Churchill Wine & Cigar Bar — Restaurant in Jakarta

Environment & Ambiance:

Located inside the Borobudur Hotel, this venue is best described as a bar-lounge hybrid. The space is large, comfortable, and tastefully decorated in what could be called a “dark academia” style—elegant and chic. A Chesterfield sofa set is reserved for large groups (always marked as “reserved,” so you likely need to come with enough people to claim it, which is fair). There’s also a cozy set of four armchairs available. For entertainment, chess and billiards are on offer. The high ceilings, excellent ventilation, and reliable air conditioning make indoor smoking perfectly comfortable. An outdoor terrace/garden is also available, though I personally prefer sitting inside. Music is pre-recorded (no live bands) and kept at a pleasant level, allowing easy conversation.

Food & Beverages:

While the bar has its own food menu, it mostly consists of light snacks. However, you can also order from the hotel’s other restaurants through the staff. Beverages are, in my opinion, the weakest part of the experience and an area with significant room for improvement. The cocktail and mocktail selection exists, but the taste is underwhelming. Coffee is available, though overpriced and not very good. They do carry a decent wine selection, but I haven’t tried it, so I can’t comment.

Cigar Shop & Walk-in Humidor:

For cigar lovers, this is the highlight. The Churchill cigar shop offers one of the best price-to-quality ratios in Jakarta. The walk-in humidor, separated by a glass door, is well-stocked and well-maintained, with a strong selection of Cuban cigars and some Davidoffs. Popular Cuban labels such as Montecristo No. 2, Partagas Serie D No. 4, and Trinidad are often available—impressive considering their post-Covid scarcity due to high Chinese demand. Prices are not displayed on shelves, so you’ll need assistance from the staff, who are always ready to help. Do note that the cigar shop has shorter opening hours than the bar (12:00–20:00 vs. 12:00–24:00). The bar itself keeps a box humidor with a small selection from the main shop. The shop also sells accessories such as cutters, cases, and humidors. The bar provides cutters, blue-flame lighters, and cigar ashtrays when you order.

Service:

As is often the case in Indonesia, the service here is excellent. The staff are polite, attentive, and respectful. Visitors should, of course, extend the same courtesy in return.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re traveling a long way just to visit, I’d recommend checking ahead to ensure there isn’t a private event limiting access. Hotel guests, of course, will be able to see for themselves. Aside from the underwhelming beverage menu (with wine left untested), this bar is an excellent place to enjoy a premium cigar in a refined,...

Churchill Wine & Cigar Bar at Borobudur Hotel Jakarta epitomizes sophistication, offering a refined haven for enthusiasts of fine wines and cigars. The ambiance is a seamless blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort, providing an intimate setting that is ideal for both socializing and relaxation.

The extensive wine collection at Churchill is a connoisseur's delight, boasting an impressive array of vintages from around the world. The sommeliers are knowledgeable and passionate, guiding patrons through the selections to ensure a perfect pairing with their preferences. From robust reds to crisp whites, the diverse offerings cater to varying tastes.

Complementing the exquisite wine selection is a well curated assortment of premium cigars. The bar's commitment to quality extends to its cigar offerings, providing aficionados with a haven to savor the nuances of their chosen blends.

Service at Churchill is impeccable, with attentive staff catering to the needs of every guest. The ambiance, coupled with the expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of gourmet bites, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a refined evening of indulgence.

While Churchill Wine & Cigar Bar may cater to a more discerning clientele, the experience it offers is undoubtedly worth the investment for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It stands as a testament to luxury, providing an oasis of sophistication within the heart of Borobudur...

Be warned, even though they call themselves a cigar bar, they do not, in fact, sell cigars. So if you arrive later in the evening you are unable to smoke one there unless you have your own, as the “gift shop” where they do sell cigars closes early. Quite surprising and very disappointing. I wish I could give a review without stars as I did not stay so I don’t feel qualified to rate the quality of the bar, but there...