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OUR HISTORY

     Since its official inception as an organisation on the 10th of April 2013, the Werner’s Group was formed to manage all entities under the same roof. The group has grown from strength to strength, from its first concept restaurant in 2005 to its eighth in the year 2018. El Cerdo KL, The Whisky Bar KL, The Steakhouse KL, Dining In The Dark KL, Old Shanghai KL, Refinery Cafe & Bistro, Director’s Cut by The Whisky Bar KL and Cielo KL were conceptualised and wholly owned by Werner Kuhn, German expatriate and Master Chef residing in Malaysia for the past 30 years.

     After an impressive growth of its establishments over the many years, the success reflected solely on its efficient management team, vibrant staffs, operational structure, design portfolio and consultation framework to name a few. We have and always will take pride in what matters most – the journey to a perfect dining experience.

From the launch of its first restaurant El Cerdo in 2005, to its ninth in 2022, the group has seen steady growth and loyal customer support over the past 18 years. 

Each establishment offers a diverse range of classic culinary experiences, aiming to satisfy dining enthusiasts and people who are looking for that extra “something” when planning a good dinner night out. 

2005 The Group’s flagship restaurant, El Cerdo, opened its doors in KL’s Golden Triangle on Changkat Bukit Bintang. Known for its traditional European pork dishes and popular “Cochinillo Segoviano” (Spanish Style Roasted Suckling Pig), served with a ceremonial plate breaking activity, the restaurant exemplifies its “Nose To Tail Eating” slogan and was one of the pioneering western-style dining establishments of its time in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating its 18th birthday this year. 

The Group celebrated its opening of El Cerdo No 2 in the neighborhood of TTDI mid 2022, to cater to the bordering community of Petaling Jaya, affording patrons to save the sometimes troublesome trip to the city center of KL.

2010 The Whisky Bar KL set out to conquer the ever-growing demand for single malts from around the world, by now offering close to 1000 labels of rare and unique whiskies in the city center of Kuala Lumpur, making it the 4th largest whisky selection in Asia. 

Its mission: Providing a gentlemen’s club like drinking & dining experience in the middle of buzzing Changkat Bukit Bintang, setting itself apart with an elegant, cozy ambiance, classic cocktails whilst upholding informed hospitality standards and warm service. A Bar as classic as it gets.

2011 saw the opening of The Steakhouse KL, adjacent to the Whisky Bar, serving classic Steakhouse cuisine in a rustic, cozy ambiance. Its unique selling proposition: All proteins are prepared in its signature JOSPER ® Oven, considered the hottest indoor charcoal oven in the world, lending a unique “Josper Charcoal grilled” flavor to steaks, lamb racks, lobsters and more. 

2012 Dining In The Dark KL was introduced as the first-ever “dining in the dark” concept restaurant in Malaysia, which aims to elevate food appreciation through an immersive dining experience without sight. Collaborating with the Blind Association of Brickfields KL, the dining room is staffed with visually impaired service personnel, we call them our “Darkness Experts”. Whether you are in search of an unusual Company Dinner, a romantic dinner adventure for 2 or simply feel like leaving the world behind for 2 hours with your friends, it is truly a unique once in a lifetime experience. 

Opium KL, now known as Old Shanghai KL opened in 2014 brings an exotic atmosphere to the Changkat Bukit Bintang area with its opium bed, pipes, and Chinese wine pots, as well as its focus on Asian food & cocktail delicacies with a twist. 

Staying true to time-honored Malaysian recipes, Old Shanghai elevates local classics to new heights such as Black Angus Rendang, Curry Laksa with Spaghettini and pan-seared King Salmon as well as unique signature drinks such as the “fuming” Black Dragon served in a steaming tea pot. 

What sets the place apart is an alluring ambiance reflecting on the Golden Days of Shanghai’s Opium Era and the opportunity to immerse in a treasure trove of asian flavours in the middle of an otherwise western style bar & restaurant oriented downtown mile. A perfect spot for travelers to get a snapshot of KL’s culinary heritage, approved by local patrons. 

Nestled atop Changkat Bukit Bintang with stunning views of the city, Cielo KL is an exclusive rooftop restaurant and lounge that offers a sophisticated atmosphere with a view over town. Opened in April 2018, Cielo boasts a retractable roof to accommodate Malaysia’s unpredictable weather and a menu of curated classic European dishes with a modern twist. The wine cellar, stocked with over 170 labels from around the world, perfectly complements any dish. Ideal for hosting sophisticated events and meetings for up to 150 guests, Cielo KL is a one-of-a-kind dining experience above the Roofs of Kuala Lumpur. 

Refinery Cafe & Bistro, is one of our latest openings in late 2022. Combining the best of Australian Cafe & French Bistro culture, it is the perfect spot for all-day casual dining or special celebrations that we can tailor to your needs. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a delicious breakfast, enjoy a savory lunch, catch up with friends over an afternoon cappuccino or gather for evening drinks and dinner, Refinery Cafe & Bistro has something for everyone. 

Director’s Cut TTDI, an iteration of The Whisky Bar on Changkat Bukit Bintang, is an exclusive space that embodies the elegance and refinement of modern whisky distilleries and grand hotel bars. The interior pays homage to the rich history and tradition of whisky as a spirit of celebration and creates a relaxed atmosphere that combines liquid expertise and culinary technique, bringing a touch of luxury to the fine dining and drinking scene in the vibrant neighborhood of TTDI.