Monday 4 February 2013

Bars in Singapore


The nightlife scene in Singapore is constantly evolving. Every time you look up there seems to be a new bar, club or restaurant. To help you make a decision on where to go for a drink, we’ve made a few suggestions. The list doesn’t go into much detail at what is served at each bar; instead it focuses on the venue, atmosphere and what makes it a better option than just a regular old pub.

Tanjong Beach Club

Situated on Tanjong Beach away from the crowds of Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring Sentosa Island. Make sure you get a good spot by the pool take in the view of the ocean. This is particularly special at night as the dark horizon is dotted with the hundreds of lights that cover all the ships anchored a few kilometres off shore. Tanjong Beach Club is also known for its amazing food. With the chef having worked at Momofuku Ma Peche and Oceana in New York City, this is also a great place for dinner.  

Ji Biru

Specializing in Japanese craft beer, Ji Biru sits in the “outdoor” area of the mall 313 Somerset. Decked out with wooden tables and benches it feels very Japanese. Its location means you get the outdoor vibe but with a massive fan on the roof keeping the Singaporean heat at bay. This makes it a perfect place for an afternoon drink after or during a shopping spree on Orchard Rd. Ji Biru is also known for its yakitori so much sure you grab some as a snack while you’re there.

Ku De Ta

Situated 55 stories high in the SkyPark on top of Marina Bay Sands, Ku De Ta provides one of the most spectacular views of Singapore. With a restaurant inside and a bar outside, you can enjoy your drink while taking in the view of Marina Bay with the Singapore CBD skyline in the background. Look to your right to get a rare top-down view of the Singapore Flyer. As it’s the world’s highest Ferris wheel, there are not many opportunities to see it from this angle.

1-Altitude 

If you want to get even higher then go across the water to the CBD to have a drink in the world’s highest al fresco bar. On level 63 of One Raffles Place sits 1-Altitude. At 282 metres (925ft) high and with 360 degree views this might be the most spectacular bar in Singapore. And hence there is a cover charge of up to $30. This does include a drink and with the view of Marina Bay Sands and pretty much most of Singapore it’s definitely worth the price of admission at least once. 

Loof

This rooftop bar is a very popular spot on Friday and Saturday nights. The wood decking and greenery makes it feel like being on the terrace of a really nice house. The view provides a glimpse of the top of Marina Bay Sands so you’ll be able to see the nightly laser show. They’ve also provided some coin operated binoculars so you can get a closer look.

Divine

Parkview Square will be a building you’ll come very familiar with during your stay in Singapore. This landmark is known around town as the ‘Gotham City building’ due to its striking Art Deco architecture, making it look like something from Batman’s home town. The amazing design isn’t just on the outside. Next to the impressive lobby is Divine. This opulent wine bar is a must for wine lovers and architecture fans alike. The centrepiece is a 12 metre (39ft) high, gold wine chiller. It’s so tall that if you order something from one of the upper shelves, a wine fairy flies up and gets the bottle. You read that correctly. A woman dressed as a fairy and attached to a rope and pulley system floats straight up to get your wine. You just hope she’s getting paid well for that. And with the cheapest bottle of wine costing $95, you know she probably is.

Mr Punch

Mr Punch is a rooftop bar located at the MINT Museum of Toys. The walls of the bar are covered in vintage advertisements and signs creating a unique atmosphere that make for a good change from some of the more overly glamorous bars in Singapore. Located close to other museums, Mr Punch is perfect for a cool refreshment after a day of history and culture.

Broadcast HQ

Located in a large old shophouse in Little India and run by two Australians, Broadcast HQ feels like a bar you’d find in Sydney or Melbourne. Situated above the restaurant which specializes in barbequed meat, the bar is dark, with mismatched couches, exposed brick and hip hop playing on the stereo. The bar food is top notch and the cocktails are “preservative free”. There is also a record store downstairs which can be dangerous for the wallet after a few drinks.

Helipad

Although not used for an actual helipad during the day or anything, this round rooftop bar certainly does resemble one, especially with the big glowing H shape in the middle, which of course is actually a giant couch. Once the helipad novelty wears of the bar provides an awesome view of the Singapore River and Clarke Quay, one of the busiest bar and restaurant districts in Singapore.   

Clarke Quay

If you want to try a few placers but don’t want to travel around too much, then Clarke Quay is the place to go. With five blocks of old warehouses converted into a network of bars, clubs and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what you feel like doing. There’s an Irish pub, a Scottish pub, a Middle Eastern bar where you can smoke a shisha, bars with live music, a massive wine bar and Hooters(!) Go on a Friday or Saturday night and be prepared for large crowds. But with the layout and Singapore’s love of organization it never feels overwhelming. To avoid the weekend traffic you should get there by water taxi. You’ll be dropped off right in the thick of it so you can get your night started as soon as you decide where to start. With so much choice that might actually be quite hard, but with everything so close to each other you should try as many places as possible.  

There are plenty of regular bars and pubs in Singapore where you can go and just enjoy a drink. But if you want a memorable venue, interesting beer choice and/or great food, make sure you try one or more of the places listed above.  





  




No comments:

Post a Comment