrance (and no, I won't even show you. It's a lot more fun to discover it yourself), a few steps down the basement and the hidden underworld soon reveals itself. Exuding that mysterious and even sinister Shanghai on the waterfront vibe from the wild thirties, you have to admit it's a challenge containing your excitement entering the seemingly forbidden underbelly to the secret world of an enchanting seductress named Ruby Wong. 

A heavy wooden door opens up to a dark secret lair...

...revealing the sanctuary of Ruby Wong Godown Bar with its impressive bar and private salons. The oriental motif and purposely dark interiors build on the concept of mystery, forbidden bootleg and the nocturnal activities of the back alleys and busy docks of Shanghai for one of the more unique bar vibes in the metro in true speakeasy tradition. No need for a password. If you know, you know. It's as simple as that. 

Like a tantalizing lure, you're inadvertently drawn deeper into the world of Ruby Wong...

Inside the elegant space, one can find the perfect spot for that gathering of close friends or an intimate date. Here, you don't have to worry about the outside world. This is your world now. Ruby Wong Godown Bar conjures a stream of images from prohibition era speakeasies to the lavish opium dens from imperial China's last emperor and the wild, wild west of Shanghai's ports loaded with all the goods for any craving. That naughty streak is part of the allure of Ruby Wong. 

Just who exactly is Ruby Wong? And that's the real mystery as no one really knows. But you feel her presence at Ruby Wong Godown Bar, in the vibe and with her cocktails. 

But it's her potent selection of handcrafted libations that reel you in completely. Hook, line and sinker, you succumb to her mysterious charm from that first sip. And a next round followed by another is her natural effect. 

The Queen's Fashion (P 600) with its blend of butter corn washed Sazerac rye, blossom syrup, vanilla tincture and apricot is a sweet and smooth libation with subtle smoky hints from the rye adding a flavorful depth. Almost like an Old-Fashioned with rye whiskey instead of bourbon and its own floral blend of syrups and bitters, The Queen's Fashion is a deceptively sweet and smooth operator. Treat her well and she'll take care of you all night long. Disrespect her and prepare for a solid punch. 

Soon, you'll find yourself wrapped around Ruby Wong's fingers and her irresistible spell with another round soon on the way. The temptress Ruby Wong is a master of her craft, expressed in a variety of signature handcrafted cocktails... 

...like the Fiery Dragon (P 500) with Mezcal Durango, bell pepper cordial, lime and grapefruit juice, firewater and smoke. Served in covered glass dome filled with smoke, the smoky reveal becomes part of the experience at Ruby Wong Godown Bar. 

The Green Opium Heaven (P 800) with jasmine-infused Roku, Tanqueray No. 10, sage-infused Mancino Blanco and Kaffir tincture pandan garnished with a lit herb cigarette reveals the playfully creative spirit of Ruby Wong. 

Ruby Wong Godown Bar has so much more to offer, and for the final round for the road...

...I simply let her master mixologist create a cocktail. "Something light, smooth and easy with just a burst of sweetness and a smoky finish," I said and the master mixologist knew almost immediately the perfect blend to cap my evening in Ruby Wong's world. 

After some serious alchemy behind the bar, my own customized libation veiled in smoke was presented. And there's just no better way to cap the evening at Ruby Wong Godown Bar. 

As the smoke slowly clears, Ruby Wong seals the deal with a potent sip. 

Clearly, this is just the beginning of a long and deep relationship, as Ruby Wong tempts you with yet another of her creations. More than just another bar, Ruby Wong Godown Bar is a well-thought concept adding to your list of growing options for that intimate dive. It's time for you to say hello to Ruby Wong. 

And when you suddenly crave for noodles after endless rounds of cocktails, Ruby Wong Godown Bar has just what you need a mere few steps away at Noodle Alley, coming up next on the blog...