If you’ve been along Telok Ayer lately, you already know that it’s home to numerous bars, restaurants and eateries – a hub for cuisine, and a vibrant environment to have a night out...
There is certainly no shortage of food and wine experiences here and without doubt, you might just find yourself spoiled for choice trying to decide on which places to try first. Here to make that decision easier is a list of our favourite bars in the area to put high on your must-try list. Picture Credit : Sum Yi Tai + ShuKuu Japanese Izakaya & Sake Bar Video Credit : Le Quinze Vins
Bitters & Love
Home of creative cocktails, Bitters & Love likes to mix it up (pun intended) with unusual but delicious concoctions. Unique to this place is the fact that cocktails are made-to-order according to the customer’s tastes, after the helpful and upbeat (they frequently sing along to the music and greet customers like old friends) bar staff ask you a few well-crafted questions about your preferences. If you like nostalgia with your drinks, Bitters & Love is well-known for their old school music playlist, so be prepared for some great throwback vibes with your cocktails.
Shukuu Izakaya
Crazy about sake? You’re in luck – Shukuu Izakaya has almost 50 different artisanal sakes for you to try (though perhaps not all in the same sitting). Try some of their delicacies such as Tako Wasabi (octopus marinated in wasabi) the Gyu Ponzu (lightly seared fillet steak with ponzu) while you’re there.
A. 8C Stanley St, Singapore 068727
W. shukuu.sg/
Sum Yi Tai
A vibrant and lively bar, Sum Yi Tai harkens back to glitzy 1980’s Hong Kong, with three levels offering different concepts – a tapas bar on the ground floor, the Mona Lounge and a private karaoke room on the second floor, and a rooftop bar on the uppermost level.
Draught beer starts at SGD $9 for Asahi Super Dry (half pint) and their happy hours deal lasts till 8 p.m. daily (9 p.m. on Saturdays) when you can get a selection of beers starting at $12, house wines at $10, and house pours of vodka, gin, whisky and rum at the same price.
13% Gastro Wine
13% Gastro Wine offers an extensive selection of wines from many regions around the world, and sharing portions of delectable modern European dishes. Wines are available by the glass, bottle or on a retail basis. The 13% Gastro Wine experience is personal and authentic, so customers can truly take pleasure in the journey of wine tasting without a high price tag and without pretension.
Le Quinze Vins LQV
Named “Best Wine Shop of the Year” by La Revue des Vins de France in 2013, Le Quinze Vins is (no surprise here) a wine bar with over a thousand labels on offer. The bar bites here are perfectly paired to wines, and include charcuterie, croque monsieur, artisanal cheeses & sharing platters. If you don’t know much about wine, don’t worry – Le Quinze Vins’ professional sommelier can help you decide based on your palate, and even your budget.
T. 6222 8266
Shin Gi Tai
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy some delicious drinks in peace (and relative quiet) head to Shin Gi Tai. Specialising in classic cocktails, Shin Gi Tai is an intimate, unpretentious and cosy bar run by Anthony Zhong – who doubles as a mixologist, whipping up unique and exquisite cocktails to his customers’ delight.
Freehouse
A craft beer and cider gastrobar, Freehouse welcomes its customers with a “No Strangers Here” sign and a row of shiny beer tap handles – a sight guaranteed to raise your spirits. With 16 craft beers in rotation and their delicious range of affordable bar bites and snacks, Freehouse is always a popular place to visit.
