Offering the absolute pinnacle in bespoke service as well as an amazing selection of wines rated RP90 and above, Park90 is a new wine bar at Regent Singapore which offers over 800 labels of fine wine.

Sharing the same space as Tea Lounge, the colonial lounge transforms to Park90 at 6pm, offering stellar vino and wine-drinking experiences unlike any other.

At Park90, it is much more than a wine bar. Led by Head Sommelier Mason Ng (previously from Les Amis & Atlas), guests will be well guided through the various collections on offer, from beautiful to the rare. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, there’s a bottle to suit all preferences and expectations.

Crafted specially to meet all the finest standards and expectations of wine lovers, the 40-seater wine bar will offer access to over 800 labels, primarily those which are rated RP90 and above by Robert Parker Wine Advocate—who, for the uninitiated, is the world’s most trusted authority in wine for over 30 years now, and a huge deal where fine wine is concerned.

In name, wine selection and branding, the Park90 concept is inspired by the world’s most influential buyer’s guide for fine wine, Robert Parker Wine Advocate. The key here is educating both novices and experts about the elegance that is fine wine, allowing people to truly enjoy a vino to the fullest.

Park90
1 Cuscaden Road Singapore 249715
Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 9749 7049 / +65 6725 3246
Daily: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Orchard

Whether you’re looking to get a little tipsy in a social setting, have yourself a romantic evening with a date or simply take the edge off a rough day at work, there will always be bars in Singapore for you to wine and dine.

But as fancy and as occasional as the notion surrounding wine drinking is, it really is something that can be had as frequently as a beer—just with a higher alcohol percentage and served in spiffier-looking glassware.

Drinking lavishly does not have to come with a hefty price tag in Singapore, you just need to know where to look. Here is our guide on 9 cheap places to drink wine in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Mercure Singapore Bugis

BARTISTRY@ONE22

Right smack in the lobby of Mercure Singapore Bugis, BARtistry@ONE22 is a casual bar offering everything from cocktails to beers and wines. 1-for-1 happy hour promotions run every day from 5pm to 8pm when house drinks are priced at two for one.

122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 65216088
Daily: 7am – 12am
Nearest station: Bugis

BISTRO 1855

With over 500 bottles of wine to choose from, Bistro 1855 is a joint where anyone who loves vino should definitely hit up. Be sure to make it in time for their happy hour deals between 5pm to 8pm, where selected wines go for as low as S$6 per glass.

3 Temasek Boulevard, 01-643,
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6836 5994
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon & Tue: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 11am until late
Sat: 5pm until late
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: Drinks & Co.

DRINKS & CO.

As a retail shop with limited seating, Drinks & Co primarily sells wines by the bottle from as low as S$7 and S$9 by the glass, but feel free to prop yourself down and knock back a couple as you bask in the vibrant atmosphere that is Club Street after hours. Happy hour deals last all day, every day till 8pm with the exception of Fridays when it ends at 7pm.

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet spot, this probably wouldn’t be an ideal choice but what can you expect given they are one of the cheapest watering holes in Club Street?

81 Club Street
Singapore 069449
Tel: +65 6423 1773
Mon to Thu: 3pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat: 2pm – 1am
Sun: 2pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

KINKI

Kinki is a rooftop bar with an underground vibe that is excellent for the after-work drinks crowd who crave booze and a gorgeous setting to unwind.

With a plentiful selection of sake as well as Asian-inspired cocktails, wine and bar bites, be sure to stop by during happy hours from Monday to Saturday between 5pm and 8pm to take advantage of their 1-for-1 deals on their vino.

70 Collyer Quay, #02-02
Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

LOOF

If you fancy the idea of lounging about at a rooftop bar then there is no better place to down a few glasses of wine than Loof. The earlier you go, the cheaper your wine will cost you. At 5pm it’s S$5 a glass, increasing by a dollar with every hour that passes until 8pm.

331 North Bridge Road,
#03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6337 9416
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles City

NAPOLEAN

With the bar lined with wine dispenser machines in place of beer taps, you just know that you’re at the right place should you be more of a wine person.

Tasting glasses are available at S$2, and full glasses start as cheaply as S$8. Besides the wine, do spare some tummy space for their grub as well.

206 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068641
Tel: +65 6221 9282
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

THE PELICAN

Whether you’re looking to take the edge off or simply have yourself some wine with a view, The Pelican’s daily happy hour 1-for-1 promotion is your best bet.

From Mondays to Thursdays, enjoy 1-for-1 deals for beers, spirits, and wines between 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm, and on Fridays between 12pm to 9pm—that’s 10 full hours of non-stop boozy indulgence!

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

WINESTONE

A restaurant, boutique wine bar and wine retail store all rolled out into one, Winestone’s concept revolves around the keywords: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable, so one thing you can probably expect is quality wines at affordable prices, from S$10 for a glass and S$42 for a bottle.

Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice with so many different bottles to choose from, from well-known vineyards to some lesser known regions and appellations across Europe. Whether it’s a robust red or a crisp, bright white, there is bound to be a vino you will love.

30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
(Closed on Sundays)
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard

Photo Credit: Wine Connection

WINE CONNECTION BAR & BISTRO

As far as wine is concerned, where else would most people’s minds gravitate to other than Wine Connection Bar & Bistro. Offering an extensive wine list with more than 30 varieties by the glass, Wine Connection’s various locations are a great spot for gathering with friends for a spot of vino. A glass of wine can be as cheap as just S$7 all day, while bottles typically start from S$25 onwards.

39 & 41 Cuppage Road,
Singapore 229462
Tel: +65 6836 9069
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Read: 16 Places in Singapore where you can get drinks for under S$10.

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

Its location at Duxton Hill is just one of many reasons why working professionals head there after work for a good time with their colleagues and friends.

Service is intimate, food is impressive and they have their very own walk-in cellar which houses about 1,000 bottles of vino. What other reasons do you need to visit Praelum Wine Bistro?

Their wines, oh their wines. Wine aficionados will appreciate the splendid array of fine wines that are sourced from all over the world—including Italy, France and Germany. But for someone who is just starting out on wines, it can be somewhat intimidating to go through the extensive wine menu but this is when the servers step in to give suggestions.

Whether you are looking for bubbles, pinks, reds or whites (from S$17++/glass onwards), Praelum Wine Bistro has them all. We have been told by Gerald that the wine list is updated frequently so guests can probably expect something new on every visit. Well, more reasons to keep going back then!

While wine is the main focus here, we actually like how the bistro keeps their food menu concise—focusing on quality instead of quantity.

You cannot go wrong with the Pork Parcels, Tomato-Basil and Pineapple Chutney (S$27++), Foie Gras, Caramelised Apple and Balsamic Reduction (S$28++) and Salmon-En-route, Dill-Tarragon Butter (S$35++). Ask the wait staff for their recommended wine pairing and you are on your way to a gastronomic journey!

If you are curious and wish to sample on a variety of wines, opt for the wine flights where you can get to taste three to five different types and even rare wines that are not easily found anymore. The sommeliers will also share about the history and story behind the wines.

Praelum Wine Bistro
4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

A restaurant, boutique wine bar and wine retail store all rolled out into one, Winestone—located in Mercure Singapore on Stevens—is a new kid in town that we love. It makes a perfect hangout venue for lovers of good food, better wine and swanky interiors.

As far as proper wining and dining is concerned, this bar and bottle shop has all your needs covered. Expect quality wines to set you back not more than S$10 a glass to S$42 a bottle. Not only that, the restaurant also dishes out Mediterranean platters that pair excellently with your vino of choice.

We particularly love the Winestone Express Platter that has it all from cured cold cuts, cheeses, olives, bread and even a glass of either white or red wine thrown in for good measure, but charcuterie and cheeses aside, the restaurant also boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menu that sees flavours and culinary techniques stemming from all corners of the Mediterranean from Italy all the way to Egypt.

Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy ladyironchef’s Set Dinner that includes a starter, 2 mains and 2 glasses of house pour wines at only S$90++.

Among the many swanky looking bars and restaurants nestled within the Steven’s Road enclave, this is quite possibly the most inviting and cosy one of the lot.

The warm hues, high ceilings, and low and slow music in the background all make for one heck of an intimate wining and dining experience.

3-COURSE LUNCH SETS

If you ever run out of lunch options in town, then allow Winestone’s lunch set to take you on a Mediterranean trip. At just S$35++, you get to enjoy a starter, a main and a dessert of which you can pick and choose from their lunch menu.

To start, we ordered the Falafel, Hummus, Minted Yoghurt, Olives, Semi-Dried Tomatoes (S$14++). Inanely crispy and brimming with a cumin-packed aroma, this spiced Middle-Eastern starter comes highly recommended.

To properly stand up against the spicy qualities of our starter, we got the 200g Grain-Fed Roasted Beef Fillet, Mashed Potato, Portobello, Charred Beans and Mushroom Sauce (S$30++). Properly seared on the outside and pink in the middle, the beef was tender with a prominent flavour coming through that was only made better with the umami-packed mushroom sauce.

Our dessert of choice for our lunch set was the Churros, Chocolate Sauce (S$12++). Served with bits of fresh fruit, whipped cream and chocolate, these golden nuggets of fried dough no doubt hit the spot.

For a truly seafood-oriented combination, go for the Pan-Seared Scallops, Chorizo, Crushed Peas (S$16++) to start with, followed by the Pan-Seared Seabass, Prawn Kataifi, Green Beans, Pesto and Tomato Shellfish Broth (S$26++).

The flavours were clean and delicate but still packed serious flavours. We particularly enjoyed the slices of chorizo that gave our starter some heat and a salty kick.

For dessert, we highly recommend the Catalane Tart, Berries, Lemon Sorbet (S$14) that promises a refreshing, zesty appeal that does well to balance out the palate.

Another main option that deserves a mention is the Rigatoni Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato, Grilled Zucchini and Eggplants, Pomodoro, Parmigano (S$25++) that sees a gorgeous medley of colourful components perfect for a photo.

From the crunch of almonds, the soft, tender veggies to the slightly chewy al dente pasta, this dish is truly a treat to behold that marries both texture and taste wonderfully. We liked that the pesto flavour was kept relatively mild to allow the individual flavours to shine through.

LADYIRONCHEF EXCLUSIVE SET DINNER

As mentioned, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a starter, 2 mains and 2 glasses of house pour wines at only S$90++.

The set dinner consists of an appetiser of homemade Hummus With Lebanese Bread (S$8++), two mains—the Cataplana (S$24++) and the 150 Days Grain-Fed MS2+ Beef Tenderloin (250g) (S$87++)—as well as 2 glasses of wine.

If you are craving for seafood, then we are pretty sure the Cataplana is perfect for you. It comes with squid, mussels, clams, tomatoes and capsicums that swim in a thick and hearty seafood broth.

Or if you are a die-hard carnivore like us, then the beef tenderloin—that features foie gras, asparagus, vine tomatoes and a punchy green peppercorn sauce—will have you smiling from ear to ear.

WINESTONE EXPRESS PLATTER FOR ONE

From the bright, salty notes of the pitted olives to the robust, meaty qualities of the cured meats, these items play a fundamental role in allowing one to truly savour the subtle yet complex notes of wine.

The Winestone Express Platter (S$22++) is served promptly in under 15 minutes—perfect for all you hungry and impatient diners—and comes with a mixture of cold cuts, cheeses, olives, bread and a glass of wine.

But these aren’t your typical store-bought nibbles, we’re talking about the Rolls Royce of charcuterie and cheeses here—from Jamon Iberico De Cebo, Brie De Meaux and more!

GRASS-FED ROASTED LAMB RACK (200G)

Another red meat option that you can consider is the Grass-Fed Roasted Lamb Rack (200g) (S$52++). Served with eggplant prepared in two ways, pomegranate, mint and salsa verde, this supposedly gamey meat is given a lift of freshness that works surprisingly well.

But of course, what better way to complement the dish than a glass of vino to truly round out those intense meaty qualities?

PELLEGRINO PIZZA

Great for sharing, the restaurant also brings to the table a taste of Italy in the form of the nation’s iconic pies. We sampled the Pellegrino Pizza (S$28++) and we can swear by the food gods that this was possibly one of the best renditions ever.

Although it lacked the traditional thin crust, we liked that the dough was fluffy yet crispy around the edges and the amount of toppings that went on this pie is by no means stingy. With every bite comes a medley of tastes from salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, briny olives and fresh basil.

Winestone’s concept revolves around the keywords: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable, so one thing you can probably expect is quality wines at affordable prices, from S$10 for a glass and S$42 for a bottle.

Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice with so many different bottles to choose from, from well-known vineyards to some lesser known regions and appellations across Europe.

Whether it’s a robust red or a crisp, bright white, there is bound to be a vino you will love.

Time to round up your best pals or even that special someone and make a trip down to Winestone! We promise you that the tummy fillers here are anything but boring and the wines are even better.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Winestone

Mercure Singapore on Stevens
30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Website: www.winestone.com.sg
(Closed on Sundays)
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am (bar snacks are served after 10pm)
Nearest Station: Stevens MRT and Orchard MRT
Bus Number: 105, 132, 190, 972

Book a table: https://bit.ly/2GKKNBa

This post was brought to you by Winestone.

Several generations ago, speakeasies referred to the unlicensed saloons where patrons were required to lay low about drinking at these illegal establishments. Today, a speakeasy bar typically refers to a bar’s concept, where its appearance is more often than not deliberately unnoticeable or even camouflaged. Speakeasies are all the rage right now on our sunny island! Some of them are incredibly difficult to locate – but good things are worth hunting for, right?

From cocktail speciality bar Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, underrated alfresco The Bar Above, hidden underground gem Operation Dagger to award-winning 28 Hong Kong Street, here is our guide to 13 Best Secret Bars in Singapore that are worth making a special trip to.

#1 AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall might sound like an old-school drinks stall at a hawker centre, but is actually a retro cocktail bar located on the second storey of a shophouse. The owner-cum-bartender ‘Ah Sam’ fronts the bar with creative concoctions that have successfully infused local elements into classics.

60A Boat Quay
Tel: +65 6535 0838
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Cloesd on Sundays
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#2 AQUA LUNA

Who would have expected such a stylish open-concept bar to open in the heart of Alexandra? Aqua Luna is perched atop seventh storey of Park Hotel Alexandra and boasts an alternative view of the Queenstown precinct. The beautiful alfresco bar – situated right beside a 25-metre infinity pool – also has a tantalising menu to offer.

Level 7 Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8885
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill

#3 BAR STORIES

Bar Stories is possibly one of the longest standing bespoke speakeasy in this guide and we are glad that the cocktail bar is going from strength to strength with its mouthwatering unique concoctions. The talented and experienced mixologists here will ensure you have a wonderful night out with their awesome creations.

55-57A Haji Lane
Singapore 189248
Tel: +65 6298 0838
Sun to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 4pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

#4 BITTERS & LOVE

From the outside, Bitters & Love looks like a shophouse under construction works but do not let is facade fool you. Behind the deceiving ‘door’ is an intimate cocktail bar bustling with life. Their cocktail menu is extensive but we would strongly recommend first-time visitors to order the Kaya Toast Cocktail (S$23) – a tasty alcoholic treat for those with a sweet tooth!

118 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#5 MITZO

We have never seen a Chinese restaurant with such a sleek-looking bar. The jellyfish tank is the contemporary bar’s main centrepiece and is a great hangout spot for those searching for an intimate space. Mitzo’s Asian-inspired cocktails are absolutely delicious and are worth returning for.

Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

#6 OPERATION DAGGER

Most people walk pass Operation Dagger without even knowing it! Which is such a shame given how gorgeous the interior of this Speakeasy Bar is. Navigating your way there is a bit of a challenge but well worth the hassle. The bar is filled with 6,000 hanging light bulbs and poses as a stunning backdrop for your cocktails.

7 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069791
Tel: +65 6438 4057
Sun and Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#7 SMOKE & MIRRORS

Smoke and Mirrors is a gorgeous rooftop bar located within National Gallery Singapore. Established as one of Singapore’s best rooftop bars, it comes with stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and Padang. Try to arrive before sunset and watch Singapore’s skyline transform before your eyes!

#06-01 National Gallery 1 St.
St Andrew’s Rd
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 9234 8122
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 12.30am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: City Hall

#8 THE BAR ABOVE

The Bar Above is a lovely hidden gem that we actually hate to share with you. The tiny rooftop bar – positioned right above the unassuming Pho Stop restaurant – grants visitors a magnificent view of Pinnacle at Duxton. Patrons can enjoy tantalising Vietnamese dishes prepared by Pho Stop and ice-cold beers under the dimly lit fairy lights.

72 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088493
Tel: +65 6534 8178
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#9 THE LIBRARY

The Library is renowned for its admission hassle and impressive cocktails. In order to enter the speakeasy bar, visitors must have had already acquired the password which changes on a weekly basis. Unnecessarily pretentious or actually cool? You decide.

47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089151
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 1.30am
Sat and Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#10 THE HORSE’S MOUTH

The Horses’ Mouth is accessible from Uma Uma Ramen and we love how ‘hidden’ this underground speakeasy Japanese bar is! Prices are admittedly steep but alcoholic concoctions are prepared with the finest ingredients – so hey, we are not complaining. The place gets a little crowded on Friday nights, so do make a reservation to avoid disappointment.

583 Orchard Road, #B1-39
Forum the Shopping Mall
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 6235 1088
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#11 THE SECRET MERMAID

The Secret Mermaid might not be a secret amongst the corporate workers in Singapore’s central business district area due to its proximity to Raffles Place MRT Station. P.s. It is only a five-minute leisure stroll away from the train station. The bar boasts a selection of American craft spirits and is the go-to place to unwind after a long day at work.

10 Collyer Quay
B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre
Singapore 049315
Daily: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#12 THE SPIFFY DAPPER

Speakeasy bar The Spiffy Dapper has shifted from Boat Quay to one of Amoy Street’s heritage shophouses. Walk through the Ann Siang Hill Park connector to Amoy Street and look for number 73. Look out for Dapper Coffee signs and head up the staircase and a whole new wonderland awaits.

73 Amoy Street
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8722 4953
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#13 28 HONGKONG STREET

Despite its semi-obscure shopfront, award-winning 28 Hong Kong Street clearly faces no lack of eager customers. The bar has recently been crowned as the best bar in Asia by Drinks International and has numerous other accolades under its name. Indulge in their exhaustive list of over 700 independent craft spirits or sink your teeth into lip-smacking bar nosh.

28 Hongkong Street
Singapore 059667
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 3am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

An alcove of bars and restaurants stand in attention along Club Street. Conversations will revolve around booze—beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and the like, eventually leading to where to drink and… the weather. Right. We’ve got you covered.

Here are the top 5 bars in Club Street.

83

There are craft beers bars, there are spirit-focused bars, and there are wine bars. And then there’s 83—a little bit of everything in between. Great for large groups, 83 has the space—and the menu—to please everyone.

While the extensive drinks menu features a range of bottled and draft beers, cocktails, aperitifs, wines, spirits and champagnes, it’s the daily promotions (at ridiculously competitive prices) that draws the crowd. Industry night falls on Monday where all staff in the F&B and travel industry snag exclusive drink discounts, and 1-for-1 on all food items. Ladies night every Wednesday (8-10pm) dishes out a bottle of cosmopolitan to each group of four, while every other day of the week runs a happy hour promotion (5-9pm) for S$5 on all house pour spirits. You’ll never have to worry about busting your wallet again.

83 Club Street
Tel: +65 6690 7563
Mon to Tue: 5pm to 12am
Wed to Thu: 5pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 5pm to 3am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

BAR NAKED

True to its name, Bar Naked is exactly as its moniker suggests—bare naked walls striped down to the minimal, a sparingly fitted blank canvas that offer brands the opportunity and visibility to engage consumers. Quite the marketing spin—no surprise, there—the bar is conceptualized by multiple award winning social influence marketing agency GOODSTUPH founder, Pat Law, and fronted by Irene Ang, founder and CEO of Singapore’s artiste management company FLY Entertainment.

A list of six signature cocktails grace the menu, mostly refreshing libations that offer respite from Singapore’s island-life humidity. Beat the heat with whiskey-based Something Like Lassie (S$28) that lures one in with its soft nose of honeyed peach and vanilla before bringing out the malty fruit with (ginger beer) fizz.

Smooth on the palate is easy-drinking Girvan Daisy (S$28)—created with well-loved Hendricks gin and brushed up with floral fruity layers of passionfruit, grapefruit, peach and pear from St. Germain. If you’re in the mood for something luxurious, get down with Dirty and Naked (S$28) that’ll edge away stress with Reyka vodka and Balvenie Double Wood whiskey. Pair this with a personal day from work.

95 Club Street
Tel: +65 6423 4695
Mon to Wed: 5pm to 1am
Thu to Sat: 5pm to 3am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

CLUB STREET SOCIAL

Exuding a classy vibe reminiscent of the jazz era in New York, Club Street Social is where you’ll go to eat, drink, and be merry—in style. Brass light fixtures hang from bare bricked walls, a cacophony of wines and spirits lining dark mahogany shelves behind a marbled top bar counter, creating an aura of sophistication that embraces you in an exclusive club-like hug.

Cocktails here do not go by names, so pick a number. Of the seven signature tipples that don the list, whiskey lovers will adore #3. Based on Japanese whiskey Nikka All Malt, this refreshing mix of whiskey, Madeira wine, lime and apricot is bright on the palate, transiting into a rich and full body of banana, honey and cinnamon.

Be whisked away to the Carribean with #25 that’s lush and malty with developing cherry tones, robust flavors of coconut awakened with hints of lemon, anise, cardamon, and a touch of mint. For post-dinner liberations, sip on #27—you can’t go wrong with bourbon and chocolate.

5 Gemmill Lane
Tel: +65 6225 5043
Mon to Fri: 11am to 10:30pm
Sat: 9am to 10:30pm
Sun: 9am to 6pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

DRINKS & CO.

When a bar is backed by a distribution company, you know prices won’t get any lower than that—prosecco starts from as low as S$52—we reckon the creamily sparkling Pitars Gold (S$52) will please you well—while popular champagne labels Moet & Chandon Brut and Veuve Clicquot are priced at S$75 and S$105 respectively. Ambience isn’t much to go by, but the interior is clean and minimalist, simply decorated with black and white tiles against whitewashed walls.

Despite its affordable prices, it’s not all quantity over quality. Tito’s Handmade vodka (S$75) is a rare find. Produced in Texas’ first and oldest legal distillery, this craft spirit is rich and fruity, with a smooth creaminess from having been micro-distilled six times in an old-fashioned pot still—a fine-art distilling method common of high-end French cognacs. If vino’s your thing, be sure to try Astrolabe Wines Marlborough Pinot Gris (S$41). Structured and delicate, its subtle bouquet of cardamom and nougat blossoms into robust notes of stone fruit and pear with a crisp and dry finishing. Now all we need is cheese.

44 Club Street
Tel: +65 6222 2005
Mon to Sun: 11am to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

TIPPLETOWN CAFE

Away from all the buzz and action, Tippletown Café seats at the edge of Club Street, its non-descript demeanor spread over two units along a row of shophouses. From the shop front, the place is reminiscent of a post-Halloween party with its pumpkin orange walls and black awnings emblazed with its logo in a somewhat gothic serif font. Along the street are clumsily placed chairs around hinged and barreled tables—a strategic marketing ploy (in our opinion) to lower one’s expectations.

With lowered expectations come easier-to-please patrons. And please you they shall, in the form of craft beers from Britain, Belgium, Germany and Ukraine that offer incredible value—three bottles of Ukraine beers at go for S$24. Among the list are crowd favorites like Fuller’s London Pride (S$14), as well as rare finds like the woodily fruity (of grape, cherries and raisin) Chimay Bleue (S$15), bitter and hoppy Duvel (S$13) typical of Belgium pale ales, and Triple Karmeliet (S$13) that’s light and fresh with a subtle mouth of fruit and oat. Available on tap are Bavaria and La Trappe (from S$8 per half pint), with free flow options each Saturday at S$39 for three hours, or go the whole nine yards at S$65 for the night.

11 Club Street
Tel: +65 6557 2554
Mon to Sat: 5pm 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 Ann Siang Hill.

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 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.

You don’t need to be an oenophile to know where the best wine drinking spots in Singapore are. We’ve done the groundwork for you. From where to find wine cocktails and tasting portions of exquisite wines, to a wine list proffering rare and exclusive bottles, this list of the best places to drink wine in Singapore is a wine novice’s secret to becoming well-versed in wine.

Caveau Wine Bar

With a name “Caveau” (which translates to “wine vault”), don’t be surprised to find exceptional French wines at affordable prices. Housing over 200 labels with an estimated 85% from France, Caveau is one of the few bars in Singapore with an enomatic wine dispenser that allows wines to be kept for up to two weeks.

A lovely citrusy wine (perfect for our humid weather) is the Anne Gros, Hautes Cotes de Nuits 2011 ($19 per glass; $90 per bottle) from the region of Bourgogne. Made of 100% Chardonnay, this dry white wine has blossoming aromas of citrus fruits that’s great with seafood. If you’re into reds, Rossignol Trapet, Gevrey Chambertin D.V. 2011 ($19 per glass) is a 100% Pinot noir from a small winery that has been producing wine since the 17th century.

1 Scotts Road
#01-10 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6737 2622
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Les Amis

Les Amis is home to the largest selection of wines in Singapore, carrying nearly 2,000 labels of wines (housed in two temperature-controlled wine cellars)—half of which are exclusive in Singapore. While wines predominantly hail from the Old World, there are a number of exotic options from the New World available in the list.

1 Scotts Road
#02-16 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6733 2225
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Napoleon Food & Wine Bar

Giving you the option of ordering exquisite wines (without breaking the bank), Napoleon offers a stellar range of 32 European wines available on enomatic wine dispenser machines—one of which is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Ancien Domaine des Pontifes 2011 ($18 per glass; $90 per bottle). This bio-organic wine is dense and dark, with a nose of ripe fruits (due to the purity of the soil).

A well-structured wine with fine tannins, we recommend pairing this with spicy dishes to fully savor its complexity. If you’re in the mood for something white, Graves blanc Château Claron 2010 ($13 per glass; $65 per bottle) is one of the best dry white wines in Bordeaux. Produced traditionally from a single grape variety of Sauvignon Blanc, this full-bodied wine flourishes with aromas of citrus fruits. We reckon this will go perfectly with the poached salmon ($21) and green pea purée.

206 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6221 9282
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Ô Batignolles Wine Bar

The French have a saying, ‘Life is too short to drink bad wine’. Believing in enjoying wine (without hefty price tags), French owner Antoine Rouland travels back to France three times each year to visit winemakers and vineyards, selecting wines from smaller producers.

Here, you’ll find vintages such as the Medoc 2001 Chasse Spleen at only $97 per bottle—a rare find in Singapore. Apart from a specially curated list of 100 wines on rotation (with 75 varieties available at any time), varieties of cheese are also available for pairing.

We recommend the cheese platter ($29) with our personal favorite, Cotes de Gascogne 2012 Domaine du Tariquet ($12 per glass; $55 per bottle). Made with four types of grapes, separately fermented before aging in French oak barrels, this white has an incredibly complex aroma profile of peach and vanilla with a subtle woody aftertaste—perfect with a floret of Tete de Moine (better known as “monk head”) cheese.

2 Gemmill Lane
Tel: +65 6438 3913
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Taberna Wine Academy

If you’re a novice at wines, Taberna Wine Academy is the best place to learn the basics, and sample some exclusive wine labels while you’re at it. What’s really great about this spot is its extensive availability of wine verticals (wines from the same producer and vineyard with differing vintages).

Such is the German Riesling from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt (from $81 per bottle) with a dozen wine verticals dating back as far as 1983. Beginners interested to learn the technique of wine tasting can attend the introduction to wine appreciation ($100) where you’ll get to taste and sample eight different styles of wine. A range of professional courses are also available for veterans looking to hone their skill.

17 Binjai Park
Tel: +65 6762 5570
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dover

Vida Vino

A fairly new entrant to the winery scene, Vida Vino (translating into “the wine life”) is about making merry without your wallet having to suffer. With a personal selection of 60 wines (by owner Aaron Olivera) that start from $12 per glass, this wine bar stands to give competitors a run for their money.

The Beronia ($85 per bottle) is such—opening with subtle notes of flowers and fruit before blossoming into a refreshingly crisp and spicy finish, this wine pairs extremely well with the iberico ham platter ($23)—a range of Joselito iberico ham (the best in Spain). As for sipping cocktails, Vida Vino has done an exceptional job in crafting some pretty smooth-drinking concoctions. From Spain with Love ($18) consists of “secret ingredients” that results in an edgy, bittersweet cocktail—we managed to make out notes of Spanish white wine and raspberry brandy.

29 Keong Saik Road
Tel: +65 6222 1963
Mon to Tue: 6pm – 11pm
Wed to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.