New Singapore bars to check out before the end of 2018

With floor-to-ceiling views of Marina Bay, the new MO Bar at Singapore’s swish Mandarin Oriental hotel is a classy new addition to the city’s vibrant bar scene. Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, much of the elegant décor is inspired by travel, such as the hand-carved wooden sculptures and hand-woven tapestries. Taking centrestage is a grand bar counter where you’ll find a creative drinks menu created in collaboration with the acclaimed Singapore-based cocktail consultancy Proof & Company. Try one of the 14 unique cocktails – a show-stopper is the Roaring City, as well as the eye-catching Mother of Dragons –  or sample the MO Pilsner, developed in collaboration with local brewery Archipelago.

This Amoy Street stalwart has recently moved to the lobby of Amara Hotel, breathing new life into the older hotel and at the same time, reinvigorating its own interiors with a sleek new look and larger floorplan. The two-level watering hole can now accommodate far more people than its previous location and features a bar on both the ground level and the one above. With plush, teal-coloured velvet booths and brass fittings, the new space exudes an elegant atmosphere and boasts a revamped cocktail menu of new libations as well as tributes to classics such as the Singapore Sling and even the Woo Woo.

Located at The Vagabond Club, this new whiskey den boasts over 1,000 types of rare whiskies, made up of a collection of single-cask and limited-edition releases. The bar includes a whiskey locker where members can store up to 15 of their favourite bottles. Hotelier Satinder Garcha was inspired by his travels through Scotland with friends and was adamant he could bring the artistry and craftsmanship of the country’s famed whiskies to his eclectic hotel. What’s more, the bar’s warm and intimate design – think vermillion carpets and dark wood furniture – is a subtle nod to the comfort and camaraderie of drinking whiskies with friends, an important factor in creating the space for Garcha.

A nondescript room tucked inside Capital, the private member’s club of Singapore’s most well-known nightclub Zouk, is home to Queens. This intimate bar – named after the New York City borough – serves up slick hip-hop beats alongside sophisticated craft cocktails inspired by the same music genre. The 30-seater is decidedly cosy but is designed for those in-the-know and is a great place to kick off an evening of revelry. Would-be patrons must state their intention to visit the bar at the Zouk Clarke Quay entrance, or flash their membership card to gain entry.

The latest offering from the team behind The Other Room at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza, this rooftop bar spotlights interesting, perfectly balanced cocktails that blend fine teas with top-notch spirits. The bar offers more than 400 different spirits infused with tea, with bartenders shaking, stirring and blending up a range of dynamic drinks different from anywhere else. Sitting on top of the handsome heritage building Ann Siang House, the leafy rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to relax after a long day at the office, or before a big night out.

A new offering from the Regent Singapore, Park90 is the first wine bar in the city to serve Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Pétrus by the glass. The selection of wines has been specially curated by sommelier Mason Ng from wine merchants and acclaimed vineyards all around the world. This has resulted in a broad but very interesting variety of wines, from the 2015 Coche Dury Bourgogne Chardonnay Blanc, a rare white Burgundy, to the organically grown, non-interventionist, natural Maison Jean Fournier Marsannay Rouge Les Longeroies. The bar also offers a membership programme – members can enjoy exclusive, rare and sought-after bottles usually unavailable on the Singapore market.

With unmatchable views atop the Swissôtel The Stamford in the middle of the city, SKAI is all about contemporary fine dining as well as innovative cocktails inspired by four different altitudes – Sea, Rainforest, High Desert and Alpine. Each category is nature-inspired and uses natural ingredients combined with high quality spirits. Try the Nori Highball from the Sea category featuring Laphroaig 10, Manzanilla Sherry, nori and Ace apple cider, or The Summit from Alpine, featuring Reyka Icelandic Vodka, Tempus Fugit Duplais Absinthe Verte, wild strawberry, volcanic rock and oak smoke.

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