10 new bars in Singapore in 2014

PUBLISHED March 25th, 2014 02:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:31 pm

My my, we are a thirsty bunch in Singapore! It seems the cocktail bar scene shows no signs of cooling off with a new crop of exciting new bars to tantalize our tastebuds and tickle our imaginations. As well as the cool, quirky and cute bars that we just love letting you know about, be prepared for some surprising contenders on the hotel scene which are here to redefine the hotel bar experience – something of a trend right now in Singapore. And so without further ado, here’s our round up of new bars to get hopping around to:

L’Aiglon

We all know that Tanjong Pagar is the ultimate hip area to open something conceptual and a little kooky when it comes to anything gastronomic. But amongst all the wildly imaginative pan-Asian, nouveau European establishments, lies something so classic and plush, that it becomes conceptual itself. L’Aiglon is a quintessentially French cocktail bar enlightened by local Asian touches. Expect to find classic cocktails and inspired bar bites – all with a twist. It is also the first bar in Singapore (and the world) to serve Champagne Labruyère, an artisanal champagne maker with a production of 60,000 bottles per year. Find out more about L’Aiglon in our full review here.

L’Aiglon is located at 69 Neil Road, Singapore, 088899. Opening hours are Monday – Saturday: 5pm – 1am. For more information see their website here.

Nutmeg & Clove

With a playful selection of Singapore-centric cocktails, Nutmeg & Clove makes for a very novel and interesting visit. Whilst their signature cocktails are definitely on the stranger side, the combination of flavours gives you an insight on Singapore’s history like no other bar does! The munchies here are quirky twists of Singaporean dishes too, and they make great bar snacks. For more details, see our full review on Nutmeg & Clove here.

Nutmeg & Clove is located at 17 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069697. Open Tuesday – Saturday 6pm – 2am. For more information, see Facebook Page.

The Secret Mermaid

The secret is getting out about the Secret Mermaid, that funky little American spirits bar located in the basement of Ocean Finance Centre in the heart of the CBD. Japanese salad by day, cool bar by night. The guys behind this venture are importing some very tasty, and very unknown whiskies, rums, tequilas and more from the good ol’ US of A. Expect some surprisingly enjoyable twists like their Alaskan Smoked Salmon flavoured vodka or their Sparkle Donkey tequila. It’s a great place to try the new and rare for a very affordable price. They also act as a bottle shop so you may just be taking home a few bottles (as we did!).

The Secret Mermaid is located at 10 Collyer Quay, B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore, 049315. Opening hours are Monday – Friday: 5pm – 11pm. For more information see their Facebook page here.

Tippling Club

Not so much new, as re-located to the super trendy Tanjong Pagar/Duxton area –  although some similarities can be found with its former entity, including those visually stunning bottles hanging from the ceiling which are still centrepiece – one major difference is that the drinks prices have significantly come down and are now quite competitive to other bars in the area. For those of you who visited Tippling Club at Dempsey, we assure you you will be most impressed at their new digs and of course their experimental cocktails. And for those that aren’t familiar with Tippling Club (where have you been?!) let’s just say you’re in for a treat. Read our full review of Tippling Club here.

Tippling Club is located at 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore, 08846. Opening hours are Monday – Friday: 6pm – midnight. Saturday: midday – 3pm, 6pm – midnight. Sunday: Closed. For more information see their website here.

63 Celsius

Even though this watering hole is located in the hustle and bustle of the CBD, doesn’t mean it caters just for the corporate after-work crowd. The colourful open-kitchen and bar concept is inviting and serves a mix of delicious bar bites, as well as full meals (did you know they have a 2kg Tomahawk steak??). What sets this place apart is the fact that it shakes up quick cocktails that are simple, yet conceptual enough to be taken seriously. Those adventurous enough should try the Spicy Mojito, a twist on the classic mojito with the addition of chilli padi.

63 Celsius is located at 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore, 018961. Opening hours are Monday – Friday: until 11pm. For more information see their Facebook page here.

Mars Bar

Mars Bar is what every pop-up bar should aspire to be. Paying much-needed homage to Singapore’s thriving food scene, all the cocktails are inspired by local cuisine. From the now-famous Chilli Crab cocktail to a boozy tribute to the Milo Dinosaur, everything simply tastes like a spiked (and we say better) version of your favourite childhood treats. The decadent hotel lobby does not belie the friendly and welcoming atmosphere the bartenders have. Don’t miss out, as they will only stay open until October when the hotel is due for renovations.

Mars Bar is located at The Duxton, 83 Duxton Road, Singapore, 089540. Opening hours are Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 1am. For more information see their website here.

The Manor Bar and Cocktail Room

If you loved Bitters & Love, then we’re guessing you will want to be checking out the new venture by the man that brought it to you – bespoke cocktail genius Din Hassan – who has found a new home over at The Manor Cocktail Bar and Room. Inside the bar, you’ll find a map of the world and on it, you’ll find pinned names of bartenders across the globe. And guess what? Soon those very same bartenders will be winging their way over to make a guest appearance at The Manor. Thumbs up for the concept then. Thumbs up also for the interior which funnily enough, resembles an English country manor of sorts.

The Manor Bar and Cocktail Room is located at 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore, 069788. Opening hours are Monday – Thursday & Saturday: 5pm  – 1am. Friday: 5pm – 2am. For more information see their Facebook page here.

Manhattan

Inspired by the 19th century Golden Age of cocktails in old New York,  Manhattan is where craft bartending meets artisanal spirits with classic and forgotten cocktails in a journey through Manhattan’s neighbourhoods from Harlem to Wall Street and everything in-between. Complete with the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse (a.k.a. warehouse used for ageing) to age and finish whiskies, other spirits, bitters and single-cask cocktails, it even boasts its own Ingredients Room – a treasure trove of unique ingredients like wildcherry bark and shisandra berries. We’re talking serious, handcrafted business here thanks to bartender extraordinaire, Ricky Paiva, who honed his craft at some of the world’s leading bars along with a very awesome moustache! Read more in our full review here

Manhattan is located on the 2nd Floor, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore, 249715. Open from April 24th 2014. Opening hours are Monday – Sunday: 5pm – 1am. For more information see the Regent website here.

Anti:dote

Throw out all those notions of stuffy hotel bars as Anti:Dote just redefined the meaning of hotel drinking establishments. The airy and modern space is home to some serious street cred thanks to bartender, Tom Hogan (formerly of Waldorf Astoria Chicago), and chef, Carlos Montobbio (of Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca). Expect to find local twists on classic cocktails and delicious East-meets-West nibbles. The best part is that the ingredients are all sourced from the hotel’s very own rooftop herb garden – so you know everything is fresh and grown with TLC.

Anti:Dote is located on Level 1,  Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd. Singapore, 189560. Opening hours are Monday – Sunday: 5pm – 2am. For more information see the Fairmont website here.

Bincho

Gearing itself as more of a semi-dining yakitori establishment, visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find the super cool bar in the back of this shophouse venue. Giving an incredible futuristic, underground feel, you’ll love the vibe if you’re a frequent user of the phrase ‘off the beaten track’. What really takes pride of place here is their selection Japanese whiskies….utterly astounding, easily one of the best in Singapore. It’ll cost you a fair bit but be adventurous and try some of their aged small production Whiskies like those from Mars distillery. You never know when you’ll get an another chance.

Bincho is located at 01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore, 162078. Opening hours are Tuesday – Friday: 6pm – midnight. Saturday – Sunday: midday – 3pm, 6pm – midnight. For more information see their Facebook page here.

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Written by Ms Demeanour & The City Nomad