Updated on 24 Jan 2021: The White Rabbit and The Rabbit Hole will be closing for good on 30 April 2021.

Established in 2008, The White Rabbit is one of our all-time favourite romantic restaurants in Singapore. Set in a restored chapel on Dempsey Hill, the beautiful restaurant has recently got a facelift and is still gorgeous with its iconic stained glass and booth seats.

Helmed by Exec Chef Daniel Sia, The White Rabbit is well-loved for their menu of classic European Classics with a slight twist as well as an extensive boutique wine list and Gin & Tonics. It is also a fantastic spot for a weekend affair with your loved one(s), especially with its new brunch menu available on weekends and public holidays.

The White Rabbit is known for its Gin & Tonics which are garnished with herbs from its own garden and mixed with its house-made tonic. Bar manager, Andy Lim takes inspirations for his concoction from his travels and the food he eats.

Don’t we love a good Burrata? At The White Rabbit, the ball of fresh, oozy cheese is accompanied by a refreshing tomato-watermelon tartare. Even non-cheese lovers would be wowed by the light yet palatable flavours of the Burratina Salad (S$23).

Paper-thin slices of raw wagyu beef carefully prepared with olive oil, capers and lemon juice, TWR’s Wagyu Carpaccio (S$26) comes with fried Brussel sprouts for a lovely textural variety, and the dish is complete with a drizzle of truffle vinaigrette.

The Ibérico Pork Collar (S$42) was more than impressive. It features a slab of extremely tender pork collar drizzled with kelp brown butter, accompanied by a beautifully charred cabbage and a dollop of lemon purée. The contrast of flavours and textures makes this enthralling dish one to savour and we long for more.

For S$29, the Beer-battered Kühlbarra Seabass is a classic fish & chips dish that features 2 fresh slabs of white fish, accompanied with house-made tartare sauce and a mildly sweet pea purée that is a nice juxtapose to the savoury fish.

Nobody leaves The White Rabbit without having their famous Crêpe Suzette (S$22). Thin crêpe pancakes made fresh upon order is lavishly soaked in Grand Marnier and dressed with yoghurt mousse and fresh flowers.

This TWR classic used to be prepared and served table-side, but due to the pandemic, this table-side service has ceased. Nonetheless, isn’t this TWR rendition of the French dessert oh so gorgeous?

If you still have room for more desserts, go for the Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart (S$16) which comes with a scoop of yoghurt ice cream.

The Rabbit Hole is currently closed during this period but you can still enjoy a stroll in the lovely garden after your meal.

And of course, take a photo at one of the most iconic photo spots in Singapore.

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Tel: 6473 9965

Presenting a diverse and interactive dining experience, Pan Pacific Singapore’s Edge remains, till this day, one of our all-time favourite weekend brunch spots in the city.

A multifaceted buffet restaurant that goes over the edge—in every sense of the word—with 7 interactive live food theatres, 16 food stations (at least) and one epic dessert spread, Edge constantly pushes the boundaries to what most people would envision as a ‘typical’ buffet and their revamped Theatrical Sunday Champagne Brunch is no exception.

Calling all brunch lovers, come 25 March 2018, gather your family and loved ones for a refreshed selection of gourmet items that are made better with unlimited Veuve Clicquot Champagne, an all-new botanical gin bar, a new food station and even live band performances that the whole family can enjoy.

Where do we begin? Whether its Peranakan, Chinese, Japanese, Northern Indian, Singaporean and/or delights from as far as the Pacific region, champagne brunch will be redefined at Edge. And just for our readers, we are giving you the opportunity to dine like royalty without breaking the bank that much.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

WHOLE BABY LAMB TACO STATION

One station at Edge’s Sunday Brunch buffet line-up that will surely leave avid meat eaters in total awe is the whole baby lamb taco—that’s right, we literally mean a whole baby lamb.

Carved fresh upon request, the slithers of succulent lamb are first bathed in a sauce made from its own drippings before being plated and served. Upon receiving it, you can either choose to have the aromatic lamb on its own or construct your very own lamb taco using the crispy tortilla shells and various sauces and salsas.

Roasted to a gorgeous pink hue, the meat was tender and succulent beyond belief and we loved how the bright, zesty qualities of the pico de gallo salsa complemented the natural gaminess of the lamb really well.

Other than the Whole Baby Lamb Taco station, there’s a new live station which offers Shaved Chuck Roast that comes served with potato churros and a garlic aioli dip.

PREMIUM SEAFOOD ON ICE

What would a champagne brunch be without a fresh seafood station filled with fresh crustaceans and oysters?

Over at Edge, their range of fresh seafood offerings may not be vast but for what they lack in variety, they sure make up for in quality. Expect to slurp up some of the freshest seasonal oysters. The snow crab legs are amazingly sweet as well.

Fresh fish tartare and ceviche are also available should you desire something that packs a mean flavour punch.

GIANT BEEF BURGER

Get your cameras ready because this is one titan of a burger that demands to be shared on the ‘gram’. Essentially a beef burger, this Big Mac on steroids boasts a thick beef patty cooked medium-rare, slices of cheese, sweet onion relish and a layer of lettuce for some crunch.

NORTHERN INDIAN STATION

Amongst all the many food stations that have impressed us over the years, the Northern Indian station has got to be our ultimate go-to. Comprising a plethora of curries, chutneys, and tandoori offerings, this is one spread not to be missed.

The tandoori red snapper is a relatively new addition to the spread that sees a whole snapper covered entirely in spices and baked. Mildy charred on the outside with a heady aroma of toasted tandoori spices, the flesh in the middle retains its moist and flaky integrity—delicious!

SEASONAL TROLLIES SERVED TABLE-SIDE

Something unique about Edge’s champagne brunch is the seasonal trollies. Serving up fresh catches of the week—be it fish, meat or seafood—these roving trollies stop table-side and depending on how much you want, the chefs will carve up portions accordingly.

A tad similar to the practice at many an old-school dim sum restaurants, we like the excitement derived from never knowing what to expect from these roving trollies each time we visit.

DESSERT THEATRE

If you have kids, you can bet that the first stop they will be making is the desserts corner. Massive, vibrant and chockful of sweet treats, make no mistake that this is one station where parents have zero jurisdiction over their kids.

Replete with a magnificent display of cakes, tarts, puddings, jellies, chocolates, kuehs and so much more, Edge’s dessert station is undoubtedly the best around. There is even a waffle station and exclusively for their Sunday brunch, a chocolate lava cake station and a cotton candy machine as well!

No, really. The adults will go crazy too!

BOTANICAL GIN STATION

Now, this is the best part about Edge’s revamped champagne brunch—Botanical Gin Station. Gin connoisseurs, it’s as if the G&T Gods have answered your prayers with the restaurant’s very first gin bar that houses 7 different gin labels—namely the greats such as Hendricks, Monkey 47 and our personal favourite, Tanqueray No. 10.

To up your gin and tonic game, you can also pick and choose from an array of fresh ripe fruits, citrus and botanicals such as thyme, grapefruit, raspberries, strawberries and more!

UNLIMITED BEER, CHAMPAGNE & GIN

What would a gathering of friends, family or loved ones be without a little booze to get you in the right mood? For all the adults (thank God that we are legal because alcohol > playgrounds), be sure to help yourselves to endless amounts of beer, champagne, and gin.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

There is entertainment for both adults and kids. A live band will serenade you while you luxuriate in brunch; as for the kids, a balloon artist will be going around from table to table and have balloons sculpted for every little one.

It is really more than just food and alcohol, you all!

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday (enhanced selection available from 18 March to 24 June 2018)
12pm – 3.30pm
Adult: S$208++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$188++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$128 ++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)
Child (aged 6 to 11 years old): S$64++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com.

Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Reservations: +65 6826 8240 / celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Nearest Station: City Hall / Promenade

This post was brought to you by Pan Pacific Singapore.

Made using a variety of botanicals and spices, gin exudes herbaceous qualities that make it tricky to play around with.

Yet, simplicity is key when it comes to this underrated spirit and something as simple as a gin and tonic is one of those simple concoctions that bears timeless appeal. When it comes to gin—a drink that warrants no unnecessary flair or fancy ingredients—it is always the delicate treatments that work best.

To truly experience the very best that gin has to offer, we strongly suggest leaving it to the masters who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Here is our list of the best gin bars in Singapore.

#1 THE SPIFFY DAPPER

Housing an impressive array of esoteric gins that only true connoisseurs will recognise, The Spiffy Dapper is a place not to miss. Featuring a theme that is part rustic and part playful, it is the ideal spot to grab a tipple during happy hour at any time of the week or drown out all your worries on the weekends.

Just let the bartenders know what particular flavour profile you are going for and allow them to whip you up something delicious.

73 Amoy St, Second Floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8655 0829
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#2 OXWELL & CO

Oxwell & Co. is probably the only bar in Singapore that serves cocktails on tap. Their house speciality, the Gin & Chronic is a twist on the classic G&T. As much as we agree that nothing beats a properly hand-crafted drink, we admire Oxwell’s willingness to be different.

5 Ann Siang Rd
Singapore 069688
Tel: +65 6438 3984
Mon: 4pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Chinatown

Photo Credit: Cin Cin

#3 CIN CIN

Located in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar district, Cin Cin is the perfect spot to raise a toast to the good life. Gin enthusiasts also have worth getting excited over, with the bar’s curation of over a hundred different varieties of gin, along with a fair amount of vermouths, bitters, and tonics.

100 Peck Seah St
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: El Tardeo

#4 EL TARDEO

Located just a stone’s throw from its sister restaurant Binomio, El Tardeo specialises in stellar Spanish tapas and some of the tastiest gin cocktails around. The Elder Collins—a concoction of Gordon’s cucumber gin, a splash of Elderflower liqueur, peach purée, lemon and soda—really stands up to the robust flavours of some of their more savoury dishes like their oxtail sandwich.

Fans of G&T can also opt to try their version, which comes garnished with a stalk of rosemary, juniper berries and a lemon peel.

20 Craig Rd, #01-01 Craig Place,
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6221 6288
Sun: Closed
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: ATLAS

#5 ATLAS

Noted as Singapore’s very own Gotham City with its magnificent exterior, Parkview Square is truly a sight to behold, but what really impressed us was ATLAS, the bar at the lobby that features a wide range of gin-focussed cocktails and a literal tower of gin.

ATLAS houses hundreds of gin brands and varieties, making it the ultimate place for gin enthusiasts and curious tipplers alike to hang out at. We highly recommend the ATLAS Martini that is as elegant as it is absolutely delicious.

600 North Bridge Road,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Tel: +65 6396 4466
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

#6 THE RABBIT HOLE

With more than 15 brands of specially curated gin to choose from, on a menu that is conveniently categorised into five separate flavour profiles ranging from traditional and dry to floral and elegant, you don’t need to be an expert to have an excellent time at The Rabbit Hole.

The bar itself is situated at the former British army barracks, in a garden that doubles up as a herb garden in which many of the bar’s botanical delights come from. The good folks at The Rabbit Hole are not one to cut corners—even their tonic is made in-house. Expect your drinks to come beautifully garnished with a variety of vibrant herbs and fruits.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

#7 THE SECRET MERMAID

The Secret Mermaid is a tasting room and cocktail bar focused on American craft spirits located in the heart of Raffles Place. The Secret Mermaid features a large selection of gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, and houses a large collection of craft spirits.

Some of their more notable gin-based masterpieces include the Rose Oolong Negroni which features Greenhook gin infused with rose oolong tea, Campari, an Italian vermouth and lavender bitters for that subtle floral note, as well as their twist on the classic G&T that features chilli and lime for an added kick.

10 Collyer Quay
B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre,
Singapore 049315
Sat & Sun: Closed
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore with the best views of the city.

One of the best cocktail spirits around is gin; a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt, flavoured thereafter by infusing a variety of botanicals (this process is known as compounding), including juniper. Its diverse flavour profile makes this un-aged spirit perfect for cocktails. We speak to some of the industry experts to give you a crash course on gin (and save you from the embarrassment of mistaking vodka for the former).

Home to one of Singapore’s largest collection of gin, The Spiffy Dapper boasts a stunning collection of 75 types of gin, including a number of house-infused gins and rare gins like The Duke (which has since ceased production) and Uncle Vals (only bottle available in Asia). Here, owner-bartender Abhishek Cherian George (known for crazy boundary-pushing concoctions) shares his knowledge on the topic.

First things first. What exactly is gin?

Gin is effectively vodka flavoured with botanicals. Vodka has no taste and no smell, while gin will smell and taste of the botanicals is used to flavour the gins.

Most gins are clear and look identical in nature. How do you tell one gin apart from another?

Most gins have different botanicals—even the traditional London drys. Once you start tasting different gins, you will be able to differentiate them based on the botanicals you smell and taste. Some differences are nuanced while others are more evident.

How do you judge the quality of gin?

We base it on the mouthfeel, quality of base spirit and the type of botanicals used. When it comes to picking personal favourites, adventure and imagination is key. An example would be New Deal Gin 33. Only juniper berries is used in this gin, but the complexity of its taste shows otherwise—the balance the distiller has gotten out of this gin is phenomenal.

Co-owner and founder of Liberty Spirits Asia (distributer of American craft spirits) and tasting room The Secret Mermaid Howard Lo, is a staunch believer of artisanal gin. We check in with him to find out the difference between British and American gin.

Gin originated form Britain. Why the preference of American gin over British gin?

With American gins, the distilleries are open to deviating from the popular London Dry style of gin. This gives you more variety with different botanicals leading the taste. Currently, there are many distilleries making gin in what is called an “American Dry” style, although there is no true style or characteristic of American gin aside from innovativeness. One of my favourite American gins is Greenhook Ginsmith’s Greenhook American Dry Gin that uses a unique distillation process (mercury vacuum still)—a complex gin that includes botanicals such as orris root, Thai galangal and elderberries. It has a heavier mouthfeel and provides a sensation that you’re working your way through more botanicals.

What are the qualities you look out for when selecting a gin?

In general, looking for the balance of juniper with other botanicals, before focusing on which flavours said botanicals bring out.

What is the best way to “taste” a gin to fully savour its flavour profile?

To taste the gin, add a drop or two of water to help bring out the scent and nose the gin to take in the aromas. As you sip it, let the gin slowly roll around each part of your tongue.

A finalist in the G’Vine Gin Connoisseur Program Global Finals in 2012, head bartender at Manhattan Bar, Ricky Paiva, has a discerning palate for artisanal spirits. He backs up Lo’s take on American spirits.

What gin would you highly recommend?

St. George Terrior Gin. It’s very eccentric. Master distiller Lance Winters wanted to make a gin from his home, so he chopped down a tree and put it in his still. This gin has an evergreen nose that’s a bit dry from fennel, but is smooth and incredibly aromatic. The Rusty Gin is another custom-sourced bottle. Made in a local distillery outside San Francisco, Rusty Gin is aged in wine barrels for 4 months, resulting in an earthy, maple caramelised flavour the colour of rust—hence its name.

About the writer: 
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.