With a melting pot of cultures and blend of modern city buzz together with hints of its glamorous past, Singapore is chock full of some incredible bars. At last count Singapore is home to 6 of the world’s top 50 bars, pretty impressive for one of the smallest countries in the world! There’s something for every drinker, be it a glamorous rooftop joint 40 floors up including the best views of the city, freshly brewed beer from the world’s highest craft brewery or perfectly crafted concoctions from a tiny, hidden speakeasy.
LeVeL 33
Perched on the 33rd floor of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, LeVeL 33 boasts the world’s highest urban craft brewery and epic views of Marina Bay. A bar for the beer drinkers, there are five freshly brewed beers on offer at any one time and you can taste samples of them all with their signature beer tasting paddle.
Accompany your beer with some light bites off the dining menu, specifically designed to be paired with LeVeL 33’s own brews. I highly recommend the beef and prawn sizzlers, although portions are very generous so perhaps not before a special dinner.
The best time to book a table here is at around 6pm so you can enjoy a pint as you watch the sun go down and the lights of Singapore flicker to life. If you end up staying a touch later you can even spot the Marina Bay Sands light show taking place below you.
The Gibson Bar
The Gibson Bar in Singapore is one of those bars that you’re unsure about right up until the moment you sit down and have your mind blown by some of the best cocktails in the world, served by some of the best mixologists in Asia. The entrance is down a hallway and up an old set of stairs, and you start to wonder if you have the right location. Worry not, you’re well on your way to one of the best bars in Singapore.
Entering the room you’ll be greeted by the friendly bar staff and a vintage vibe that is married with an elegant hipster design. The menu constantly has you saying, “What? How is that even a drink?” But your taste buds will have you saying, “This is the best drink I’ve ever had!” The mixologists are all well versed in the art of flare as watching them make the cocktails is just as fun as drinking them.
Coming in at number 14 in Asia’s best bars, 62 in the world’s best bars and in the top 4 new international cocktail bars this is a place not to miss during your trip to Singapore. Make sure you try their signature drink, the Gibson, which is similar to a gin martini only with pickled onion, a smoked quail egg, and pickled ginger! Or be a true traveller and opt for their cocktail series called “Inspired by Place,” with cocktails inspired by everywhere from France to Kyoto and Singapore itself.
The Lantern Rooftop Bar
With its stylish design, laid-back vibe, and incredible views of the Marina Bay waterfront, the Lantern rooftop bar at The Fullerton Bay Hotel is one of the best places to grab a drink after a full day of sightseeing. Drinks are reasonably priced for the area, especially during happy hour, and the menu offers all sorts of delicious gourmet snacks. (I recommend the satay!)
Besides the fun atmosphere and creative cocktails, the Lantern bar is also a prime spot to catch Singapore’s nightly light and water show, Spectra, from. The show occurs twice every night (8pm and 9pm) along the Marina Bay waterfront. If you want to watch the show from the Lantern bar, I recommend reserving seats or a table with an unobstructed view at least a day in advance.
Dress code at the Lantern is casual, but not too casual. (Leave the shorts and flip-flops back at the hotel.) Opening hours are from 8am to 1am, and 2am on weekends. Happy hour runs from 11am to 6pm daily.
Nutmeg & Clove
Tucked away upstairs in an old shop house in Ann Siang Hill, this speakeasy is one you’ll have to seek to find, but trust us, the cocktails are worth it. Named as one of Asia’s Top 50 bars in 2017 Nutmeg & Clove seeks to celebrate Singaporean flavours and introduce new flavours into the drinks we all know and love.
Inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History drawings, mixologists at Nutmeg & Clove have put a Singaporean twist on modern classics. Using herbs, spices, fruits and flowers from his drawings, Nutmeg & Clove offer both the classic cocktail, for the traditional amongst us, and a version with a twist where one of these 12 flavours is drawn upon.
Our advice, book a table, settle down and work your way through their exciting cocktail menu. Always opt for the innovative cocktails with a twist and you can’t go wrong. In terms of flavour we really couldn’t pick a winner although the Barrel Aged Singapore Sling wins in terms of presentation, arriving in a tiny wicker bicycle complete with peanuts, a nod to the original Singapore Sling from Raffles.
The Long Bar at Raffles
Raffles hotel first opened in 1887 and is world renowned. Located approximately 30 minutes from Changi Airport the hotel has seen many famous names pass through such as Hemingway, Somerset Maugham, and Rudyard Kipling.
The world famous Singapore Sling was first created at the Raffles Hotel in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. It is a distinctive gin based cocktail with pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, dom benedictine, cherry brandy and cointreau added to it, the cherry brandy gives it the vibrant pink colour. The Singapore Sling has since become known as the national drink of the country.
There is no other place to experience this drink than at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore at the Long Bar, keeping with tradition the drink is served with peanuts and guest are encouraged to throw the peanut shells on the floor, just like in the olden days. The Long Bar has an old rustic colonial feel to it and the decor is that from that era, which replicates Malaysian plantation life in the 1920s. Both the hotel and bar have retained their historical feel which can be seen in the architecture and decor of the place.
The Long Bar is usually quite busy with both tourists and the locals of Singapore who come here to enjoy drinks and the famous Singapore Sling. Any visit to Singapore must include a visit to this bar as you really feel like you have stepped back in time. It definitely makes it worth the 30 SGD for this historical and famous drink just to experience the nostalgia.
Please note Raffles Hotel Singapore is currently under renovation works, reopening is scheduled for mid-2019. The Singapore Sling experience will be available at the Long Bar once Raffles has re-opened their doors to the public.
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar is the ultimate celebration of Art Deco glamour and decadent fine drinks where parties often go on into the wee hours. Inspired by the skyscrapers of New York and Europe, everything in Atlas evokes a sense of grandeur and class.
The drinks list at Atlas is more of a bible, listing over 1,000 gins and 250 fine champagne varieties alongside a collection of carefully crafted elegant cocktails. Admire the extensive gins stacked high in the three storey centrepiece of the main bar, but don’t fret over which to pick as Atlas have employed a specific gin and champagne team to guide guests in exploring their marvellous collections.
Book ahead to secure a table as the popularity of Atlas is on the rise following their entry at number 15 in the World’s Best Bar list in 2017. Dress to impress and enjoy your journey back in time to Great Gatsby era as relax back on velvet sofas and sip on chilled champagne.
Find Out More…
LeVeL 33 – https://level33.com.sg
The Gibson Bar – http://www.gibsonbar.sg
The Lantern Bar – https://www.fullertonhotels.com/
Nutmeg & Clove – https://nutmegandclove.com.sg
The Long Bar at Raffles – http://www.rafflessingapore.com
Atlas Bar – http://atlasbar.sg
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