He Turned Sarawak Flavours Into Cocktails And Built a Bar That Feels Like Home
Most people open a bar to serve drinks.
Lawrence opened one to make people smile again.
In a world obsessed with flashy interiors, viral trends, and Instagram-worthy cocktails, the founder of Smoke & Spirits is betting on something far more powerful: genuine human connection.
And surprisingly, it’s working.
Hidden inside a temple in Serendah, Rawang, this unconventional cocktail bar is quietly changing the way people experience nightlife. No neon gimmicks. No luxury postcode. Just authentic hospitality, unforgettable drinks, and a story poured into every glass.
From Bartender to Dream Builder
Before becoming a business owner, Lawrence spent nearly a decade behind the bar.
He started from the ground up learning the ropes as a barback before working his way to head bartender. Over ten years in the industry, he mastered the art of mixology.
But along the way, he discovered something many people overlook.
The best bars aren’t built on cocktails alone.
They’re built on conversations.
“People don’t just come for a drink,” Lawrence explains. “They come because they want to feel understood.”
That realization became the foundation of Smoke & Spirits.
Bringing Sarawak Into Every Glass
Born and raised in Sarawak, Lawrence wanted his roots to be part of every cocktail he created.
That means local ingredients. Local memories. Local identity.
Black pepper. Curry leaves. Native flavours. Familiar aromas.
Each drink is designed to tell a story about where he comes from while introducing customers to a side of Malaysian culture they may have never experienced before.
For Lawrence, cocktails aren’t just beverages.
They’re cultural experiences.
The Cocktail Everyone Talks About
Now for the drink that stops people in their tracks.
A Nasi Lemak cocktail.
Yes, you read that right.
Inspired by Malaysia’s most iconic dish, Lawrence transformed the familiar flavours of coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies, and cucumber into a cocktail experience unlike anything else.
It sounds impossible.
Until you try it.
The result is a drink that sparks curiosity, starts conversations, and leaves customers talking long after the last sip.
It’s bold. Unexpected. And proudly Malaysian.
Why Open a Cocktail Bar in a Small Town?
Most entrepreneurs would choose Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya.
Lawrence chose Serendah.
That decision wasn’t accidental.
He saw an opportunity to introduce cocktail culture to communities that rarely have access to it. While city residents are spoiled with endless nightlife options, many smaller towns still view cocktails as something distant or unfamiliar.
Lawrence wanted to change that.
His mission is simple: show people that cocktails can be approachable, enjoyable, and part of everyday social experiencesnot just luxury nights out.
Building More Than a Business
Like many entrepreneurs, Lawrence faced challenges along the way.
One of the biggest?
Finding loyal talent.
After years of mentoring staff and sharing knowledge, he experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to retain trained employees in the hospitality industry.
Instead of letting those setbacks define him, he adapted.
Today, he runs much of the operation himself, ensuring every guest receives the personal touch that inspired the business from day one.
And that hands-on approach has earned him something more valuable than any marketing campaign:
Loyal customers.
Many continue travelling just to enjoy the cocktails and hospitality they’ve come to love.
The Future of Smoke & Spirits
For now, expansion isn’t the goal.
Connection is.
Lawrence wants to strengthen his community, understand the local market, and continue creating unforgettable experiences one customer at a time.
His vision isn’t about becoming Malaysia’s biggest bar.
It’s about becoming someone’s favourite place after a long day.
The place where stress disappears.
The place where conversations flow.
The place that feels like a second home.
A Toast to Following Your Passion
If there’s one lesson Lawrence hopes the next generation learns, it’s this:
Follow what genuinely excites you.
Master the basics.
Trust your instincts.
And build something that reflects who you are.
Because success isn’t always found in the biggest cities, the loudest brands, or the most expensive venues.
Sometimes, it’s hidden inside a small town temple, served over ice, and infused with the flavours of home.
And that story is only just beginning.
