Known by many names—tavern, inn, alehouse or a public house—as the British call it, British pubs are establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Or in simpler terms, a place where people used to gather to get tipsy after a long day at work. Do not be mistaken though, a pub is not a bar, similar to how a fast-food restaurant isn’t a restaurant. A pub isn’t just a place one goes to get drunk, it’s an extension of home. A place where people from all walks of life can gather to relax and unwind in a convivial setting accompanied by pints of beer. Perhaps something stiffer, a hot meal or even just a packet of crisps (yes, crisps, not chips) or pork scratchings.
British pubs in Singapore hardly come close to those in the UK (if you know, you know). But there are a few that come pretty close. Here is a list of five British pubs we find to be pretty on point as far as the experience, drinks and pub grub go.
1. Bread Street Kitchen Singapore – A concept by Gordon Ramsey
Set in an industrial warehouse-designed restaurant and bar in Marina Bay Sands, Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey’s first Singapore outpost, Bread Street Kitchen is modelled after its London counterpart. Look forward to a British European menu with fresh seasonal produce in a lively and bustling space. While food is unsurprisingly the main draw here, they do well to ensure that their drinks list impresses as well. Lounge by the alfresco bar with a classic or signature cocktail, or choose from the restaurant’s extensive collection of gin, scotch whisky, wine and more.
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue 01 – 81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 018956
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 10PM (Mon to Wed), 11.30AM – 11PM (Thu & Fri), 7.30AM – 11PM (Sat), 7.30AM – 10PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6688 56652
2. The Penny Black (Victorian London Pub) – A Gem in Boat Quay
The Penny Black has long been a popular venue for working adults, locals and expatriates alike. It’s impossible to miss, given that it’s the very first bar you’ll see as you begin to explore the entire bustling Boat Quay stretch from Raffles Place.
On tap, you’ll find quite a number of English lagers, ales and stouts. And on the food menu, a wide selection of authentic British pub food including the likes of fish & chips and a classic Sunday roast beef when it’s in season. A great place to hang out post-work, you’d be silly if you didn’t take full advantage of their happy hour promotions.
Keen to make progress toward drinks with a little more bite? Head on up the stairs to the speakeasy gin bar, BeGin.
Address: 26-27 Boat Quay, Singapore 049817
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 11.30AM – 2AM (Sat), 11.30AM – 12AM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6538 2300
3. The Queen’s Inglish Pub – Located in Millenia Walk
Conveniently located at Millenia Walk along Raffles Boulevard, just a short walk away from Promenade MRT station, The Queen’s Inglish Pub offers a good selection of beers, wine spirits and food-wise, they’ve seriously nailed theirs down to a T.
Their menu features an eclectic twist to local dishes such as their Roti John, Tandoori Chicken Flatbread, Fries with Curry and more. If you’re just there for drinks, you’ll be amazed at how extensive their wine list is coupled with draft and bottled English ales.
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-20 Millenia Walk, 039596
Opening Hours: 4PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6873 1947
4. The Queen & Mangosteen – Situated in VivoCity
The Queen & Mangosteen is essentially a British restaurant but it also doubles up as a pub. Located in bustling VivoCity at the boardwalk, the alfresco area boasts a panoramic view of the harbour and scenic Sentosa. Inside, guests are greeted with rustic brick walls that elevate the experience by creating a British pub feel.
On the drinks menu, you’ll find a vast array of wine labels to choose from as well as spirits and quintessential pub-familiar beers on tap. Grub is served till late and encompasses the likes of British pub classics such as Pigs in Blankets and a variety of signature pies, namely the Queen’s Famous Fisherman’s Pie, Beef & Guinness Pie and Shepherd’s Pie.
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-106/107 Vivocity, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 12PM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6376 9380
5. Windsor Arms – Exclusive Bar at The British Club Singapore
Housed within the British Club, The Windsor Arms is an exclusive—and we say exclusive because you either need to be a member, or need a member to sign you in before you’re granted entry to the club—British restaurant and bar that serves traditional English pub lunches as well as a whole host of British classics.
During festive occasions, this is THE place to come to for authentic roast dinners and British desserts. The bar offers the standard pub grog ranging from wine, gin and scotch to a slew of local and imported beer.
Address: 73 Bukit Tinggi Rd, Singapore 289761
Opening Hours: 12PM – 11PM (Sun to Thu), 12PM – 1AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +65 6467 4311
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