Previous owner - Uncle Benny (L) & new owner - Chua Boon Huat (R)
Canteena is back, with more vigour than ever! The perennially beloved Bangsar neighbourhood pub, started by the legendary Uncle Benny way back in 1974, has a new look and new owners. Yet it retains the quintessential details that old faithfuls like the two new owners love best.
Now owned by two young men who are best known for wearing the Jalur Gemilang with pride on the hockey field, Canteena is a place where you go to for the first time because it keeps the classic elements young and you revisit because they know your name.
New owners Chua Boon Huat and Rajan who took over on 5 August, said, “We’ve been here many, many times in the past and we have really great memories just enjoying the company of friends and the music here. So when we heard that Uncle Benny was thinking of retiring, we thought we’d take up the challenge. Who knows, Canteena may be heading for far bigger things in the future?”
Guests (from L - R) Kuhan, Jay Menon, Aslam & Chua Boon Huat
The former owner, fondly known to patrons as Uncle Benny, added, “Canteena has a long history, indeed the place was a pub before I took over and renamed it Canteena. Many fine young men and women have grown up and grown old with the place, and I was just really glad to retire knowing that the new owners have as much fondness for the place as I do.” More accurately termed semi-retired, Uncle Benny is still often seen at Canteena, lending a hand in running the place.
“Canteena is also not just a place for drinking at night. We have a great lunch menu and the signature dishes are must-trys. Our chef has a lot of experience with his cooking and he’s very excited to share his dishes with the public. Nevertheless, our drinks are very important and we’re very proud of our signature margaritas.” Chua said.
“Uncle Benny envisioned this as a joint that played oldies and had a country and western feel. We are retaining some of that to fit in with the name Canteena but have also mixed in some 21st century fusion elements. We are currently reserving Wednesdays for R&B, jazz and soul to draw a crowd with a different taste in music.” Rajan added.
Canteena specials include Happy Hour beers at RM8.80, Dewars at RM250 and Aberfeldy whisky at RM330. Happy Hours are from 12pm – 9pm daily.
As part of its launch celebrations Canteena will host an Aberfeldy night in November where patrons can enjoy 3 bottles of Aberfeldy for the price of 2 together with live music from a two-piece band.
Canteena is open from 11.30am to 1am daily. Special set lunches are also available on weekdays.
So if you’re ever in the Jalan Telawi neighbourhood, drop by to say hello. And if you’re not, make a trip to revisit an old friend. Canteena is a character in its own right, and rightfully so.
Canteena is at No 5, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Call 03-2284 8909 for enquiries.
I have been drinking in Canteena since 1984. These days I am not a regular but still drop by once a while as I know Benny and his family very well. I have many fond memories of the place. Although the place has changed somewhat with the new management, I hope the “sprit” and “feel” of Canteena will live on. The reason is that “old” people like me also need a place to “chill-out” !!!