The Back Room

The Back Room transports guests to 1920s speakeasy elegance with a cocktail programme built on locally sourced ingredients. Bartender Yllaine Payno found her way here through curiosity—what began as a reception role at Rue Bourbon led her behind the bar, and eventually to a head bartender post at Indus Modern Indian Kitchen. Now part of the Shangri-La the Fort, Manila team, she channels that same inquisitive spirit into The Back Room’s drinks list, drawing on classic cocktails, considered ingredients, and the people around her to keep the bar’s offerings—and its speakeasy charm—in constant motion.