By Anne Das
There’s a new reason to linger at the historic Perak Turf Club. And it has nothing to do with the horses.
Hoof Tap Coffee & Bar has opened inside its grounds, bringing a slice of Australian café culture to one of Ipoh’s most storied addresses.
The setting does most of the talking. There’s a wraparound view of the track. The hills beyond have watched over race day since colonial times.
The venue marked its debut on Saturday. A ribbon-cutting and lion dance kicked things off. The celebrations continued throughout the afternoon before rolling into an evening of music and mingling.
No membership is required. There’s no dress code to fuss over either. Hoof Tap is designed to be the club’s most accessible room.
“We wanted to bring new energy, excitement and fun to the PTC grounds. Hoof Tap is a welcoming space that people can enjoy throughout the week, even when there is no racing,” said founders Angel Ooi and Jess Lee.
Coffee is the anchor. Espresso classics sit alongside a few playful signatures, including the Dirty Horse, a seasonal-bean pour worth seeking out.
Matcha and hojicha lattes round out the tea series, and the fresh and fizzy list leans local, with pomelo lychee jasmine and passion lemonade among the options. Most non-alcoholic drinks land between RM8 and RM23.
At the bar, a striking tap system dispenses cocktails ready to serve. It’s a fitting nod to the venue’s racing pedigree.
Bottled and draught beers are also available, alongside whisky, gin and other liquors. Happy hour runs from 2pm to 8pm.
On the food side, the counter display does the heavy lifting. Expect a rotating spread of cakes, cookies, and mochi balls, the kind of pretty, shareable bites made for slow afternoons and Instagram alike. Full meals aren’t on the menu here, at least not yet.
By day, it’s unhurried. It’s the kind of place built for long coffees and longer conversations.
By night, the lighting dims. The DJ booth activates. Hoof Tap shifts into one of Ipoh’s more unexpected nightlife destinations. Guest DJs and visiting brand ambassadors appear on selected evenings. Reservations are essential for these nights.
Race days add another layer to the Hoof Tap experience. A dedicated balcony puts guests within close proximity of the action, close enough to hear the thunderous hooves as the horses round the final bend.
Those who prefer air-conditioning can enjoy the same sweeping panorama from the glass-fronted lounge, cocktail in hand, without giving up a single moment of the action.
Trackside dining and racecourse nightlife have long been part of the draw at racecourses worldwide, from Hong Kong’s Happy Valley to Ascot in the UK and Flemington in Australia.
Hoof Tap brings that same spirit to Ipoh. 🎉
“We are transforming the club into a venue for leisure and lifestyle beyond horse racing. Hoof Tap plays a strategic role in this new direction, giving younger people a contemporary space to enjoy and a new reason to become part of the PTC community.
Our vision is for the Perak Turf Club to become a central hub for both sports and leisure, buzzing with activity,” said Perak Turf Club Chairman Dato’ John Lim.
Hoof Tap is the latest milestone in that vision. A Japanese restaurant, banquet hall, fusion dining concept and gourmet food court are all slated to open by year’s end.
The club’s ambitions clearly extend well beyond the finish line.
For now, the formula is simple. Come for the coffee, the cocktails and the view. Stay for the music after dark. REMEMBER: Race days sell out fast, so book your table ahead if you want in.
The Essentials
📍 Main Building, Perak Turf Club, Ipoh
📱 @hooftap.ipoh on Instagram | Hoof Tap on Facebook
🕒 2pm to midnight, closed Tuesdays
🚗 Free parking within the secured grounds
📅 Reservations recommended via their social media platforms
