Dark, electric and full of swagger, the moment you step into Neon Pigeon, it feels like you’ve left the sunny streets of Singapore for the colourful alleyways of Tokyo. A regular on the 50 Best Discovery Bar list, the drinks are unapologetically bold, and always fun. Take the fruity Ran-Ta-Ta-Tan: a cheeky mix of grape skin vodka, sakura tea, cinnamon crack salt and passion fruit. Don’t miss the highballs, an izakaya staple, such as the smashable, bittersweet Spumoni, made with gin, sweet potato shochu, grapefruit soda and Asahi foam.
In the kitchen, head chef Sean Mell, formerly of Nobu, whips up effortlessly delicious plates. The Tokyo Hummus, made with edamame and topped with furikake, is dangerously moreish – you’ll find yourself asking for more curry chips. The Salt Baked Hamachi Collar, which is cracked open and served tableside, delivers in both theatre and taste. The A5 Wagyu ribeye is almost impossible to resist, but make sure to put in an order of the Unagi Foie Gras Donabe too. Add a carafe or two of sake, and you have the makings of a fabulous night out.
