Imagine a big hotel in Bali, but instead of an ornate water fountain at the front, there is a giant electic guitar and amp. Imagine a lobby flanked with huge drums, rather than statues of the gods and instead of being greeted by people dressed in traditional batik politely bowing, you get Alice Cooper blaring out ‘Schools out for summer’ from the big screen. This is the Hard Rock Hotel! This is Rock n Roll!
The pulsating heart of the hotel is Centerstage, an all in one lobby, bar, rock venue and museum; and winner of the 2010 Beat award for best live venue in Bali. The island bar in the middle of the expansive hangar-like space doubles as a stage, and while the bartenders shake cocktails, bands are shaking it up from the platform on top. You can catch live acts every night playing a mix of top 40/
Rock. During the day a constant stream of rock videos fill the screens.
Centerstage is as much a museum as it is a bar and there is some rather fabulous paraphernalia. I spot a costume worn by Elton John in the days when he favored dressing like a basket of fruit; boots that belonged to Melisssa Etheridge and a leather coat with fur trimming from the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley. Gold Records line the walls and photo portraits include David Bowie in all his Ziggy Stardust glory, and a wonderful shot of Anthony Keidis in the Red Hot Chilli Peppers heyday. The décor is retro and predominantly black with vinyl bar stools grouped around black tables, and comfy lounge suites tucked into the corners. The glitter balls that dangle from the ceiling are pure glam rock!
The staff are super relaxed, friendly and obviously really enjoy working in such a hip place. Komang has been the bar supervisor for 12 years and when I ask him what he likes most about working at Centerstage, he says “Its fun, and I’m going to feel forever young.”
The bar menu also follows the rock theme religiously, you can choose from ‘Shake rattle n Roll’, ‘Rockin Rocktails’, ‘Chillin Cocktails’ and ‘Beer Goggles.’ We start with an ACDC ‘Coming on like a hurricane’, a good solid rum-based cocktail that is fruity and refreshing. The Purple Haze does Jimmi Hendrix proud and is slightly fizzy with a rather lethal combination of gin, raspberry vodka, rum, sweet and sour and sprite. Both cocktails are full bodied, strong and well mixed. Other highlights include the Yardy served in a glass that is a yard high, Loco bery rita, Mango Margarita and the Rasberry and Basil Mojito
From the alternative rock menu we try a Lady Madonna, which is mixed with mango, peach and just a hint of ginger and is sweet like a virgin; and the Virgin Superstar, a stunning dark pink frozen icy treat, dense with fresh strawberries. We also have some great Nachos, the quintessential bar snack and Centerstage serve them up in pure Tex Mex style a mountainous platter of tortilla chips topped with spicy beans, tangy salsa, jalapenos, jack cheese and sour cream.
The rock theme is all pervasive and great fun, so if you are in the mood for a bit of old time rock n roll, then take a trip down to paradise city and let the good times roll! AB
CENTERSTAGE
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Jalan Pantei Kuta
Phone +361 761 869
Opening Hours 1pm – 12am
Kuta Map A - 3
