Alchemy

Into the peak hour frenzy of the Xinyi Marquee lounge restaurant, a nod to the waiter, through a solid bank vault door, up a staircase and around the antique bookshelf... and here you'll find the speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Alchemy. This antiquated space is the brainchild of owner and acclaimed bartender, Angus Zou. Zou has seen to every detail in creating the ambience of this elegant, low-lit, dark wood bar. From sliding vault door entrance to the cleverly titled beverages, like 'Swing Jazz' and 'Bank of Mafia', he calls naughtily to the nature of self-indulgent good-timers. Soft jazz lilts in the background and silhouettes shift closer in the dim candlelight. Naturally, Alchemy takes style cues from the speakeasy-style bars of the prohibition era - but Angu Zou has ensured that Alchemy's interpretation on this is one that innovates and outdoes.

At Alchemy, bartenders have an widespread knowledge of cocktail ingredients and techniques and are very accommodating in recommending a drink to suit your taste or mood. In fact, many argue that Alchemy's bartenders are the best in Taipei. Bartenders at Alchemy not only create, but innovate cocktails, creating artistic composites of flavour to please the whispered wishes of of their customers. Appreciators of rare spirits and fine liquers will also find their fantasies fulfilled in the glistening bar shelves of Alchemy.

Alchemy holds just fifty seats for Taipei's best dressed, so reservations must be made 1-2 days in advance for a lush leather armchair in this intimate cocktail bar.  A refined setting, that offers the opportunity to impress a date or guest, while still being calm enough to comfortably hold a conversationa. Alchemy does also have a full menu, but the space is better suited to appetizers and after-drinner drinks. Above Marquee, just opposite Taipei 101 and nearby Taipei City Hall MRT exit 2, Alchemy is a hidden gem that's worth a look.