15 fashionable bars to party at with your friends this New Year's Eve

Fura

Credit: Fura Bar

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The lowdown: Fura, a new bar on Amoy Street, focuses on sustainable drinks and food. It aims to make sustainable dining more approachable by using ingredients with a low carbon footprint, that are abundant in nature, or that are out of balance in the ecosystem. Guests can sip on a cocktail by the rooftop garden, which grows the herbs and ingredients on the menu. The bar will also feature a dedicated lifestyle wall with take-home products like house-made vermouth and ferments made with produce from FreshVeggies.sg. For cocktails, try the eclectic Caviar Papi (pictured), served with black garlic caviar and kombu ice cream.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: Fura is the brainchild of Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa. It is their first independent venture together since the successful nine-month pop-up, Mallow, at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay.

Find it at: Level 2, 74A Amoy Street

Tel: 8406-8899

Underdog Inn

Credit: UNDERDOG INN

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The lowdown: Underdog Inn is a New York-style tavern venue, offering taps serving Guinness and classic cocktails on draft. It also has a ‘butcher’s menu’ of smoked meats cooked over an open fire, as well as an eclectic art collection and unique graffiti on display. Bar manager Lee Rizali and owner Jay Gray have also collaborated to create a unique take on the 18 ‘Tavern Taps’, with 12 draft cocktails and six beers on rotation, accompanied by an extensive selection of malt whiskies and agave spirits.
Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: F&B maestro Jay Gray, who also co-founded Ssal

Find it at: 115 Amoy Street (off Gemmill Lane)

Tel: 8751-0354

Ssal

Credit: SSAL

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The lowdown: What was once the basement of the Club Street bar Low Tide has been transformed into an intimate Korean dining and drinking den, reborn as Ssal. Translated as ‘rice’ in Korean, Ssal focuses on Korean ingredients and flavours, with a particular emphasis on rice. Rooted in warm and welcoming Korean hospitality, Ssal also offers a dining menu centred around classic Korean dishes, paired with Korean spirits and creative cocktails by Minji Bae and Jojo Minseok.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it:  Jay Gray, also CEO and co-founder of the award-winning bar Sago House. Before settling in Singapore, he previously cut his teeth in old haunts like Brass Monkey Nottingham before joining Tristan Stevenson and the team at Worship Street Whistling Shop in London. Gray then moved to Sydney, Australia, putting in time at prestigious venues such as Baxter Inn, The Lobo and Eau De Vie.

Find it at: 98 Club Street

Tel: 8952-1145

Convivial

Credit: CONVIVIAL

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The lowdown: Champagne bar Convivial brands itself as an “intimate and enchanting escape from the ordinary.” It is designed to resemble a champagne cave in France, with soft lighting and an intimate seating arrangement. It offers a breadth of glass champagne styles to represent the richness of various regions in France. Beyond champagne, Convivial celebrates all things bubbles, including sparkling wines from around the world, cider, and beer. The bar’s offerings range from single-varietal wines harvested from single vineyards to multi-vintage wines from a blend of varietals. Expect to find delectable wines such as Salon Cuvee S Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Brut 1990, and Laherte Freres Les 7 Solera, Extra Brut NV.
Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: Convivial is founded by Yeo Xi Yang, who has over 11 years of experience. He began his journey at the French restaurant Les Amis, where he developed his deep love for champagne. After over four years with the Les Amis Group, he joined The Lo and Behold Group and spent a year at The Black Swan as head sommelier, followed by another year at Straits Clan as the pioneering head sommelier.

Find it at: #01-01 The Offshore

Tel:  8076 5674

Cat Bite Club

Credit: CAT BITE CLUB

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The lowdown: Cat Bite Club is a new cocktail bar in Singapore’s Duxton neighbourhood that highlights two well-loved spirit categories rooted in terroir: agave and rice. The bar is tucked away behind a secret entrance at 75 Duxton Road – look for the glowing red sign with a mischievous Cheshire cat grin, and you’ll know you’re in the right spot. We especially love its unique combination of agave and rice spirits in one concept that aims to intrigue and educate guests about these two categories, with a menu based on classic cocktails reinterpreted two ways: one with an agave spirit and one with a rice spirit.


Opened in: 2023


Who’s behind it: Cat Bite Club was founded by Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida, who share more than 30 years of hospitality experience combined. Vida was most recently head bartender at Atlas in Singapore, while Lowe moved to Singapore from a role as bar manager at Paradise Lost in Bangkok to open Cat Bite Club.

Find it at: 75 Duxton Road

Contact: meow@catbiteclub.com

Low Tide

Credit: LOW TIDE

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The lowdown: Low Tide is a Southeast Asian tropical concept with a bright and breezy al-fresco patio and an indoor bar space. Drinks include the classic Low Tide, a spicy rum and Aperol drink with citrus and allspice; as well as the Manilla Vice, a refreshing mix of daiquiri and pina colada. The cocktail and food menu celebrates the flavours found in tropical countries across Southeast Asia. Rum is a focus of the bar as well, with their range of daiquiris showcasing the characteristics and varieties of white rum. Decor-wise, think rattan chairs and palm leaf motifs.

Opened in: 2021

Who’s behind it: Serial F&B entrepreneur Jay Gray

Find it at: 98 Club Street, Singapore 069467

Tel: 8952-1145

Anthology

Credit: ANTHOLOGY

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The lowdown: Opened by homegrown distillery brand Compendium Spirits, Anthology is its new flagship bar and tasting room. The first floor features a cocktail gastrobar, the second floor houses a tasting room and exclusive lounge for members of its Chartered barrel ownership program, and the third floor is a temperature-controlled barrel-ageing cellar for members’ casks. Anthology offers a range of Compendium Spirits’ products in their original forms, as well as various unique cocktails, such as the rice flight, which showcases the evolution of its popular Hom Mali Rice Whiskey.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: Simon Zhao, who founded Compendium Spirits in 2015

Find it at: 10 Circular Road

Tel: 6876-5432

White Shades

Credit: WHITE SHADES

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The lowdown: White Shades introduces a first-of-its-kind cocktail experience in Singapore. This progressive four-story cocktail playground broadens the horizons for enthusiasts, encouraging them to explore spirits in various forms, from boozy gelatos to bespoke craft concoctions, as well as draft cocktails and beer. The bar combines various concepts under one roof, with the space thoughtfully designed to provide a multi-sensory experience. Each floor offers a distinct experience for a diverse range of consumers, catering to different price points to ensure accessibility for everyone.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: White Shades is the brainchild of JiaWei Bai, co-founder of the renowned Stay Gold Flamingo (ranked in the 32nd spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bar 2023 list).

Find it at: 25 Boon Tat Street

Contact: tellus@whiteshades.asia

High Bar Society

Credit: HIGH BAR SOCIETY

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What’s the business about: This bar and ice cream parlour offers a diverse assortment of over 20 alcoholic gelato flavours, including Triple Chocolate Macallan, Nama Chocolate Laphroaig Quarter Cask, and Lychee Rose Veuve Clicquot Rose. It also offers delectable desserts, tapas, and a range of curated cocktails. Unlike the industry norm of one to two per cent alcohol by volume, Tay’s research and development has resulted in a product boasting six per cent alcohol by volume gelato. She incorporates premium spirits such as The Macallan, Glenmorangie, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Veuve Clicquot into her artisanal ice cream creations.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: Chef Sharon Tay, who also owns Momolato cafe on Haji Lane, ventured to Bologna, Italy, to immerse herself in a two-month training program at Carpigiani Gelato University, the pioneering institution dedicated to the art of gelato-making. Tay also became Singapore’s first representative at the Gelato World Tour Finals in 2015, where she captured the Asia-Pacific title.

Find it at: 52 Tanjong Pagar Road

Contact: hello@highbarsg.com

Lofty Peaks

Credit: LOFTY PEAKS

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The lowdown: Lofty Peaks is a luxurious Indian-influenced cocktail bar located within the Little India food arcade, Apolo’s Food Village. The bar offers uniquely presented drinks, featuring a glamorous decor with gold and glass accents, along with furniture adorned in royal blue and teal hues. The menu boasts creative Indian-inspired cocktails, such as “Take Me To Chennai,” served in a globe-shaped glass, and the “Mumbai Honeycomb Mule,” which is delicately spritzed with Indian Spice perfume.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: C. Sankaranathan, who is also the managing director of Apolo’s Food Village, is joined in this venture by his wife and their son.

Find it at: 48 Serangoon Road

Tel: 9230-9595

Fiftyfive Coffee Bar

Credit: FIFTYFIVE COFFEE BAR

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The lowdown: FiftyFive Coffee Bar marries mixology with coffee. During the day, it offers a variety of speciality coffee and tea drinks, as well as freshly baked goods and light bites. At night, the space transforms into a cocktail lounge, with crafted cocktails and a selection of beer. Aside from coffee and cocktails, the bar also functions as a space for creative collaborations. It currently features the works of two local artists, whose pieces are on display in the space. The plan is also to eventually host other events such as live music performances, poetry readings, and other creative gatherings.

Opened in: 2023

Who’s behind it: Founder Nick Liu, a passionate home coffee brewer, along with general manager Harold Koh

Find it at: 55A Neil Road

Tel: 8322-0823

Revival Bar

Credit: REVIVAL BAR

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The lowdown: Located in Robertson Quay, Revival is a loft bar that is all about art. Think art deco-style interiors with modern elements, as well as art-inspired cocktails. There is also an expansive wall of over 400 different spirits. Revival Bar’s cocktails are inspired by different art eras throughout history, with a range of 11 art styles that include Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Baroque, Expressionism, Abstract, and more. For example, a Monet-inspired cocktail includes Hendrick’s Gin, Beefeater Gin, St. Germain, honeysuckle, jasmine, and lemon.

Opened in: 2022

Who’s behind it: Celia Schoonraad, Michael Callahan, and Roman Foltan, the same folks behind the stylish salon-style cocktail bar Barbary Coast in Boat Quay

Find it at: 205 River Valley Road, #01-76

Tel: 9488-3726

Fool

Credit: FOOL

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The lowdown: Fool Wine is a contemporary wine bar that promotes unpretentious and exploratory drinking. Wines are paired with playful, wine-friendly dishes. The edgy and dynamic wine list celebrates diverse artisanal and quality-focused wine producers, encouraging patrons not to take wine drinking too seriously but to be guided by their imagination and curiosity instead. Diners can also indulge in a hassle-free dining experience with the bar’s Feed Me Menu, where chefs plan your meal for you.

Opened in: 2021

Who’s behind it: It is the brainchild of chef-owner Rishi Naleendr, and helmed by head sommelier Davis Tan.

Find it at: 21 Boon Tat Street

Tel: 6221-1911

Analogue Initiative

Credit: ANALOGUE INITIATIVE

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The lowdown: Analogue invites diners to reconsider the current food system by offering sustainable design, plant-based cuisine, and drinks in a 1,200-square-meter indoor and alfresco dining space at Chijmes. The bar top itself is a remarkable achievement, constructed from 1,600 kg of recycled plastic bottles, which required five months of labour-intensive work to complete. Surrounding it are smaller tables, each skillfully crafted from a type of fungus known as mycelium. The menu features plant-based offerings, complemented by a drinks program that includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. For instance, the Cactus cocktail combines mezcal, prickly pear, pink dragon fruit, and aloe vera in a martini glass rimmed with tajin salt, resulting in a smooth and refreshing blend.





Opened in: 2021





Who’s behind it: Vijay Mudaliar, who also founded the popular bar Native

Find it at: #01-31 Chijmes

Tel: 8518-1882

Sago House

Credit: SAGO HOUSE

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The lowdown: Ranked 10th in this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Sago House brands itself as an eclectic establishment with six signature serves and a rotating weekly menu. For example, the playfully named Move Like Jaggery is a well-balanced blend of tequila, amaro, sherry, and payasam, dictated by native, seasonal ingredients sourced from the local market. Did we mention that it also snagged the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award as part of this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list? Voted on by 260 academy members, the award recognises an establishment that has provided the best hospitality experience over the past 18-month period.

Opened in: 2020

Who’s behind it: Sago House is led by three key players: Jay Gray, Desiree Jane Silva, and Abhishek C. George. Silva cut her teeth at 28 HongKong Street, one of the first cocktail bars in Singapore to open 10 years ago. Gray has gained experience behind the bar across London, Barcelona, and Sydney, now residing in Singapore. George has been building bars since 2013, with his first project, The Spiffy Dapper, recently celebrating nine years.

Find it at: 40B Sago Street

Tel: 8874-9936

This article was originally published in Female.