Operation Dagger
Hidden in the basement of a nondescript building on Ann Siang Hill, Operation Dagger has perhaps the most bizarre menu of any bar in Singapore. Cocktails come with a medley of odd and unfamiliar ingredients, from goat’s cheese to bone marrow to fermented red cabbage. Theatrical attention is paid to the presentation: drinks emerging from a large glass jar filled with aromatic smoke, for example. Fans of industrial-chic décor will also appreciate the polished concrete tabletops and outlandish filament-bulb installation that covers the ceiling. Open Tuesday-Saturday 6pm until late; tel +65 6438 4057; operationdagger.com
LeveL33
Another place with fantastic views is LeVeL33. The “urban penthouse dining” space has its own craft brewery with fantastic views of the Marina Bay area and city skyline. The contemporary interiors are built with a wooden finish, earthy colours and copper brewing kettles. Apart from its classic European offerings, it has a special “beer dining” menu with 15 choices from corn fritters to seasoned chipotle. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s an impressive wine list too, sourced from boutique wineries around the world. Open daily 11.30am-12am; tel +65 6834 3133; level33.com.sg
1-Altitude
Officially the highest outdoor bar in the world, 1-Altitude boasts some pretty spectacular views over Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and beyond. With an alfresco bar at the top, a signature Australian fine-dining restaurant and a high-energy nightclub on three different levels, there’s no need to change venues all evening. Ideal for people watching, this is the place to visit if you want to rub shoulders with Singapore’s high-profile residents late into the night. Open daily 6am-2am; tel +65 6438 0410; 1-altitude.com
Manhattan
The winner of Asia’s Best Bar 2017 was another Singaporean entry. Located in the lobby of the Regent Singapore, Manhattan is a throwback to America’s Golden Era, with sleek leather furnishings and heavy drapes. The bar’s pièce de résistance is its
on-site rickhouse (a whisky-ageing warehouse) featuring bespoke casks with classic spirits. Don’t miss the adults-only Sunday brunch and, of course, it would be remiss not to try the bar’s eponymous signature drink. Open 5pm-1am Sunday-Thursday; 5pm-2am Friday-Saturday; tel +65 6725 3377; regenthotels.com
B28
This place combines three exciting elements — whisky, cigars and live jazz. Located in the basement of The Club Hotel, it is a music lover’s haven. There’s an upbeat energy with a good mix of international jazz acts playing regularly – an excellent accompaniment to the whisky and Scotch collection. B28 also has a strong rum list that is perfect when looking to unwind after a long day. Open daily 6pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 10.30pm-1.30am; tel +65 9298 8863; btwentyeight.com
The Secret Mermaid
The design here is quite industrial and edgy, with wrought-iron, stonewashed walls, wood finishing and a splash of yellow. What makes the bar special is its selection of American spirits, and the curated tasting flights are a great way to sample them. I particularly enjoyed the rye whiskey and some truly adventurous cocktails – such as salmon-flavoured vodka. Delicious tater tots are also served with each drink. Open Monday-Friday 5pm-11pm; thesecretmermaid.com
Mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore’s flagship restaurant has unveiled a new gin and tonic bar: the Party Room. The new instalment boasts more than 60 different premium gins from around the world, including Asia’s first craft gin Paper Lantern. Featuring spacious seating, a stylish ambience and hand-woven Peranakan fabric décor, the Party Room offers a warm and residential atmosphere. The revamped Martini Bar next door has also introduced seven new flavours including a gummy bear martini. Open daily 5pm-12am/1am Friday-Sunday; tel +65 6732 1234; singapore.grand.hyatt.com
Best Bartender
Jigger & Pony
Named after the serving measures used for the old units of alcohol, Jigger (one ounce)
& Pony (1.5 ounces) is also on the latest list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Its warm, friendly vibe makes it a great venue for after-work drinks, as does the effortlessly simple yet chic presentation of its 20 cocktails, which vary from classics to vintage and signature creations. The Last Word made with Tanqueray gin and Green Chartreuse is simply brilliant, as is the classic Negroni, also gin-based. Bartender Boo Jing Heng is the wizard behind these magical drinks – he won the 2016 Diageo World Class Singapore Champion award at the Southeast Asia edition in Bali. Open Monday-Thursday 6pm-1am, Friday-Saturday until 3am; tel +65 6223 9101; jiggerandpony.com
Secret place
28 Hong Kong Street
It may not seem like anything from the outside – in fact, you wouldn’t even know it existed unless someone told you about the secret, unmarked entrance set amid a row of shophouses. But inside, this cosy space is abuzz with conversation from a hipster crowd, and the bar packs a punch with craft cocktails made from artisanal spirits and organic ingredients. They also have some of the best whisky-based cocktails in town. It’s no wonder that 28 Hong Kong Street topped the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016 and held on to a top-five position this year. Open Tuesday-Sunday 6pm-3am; tel +65 6533 2001; 28hks.com
