While everyone elsewhere in the world is still in the midst of reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling with the repercussions that have no doubt left many in disarray, we should consider ourselves fortunate because slowly but surely… Normalcy is returning to our shores once again. And one needs only to look toward Singapore’s F&B industry to notice that our restaurants, bars and even cafes are one of the few areas picking up at a sprightly rate.
For a five-month duration kicking off in September 2020 and lasting all the way through to January 2021, get stoked for a smorgasbord of amazing dining deals and experiences brought about by newly-formed non-profit campaign, Hi5SG, centred around the number “5”—a playful poke at the 5-pax dining rule—which includes unbeatable deals such as $5 dishes and drinks, 55% discounts, $55 set menus and more at participating establishments which include popular cafes such as Sarnies, popular gastro bars, Smoke & Mirrors, Southbridge, LeVel33 and more to even Michelin-starred restaurants, Burnt Ends and Cheek Bistro.
Here, we share with you 11 stellar beer, cocktails and wine-related deals that’ll be happening at various participating restaurants and bars during the duration of Hi5SG ranging from top-notch cocktail joints to gorgeous rooftop bars and more. God if there was ever a year to start taking the expression, “treat yourself” literally, 2020 would be the one.
About Hi5SG
Birthed from the same folks behind #savefnbsg—an independent restaurant coalition that came together during the Circuit Breaker Period to garner support toward struggling F&B brands—comes Hi5SG, a new non-profit dining campaign that champions the positive loop of giving back amongst restaurants, consumers and underprivileged communities. At the end of this 5-month campaign, Hi5SG aims to raise a total of S$300,000 for its official beneficiary =DREAMS.
The sister organisation of South Central Community Family Service Centre, =DREAMS is a residential-based intensive educational program that mentors underprivileged children, children from low-income families with little to no financial support. Underneath the dining deals you’ll get to enjoy as part of this campaign, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that the money you spend will be funnelled toward bettering the lives of these underprivileged children.
Throughout the campaign, part of the proceeds (ranging from S$1 to S$5) from the various Hi5SG experiences goes to the charity and selected restaurants will even be going the extra mile to provide matching donations.
1. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Formerly located along Boat Quay, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall stands as one of the few iconic cocktail stalwarts on Singapore’s bar scene with their endearing hawker-style food and Asian inspired cocktails despite their move to Kampong Glam above Good Luck Beerhouse. Creating the same quality experience you would expect at a prim and proper speakeasy but riffing off local flavours and influences, this bar is surely one to visit if you’re down for some creative drinks and convivial vibes. They’ve recently added to their fine repertoire hand-pulled tapped cocktails—something that definitely warrants a try.
Hi5SG Experience: Bundle of 4 cocktails off the tap or draft beer at S$55 available on Sundays only
Address: 12 Haji Ln, Singapore 189205
Opening Hours: 12PM – 10.30PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6535 0838
2. Bincho At Hua Bee
Tucked away in a nondescript area of bustling hipster enclave Tiong Bahru, Bincho at Hua Bee is a Japanese yakitori restaurant that doubles up as a bar as well. During the day, the corner coffee shop is occupied by a 70-year-old mee pok stall but when dusk falls, the gastrobar comes to life, bringing to the fore a modern take on traditional Japanese grilled skewers alongside stellar bottles of sake and wine.
Hi5SG Experience: S$5 off wine of the day by glass
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078
Opening Hours: 12PM – 3PM, 6PM – 12AM (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +65 6438 4567
3. BTM Mussels & Bar
From the same folks behind acclaimed restaurants, Riviera Forlino, L’Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro and Sabio by the Sea, BTM Mussels & Bar is a Belgium mussel-and-fries-focused restaurant in Duxton. The menu at BTM—short for ‘Back To Mussels’—centres around communal dining, so expect sharing plates of varying proportions accompanied by Moules-Frites (mussels and fries), prepared in different styles ranging from classic European to even some that employ Southeast Asian ingredients and sensibilities.
Hi5SG Experience: Bucket of 5 Estrella or Hoegaarden for S$50++
Address: 5 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Mon & Tue), 12PM – 11PM (Wed & Thu), 12PM – 12AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6690 7562
4. Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
Located right smack in Singapore’s historic Arts District along Middle Road, Ginett is a contemporary bistro-style French restaurant and wine bar that’s doing everything right from their delightful range of French wines and delectable nosh that don’t cost an arm or a leg. The culinary team is led by highly acclaimed Executive Chef Sylvain Royer who designed the menu to incorporate charcoal-grilled meats, premium cold cuts and cheese alongside an extensive French wine list. On regular days, glasses of vino begin at S$6 a glass.
Hi5SG Experience: S$5 glass of house wine before 5 PM
Address: 200 Middle Rd, Singapore 188980
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 10.30PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6809 7989
5. LeVel33
An urban microbrewery located 33 levels above ground level (the world’s highest in fact), LeVel33 is where brilliantly crafted German-style beers and humble yet experimental cuisine go hand in hand. Located on the apex level of Marina Bay Financial Tower 1, LeVeL33 offers three different spaces: the LeVeL33 Dining Room, LeVeL33 Social, and the Terrace which offers an unobstructed view of the Singapore skyline.
At the heart of the brewery and restaurant is their bar where you’ll also find their massive copper stills—and yes, all their beers are brewed in house. Beers aside, the food is top-notch as well. Helmed by Executive Chef ArChan Chan, expect a unique contemporary beer-centric array of dishes which synthesises the culinary aspect and beer brewing elements. We had the pleasure of trying their 5-beer tasting paddle accompanied by Chef Chan’s take on grilled skewers and we only have one word to describe the pairings—phenomenal.
Hi5SG Experience: 5x100ml Beer Tasting Paddle with five snacks (four skewers and a surprise from the chef) at S$45++)
Address: 8 #33-01 Marina Boulevard Tower 1, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 018981
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 10.30PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6834 3133
6. Meat Smith (Little India)
Being partly owned by Chef Dave Pynt, it’s unsurprising how and why Meat Smith derives its association with Michelin-starred Australian restaurant, Burnt Ends.
Their Little India outpost focuses primarily on American barbecue techniques and sensibilities. But given its location and the rich culture it’s surrounded by, the joint combines an eclectic mix of Indian flair with Meatsmith attitude giving birth to a whole new cuisine in itself.
Helmed by Chef Kurt Sombero, the Campbell Lane kitchen doles out reimagined fusion cuisine harnessing American slow smoking and barbecuing techniques with Indian flavours and spices.
Hi5SG Experience: Bucket of 5 Four Pines Ale for S$40 + Chef Kurt’s Biryani Nigiri for S$5
Address: 21 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209894
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 11.45PM (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +65 9625 9056
7. SKAI
SKAI is a lively contemporary grill situated on the 70th floor of Singapore’s acclaimed Swissôtel The Stamford. Nuanced and refined, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline although that’s not all that impresses. Skai’s food is elegant and progressive; drinks are expertly made and the vibe, congenial enough for both social revelry, or slow intimate evenings.
Hi5SG Experience: 25% off Beverages
Address: 2 Stamford Road Swissôtel, Level 70 The Stamford, 178882
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2.30PM, 6PM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6431 6156
8. Smoke & Mirrors
Perched on the rooftop of the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Smoke & Mirrors offers spectacular panoramic views of the Marina Bay. The bar itself is very beautiful, nuanced with wood and copper tones to give it a stylish yet cosy and intimate feel. The destination rooftop bar overlooking the Padang constantly brings to the fore, new and exciting drinks referencing the classics and riffing off modern techniques and ingredients.
Throughout October, Smoke & Mirrors serves a series of pink cocktails to pay tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month. Don’t be misled by their seemingly harmless appearance though, because these bad boys (or girls) pack a punch!
Hi5SG Experience: Between 3PM to 5PM from Mondays to Wednesdays, indulge in a basket of Truffle Fries along with 2 Gin & Tonics at only S$50.
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: 3PM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 9380 6313
9. Southbridge
Located at the periphery of the happening bars and touristy seafood spots along Boat Quay; on the third floor of a nondescript shophouse sits cosy and casual rooftop bar, Southbridge. You’ll find the lift that takes you up located around the back in a back alley. But once upstairs, you’re transported to an oasis of calm replete with sensational views of neighbouring high-rise buildings, the Singapore river and a chic bar that pulls off amazing cocktails.
Fresh oysters and moreish bar bites go hand in hand with its signature gin-and-tonic program boasting the best craft gins from around the world.
Hi5SG Experience: S$90++ for a bottle of Prosecco DOC Brut Zardetto & half a dozen Signature Oysters
Address: 80 Boat Quay, Level 5, Rooftop 049868
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10.30PM (Mon to Thu), 4PM – 10.30PM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6877 6965
10. The Secret Mermaid
The Secret Mermaid is a watering hole located inside Ocean Financial Centre. It that exists as a salad bar by day, but morphs into a speakeasy after 5PM. The bar isn’t hidden per se, but it just doesn’t sport the sort of look that you’d typically associate with a bar. Not until you step inside that is. There are no windows so you can’t see what’s going on inside, keeping in line with the speakeasy vibe they’re going for. Here, their cocktail list is extensive and all of them are good. They also carry a remarkable range of craft whiskies if you’re in the mood for something stiffer.
Hi5SG Experience: Enjoy a sampler of 5 American craft whiskeys for S$50
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, B1-09, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Mon to Fri), Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
11. The Singapura Club
Aiming to evoke a feeling of nostalgia from old colonial Singapore, The Singapura Club is heritage-style dining concept and bar with an eclectic food menu coupled with a convivial vibe that’s perfect for lounging. Their menu boasts a splendid array of beers, wines and their cocktail programme is cleverly designed to incorporate local spices and traditional Indian recipes into their signature libations. Think alcoholic teas nuanced with chai spices and so on! On the food front, expect to tuck into Northern Indian-inspired noshes such as tandoori platters, butter chicken and more!
Hi5SG Experience: Get 25% off cocktails or a complimentary lager with purchase of Butter chicken or Tandoori Chicken Wings
Address: 102 Dunlop St, Singapore 209438
Opening Hours: 11AM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6957 3369
See the full lineup of participating bars and restaurants here.
Disclaimer: We were guests of Hi5SG, but all opinions remain our own.
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