Argh. Pains us to write this, but many establishments are closing / have closed down permanently following the economic damage caused by Covid-19.
To cope with the pandemic, many countries went into lockdown in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. The Singapore government—after many trials and debates—introduced the Circuit Breaker measures; which prohibited the opening of bars, clubs and other entertainment venues and made dining in at restaurants against the law.
Understandably, the Circuit Breaker was for the good of the people. But nothing could prevent the economy from dipping, and the f&b industry from suffering as a result of these measures. With operational costs, rent, staff wage and the like bearing down many business owners with no semblance of the world resuming normalcy any time soon, many were driven to an inevitable closure. Here, we list 8 bars that closed its doors for good during the Circuit Breaker period.
From all of us here at UncoverAsia, we applaud and commend you for fighting the good fight for as long as you did and sincerely wish you all the best moving forward.
1. Chi Kinjo
The third f&b venture by Coterie Concepts after Sum Yi Tai and Eliza, Chi Kinjo is a modern izakaya set in the heart of Stanley Street. It was a popular haunt for diners looking to get in a good meal, a solid drink in a relatively low-key yet lively setting.
Inspired by the culinary skills and sensibilities of the West, their array of eclectic small plates displayed finesse, thoughtfulness and elevation of the highest level.
Address: 29 Stanley St, Singapore 068738
2. Hops & Berries
A hotspot for fans of football over the weekend, this cosy wine bar used to grace the likes of anybody and everybody, young and old alike. For the budget drinkers, many would recall their affordable beer towers and seasonal bottle promotions.
P.s. This is not the end. Good news, Hops & Berries will be opening an outlet in Punggol!
Address: 81 Lor Chencharu, Orto Park@Yishun, Singapore
3. Jekyll & Hyde
A bar that once ranked among some of the top players in Singapore’s cocktail bar scene, Jekyll & Hyde were driven to eventual closure as a result of a landlord that couldn’t cut them much slack and monthly returns getting lesser with each passing month.
Note: Jekyll & Hyde will be reopening in Neil Road. Cheers to new beginnings!
Address: 74 Neil Rd, 2nd Floor, Singapore 088839
4. Meats & Malts
One of industrial Tai Seng’s newer bar and restaurant entrants, Meats n Malts was where the after-work crowd could come to indulge in a wide array of American comfort food dishes tweaked with a little Asian flair. Their range of beers was extensive, spanning draught beers, craft beers and even craft ciders.
Address: 30, #01-07 Tai Seng St, BreadTalk IHQ, 534013
5. Salt Grill & Sky Bar
Located “sky-high” on level 55 of ION Orchard, Salt grill & Sky bar was the go-to destination to impress your date. Besides the food (which was phenomenally good as we recall), what really did us in was the stunning panoramic views of the city you had full access to whilst dining there.
Address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
6. Starker Singapore
Once famous for its eclectic weekly live music performances by local and regional acts and a wide array of house-brewed German-style beers, Starker was a popular joint where one could hang out over good beer and delicious food. Though it may come as an unpopular opinion, we really enjoyed their house-brewed lychee beer. Fresh, fruity and bolstered with a subtle sweetness, this fizzy fruit beer would go fantastically well with their signature sausages and German pork knuckle.
Address: Multiple outlets islandwide
7. White Label Records & Bar
A den for music lovers, this joint served as a record store, a cafe and a bar all enveloped into one spanking corner shophouse, along the bustling Ann Siang Hill circuit. During its height, White Label even hosted music gigs, educational workshops, movie screenings and talks as well. The record store-bar had originally intended to return after the two-month-long Circuit Breaker. However, with growing uncertainty surrounding when live music venues could host live music events again, they were forced to close down.
Address: 28 Ann Siang Rd, #01-01, Singapore 069708
8. Ding Dong
Well-loved for its cheeky and eclectic renditions on traditional Asian cuisine, meticulous cocktail creations and expertly-curated boutique wine list, modern Southeast Asian restaurant Ding Dong was one of our favourite joints to unwind at. The vibe was cool, the drinks were innovative and fun and the food was lightyears away from gimmicky fusion food joints. Ding Dong will be sorely missed.
Address: 115 Amoy St, 01-02, Singapore 069935
Read our guide to new bars that bravely opened during Circuit Breaker.
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