We've tried to ensure the information displayed here is as accurate as possible. Should there be any inaccuracies, we would be grateful if you could let us know at info@ipohworld.org . All images and content are copyright.
(Please click on the thumbnail for a bigger image.)
FMS Bar And Restaurant - Happy Memories Part 1
This set of photographs was mainly taken by Weng Ong Lee over a period of time, and there are two or three from other unknown sources. Consequently the dates are all approximate.
Here at top left we feature the famous Nephew, Mr Phang, who started to work as barman at the age of 12 when his uncle, Cheam Yeow Toon, who was Hainanese, owned the business after starting it in 1906 with two partners.. Then when his uncle passed on, Nephew became the owner of the bar, and also remained as the barman, Years later he sold the FMS to its present (2014) owner, but stayed on as barman. Eventually he completed more than 60 years behin the bar and only retired when the premises were closed for restoration on 1 March 2008. In January 2014 it remains closed with no visible signs of the restoration completing.
Nephew of FMS fame was not only the well loved barman of the FMS, but he was friend and confidente of literally thousands of people from all over the globe who dropped in the FMS for a ‘quick one’ over his sixty years behind that famous old bar. Sadly he passed away tin June 2010 and will never serve us a beer or one of his delightful meals again. An icon of Ipoh and part of the city’s history, he will be sorely missed if the FMS ever reopens its doors again.
The remaining images show a selection of external views of the building with the lions on guard outside, the inviting stairs to the upper floor restaurant and the famous batwing doors that led you into the oldest pub in Malaysia.