Top 5 Bars in Ann Siang Hill Singapore

Ann Siang Hill Guide

One of best places for a fun night out in Singapore is Ann Siang Hill. With its innovative string of watering holes, one will never ever go thirsty here. From bars specializing in craft spirits to bespoke cocktails, Ann Siang Hill is where you’ll go to get to your ‘happy place’.

Here are the top 5 bars in Ann Siang Hill, Singapore.

B28


B28


Stemmed from its discreet venue, B28 refers to the basement of 28 Ann Siang Hill. Sophisticated warm amber hues light up a narrow flight of stairs that lead to the basement, opening into a lounge filled with cream leather armchairs and shelves of rare single malt whiskies—there’s even small oak casks for barrel-aging. Adorning the walls are original jazz artworks and mahogany cupboards exclusively for members to store their spirits—all very gentlemen’s club-like.

Whiskey’s the name of the game, with B28 ringing them in. Offering over 200 whiskies—mostly exclusive single cask Scottish labels—including highly sought-after whiskies The Single Cask 1990 (S$58 per dram) that hides a smoky sweetness beneath hints of oak and spice, and mildly peaty The Single Cask 1984 (S$48 per dram) perfumed with orange and a tinge of nut and malt. If you’re in the mood to indulge, the incredibly smooth and spicy Macallan 1969 bottled by Duncan Taylor (S$800 per dram) is highly recommended. They’ve even got a 1965 Macallan by Carn Mor (est. S$8,000; price to be re-appraised)—one of the two last bottles in the world. Talk about exclusive.

Basement, 28 Ann Siang Hill
The Club Hotel
Tel: +65 9637 3545
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 8pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Lolla


LOLLA


Reincarnated after guerilla-style underground supper club, Lolla’s Secret Supper, founded in 2008 by co-owner Pang Hian Tee, Lolla encourages dining with strangers—its basement communal table seats 22—both individuals and large groups. Making it onto Zagat’s coveted list of 10 Hottest Restaurants in the World 2013, it’s a no-brainer that Lolla’s got impeccable taste, and rightfully so when it comes to champagnes.

The only champagne bar in Singapore, Lolla is an extension of Pang’s champagne distribution business, fronting a wine list of over 90 labels, including a list of rare champagnes exclusive to Lolla, such as the alluring Legras et Haas, Cuvee Exigence NV (S$228) that’s complex and luxuriously sophisticated on the palate, showcasing excellent finesse and balance between lightness and body. One of the best rose champagnes ever produced, Paul Bara, Grand Rose NV (S$188) is a Burgundy-style champagne that seduces with aromas of fresh strawberries and pepper before finishing with hints of baked pastry and candied cherries.

22 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 1228
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 2pm; 6pm to 11:45pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Manor Bar


MANOR BAR


Tucked away on level two of Gem Bar (take the flight of stairs to the right of the entrance), there are no signs to this secluded speakeasy—it’s for people in the know. Offering a list of bespoke cocktails specially crafted by former Bitters & Love head bartender, Din Hassan (who has since left the Manor Bar) and current head bartender, Alfee Zulkiflee, these boys have only one rule—keep the guests happy. Which isn’t difficult with a drinks list of over 40 artisanal whiskies and more than a dozen craft gins.

There are no bad cocktails here, so you’ll want to have one of everything. Each of these concoctions are crafted with thought-provoking detail—one can tell from the very first sip. An excellent choice is Asian inspired rum-based cocktail Nourishing Soup (S$20) that pairs Yellow Chartreuse with fresh lime juice to bring out distinct notes of violet and honey accented by star anise. For a multi-layered experience, The Curator (S$20) delicately balances nuances of caramel and burnt vanilla, against an oaky peatiness with subtle finishes of mint and citrus fruit. A piece of advice: eat something (lessens the next-day wallop).

2/F, 8 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9646 6160
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Nutmeg & Clove


NUTMEG & CLOVE


Paying homage to the rich history of Ann Siang Hill is Nutmeg & Clove, housed in a heritage building owned by one of Singapore’s oldest Cantonese clan associations. Fun fact: Ann Siang Hill used to be a nutmeg and clove plantation—hence its moniker. Featured widely in its menu are Asian flavors and spices, and of course, nutmeg and cloves. Inside, the bar resembles a traditional Chinese medicine shop with marked cabinets featuring bottles of craft spirits in place of Chinese herbs.

Pick your poison from the selection of curated cocktails by Marian Beke, renowned mixologist from the famed Nightjar in London that snagged the #3 spot on World’s 50 Best Bars 2014. Head bartender, Kae Yin, Asia Pacific’s World Class Bartender 2012, recently joined by Singapore World Class 2013 Finalist Bannie Kang run the ship, serving potent classic cocktails with a twist; barrel aged Singapura Sling (S$20) with bittersweet herbaceous notes of red dates and goji berries, and dirty Chinese martini (S$20) of gin, whiskey, vodka and dry vermouth, that’s bound to knock you off your feet.

17 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 9885
Tue to Sat: 5pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Operation Dagger


OPERATION DAGGER


Probably the closest thing we’ve got to an old fashioned speakeasy is Operation Dagger. Don’t bother trying to find them online—they don’t dig mainstream social media—yep, it’s that cool. Even with an address, locating the bar is a task in itself. This under-the-radar speakeasy has no signs, so keep your eyes peeled for their logo scrawled on the wall. You’ll feel a little apprehensive—you should. Venture down a dark flight of steps and arrive at an open space with a smorgasbord of light bulbs dangling above. That’s when you’ll see the bar—and behind it, rows of brown glass bottles tagged with handwritten labels—you won’t recognize any; all their spirits are distilled in-house.

Just when you think this is as cool as it gets, head bartender Luke Whearty will whip out a stunning array of cocktails that’s a feast for the eyes, and your palate. Drink mulled wine (S$22). It’s good for you. Or at least, it’ll feel like it is. Warm, soothing and bittersweet with a hint of citrus and dried mandarin that will leave your insides feeling warm and fuzzy. Next, order an egg (S$25), where the yolks are vacuum-sealed overnight with dark rum and sugar before adding in house-made salted egg yolk liqueur and salted caramel, and smoked with star anise and toasted hay. Sweet, savory and salty (with a kick of alcohol)—just how we like our eggs done. You’ll want to bring your friends here—they’ll worship you for it. You can thank us later.

7 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9296 4704
Tue to Sat: 6pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer


For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Tanjong Pagar || Top 5 Bars at Raffles Place || Top 5 Bars at Club Street.


Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.