Because there’s never enough reason to need a drink any time in the week.
The looming, towering presence of Parkview Square has led to many Singaporeans coining it the “Gotham Building”, so it’s only apt that its soon-to-open bar ATLAS carries the same air of grandeur.
Inspired by the Art Deco lobbies of Europe, ATLAS will put together what’s apparently “the world’s most diverse and thoughtfully curated physical compilation of [gin]” in a ceiling-high tower that will form the centrepiece of the bar – many of these gins will go beyond popular brands to include craft gins, some of them gifts from distillers and friends of the bar. Head bartender Roman Foltan (one of Forbes 30 Most Talented People Under 30 list in 2015) will take care of the bar program.
Feeling especially flush? ATLAS also carries a ultra-luxe Champagne collection within a bespoke rose-gold walk-in room – some of which originated from the greatest Champagne houses in the world. A menu of modern European bites play the supporting role.
Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road
One of the three watering hole options at the rebranded JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is specialty gin bar Tonic. Like the stylish hotel it’s housed within, Tonic boasts plenty of design cred – it’s designed and decorated by Philippe Starck.
Drinks-wise, Tonic serves exclusively East Imperial tonic and soda, and the bar’s collection of gin is paired for your easy selection with a ‘Gin & East Imperial Pairings’ menu that classifies the gin by origin and highlights brands from key gin-making regions around the world. If you prefer something a little more creative, the menu also features gin-based cocktails.
From now until 31 March, Tonic is also featuring a 50% off second drink promotion. There’s never been a better reason to play hooky from work and grab an early evening drink.
30 Beach Road
The military connotations to its name may be more for design form than actual functionality, but the Court Martial Bar at level one of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach does have its historical ties – it occupies the former Singapore NCO Court Martial office of the ’40s). As an homage to the bygone era, touches like coasters with the prints of rank patches and a logo inspired by lettermark stamps dot the place.
The nod to the early years of Singapore is also reflected in the cocktail menu, which is divided into three categories, each with its Singapore twist. Under ‘Court Martial Bar Signatures’, highlights include The Heritage Sling, a new take on the Singapore Sling with the addition of Tiger Beer. With ‘Re-Defined Classics’, familiar favourites like the Bloody Mary gets a touch of Dijon mustard added, while the Margarita comes served with a black salt rim. On the ‘Barrel-Aged Classics’ selection, the Rum Ol’Fashioned features bar manager Navin Raj’s homemade infusion of barley syrup.
Naturally, the food menu carries the same heritage DNA. Bar bites include wagyu beef satay, coconut prawns and teriyaki chicken. Present your namecard from now until 31 March and partake in the 1-for-1 promotion on all drinks every weekday from 5 to 9pm.
30 Beach Road
You don’t have to work in the media industry to drink here (though it does get you perks like 1-for-1 beers, wines, ciders and house pours after happy hour until 30 June). The casual gastropub boasts one of the longest happy hours in town (11am to 8pm), where you get local craft beers at $12 a pint, wine at $9 per glass and house pour at $8 per glass.
The easy-breezy vibe extends to the all-day dining menu of barbequed wings, BBQ ribs and burger options like beef rendang, tandoori chicken and crispy shrimp meat.
30 Beach Road
Crackerjack is actually an all-day dining venue, but given that it’s conceptualised by the guys behind drinks collective Proof & Company Spirits (who also own the award-winning 28 Hongkong Street), you know you’re in for something really special at the bar.
For starters, there’s much high-tech equipment and methods – such as housemade soda taps and a centrifuge – involved in the making of drinks, as well as a tightly curated selection of artisanal spirits. Talents behind the bar include famous industry faces like Peter Chua (ex-28 Hongkong Street) and Zachary De Git (ex-Tippling Club), both of whom were Diageo Reserve World Class Southeast Asia champs.
But while much effort goes on behind the crafting scenes, the end goal of Crackerjack is to present a menu of tipples that are ultimately, unfussy, unpretentious, and delicious.
Some of the highlights include a concoction of Pierre Ferrand Cognac with Kyoho grape and jasmine, as well as frozen rose wine slushie of rose wine from Provence. If you’re after something more serious, stirred drinks, craft beers on tap and wines by the glass are also on the menu.
43 Tanjong Pagar Road