Phase 2 couldn’t have come at a later time. The three-month semi lockdown was arduous, but as they say, tough times don’t last. The Circuit Breaker cast a grim shadow over many businesses and the one most heavily hit was the f&b industry.
It was saddening to witness so many of our favourite bars and restaurants close. But fortunately for some, the pandemic hurt, but failed to kill. Here on this list, we cover 5 new bar openings in Singapore during Phase Two. It includes the return of some of our favourite bars, Jekyll & Hyde, IB HQ (Yes, they’re back!) and the fresh opening of a few others.
1. Bar Milano – By the same folks behind Bang Bang Nightclub
Brought to you by the folks behind Pasta Bar, LuLu’s Lounge, Employees Only, Papi’s Tacos, and Bang Bang Nightclub, comes their latest Italian casual dining concept: Bar Milano, and Italian Bistro & Cocktail Bar located at the heart of bustling Keong Saik Road. A homage to the classic tavernas of Europe, bar Milano is a casual and chic venue curated for apertivo and Italian food lovers looking for a cosy getaway from the Keong Saik buzz. Having honed their love of Italian dining at Pasta Bar, you can trust that their food’s one to impress.
Read our guide to Keong Saik Bars.
In addition to their array signature cocktails, the bar boasts a unique Italian Spritz-forward cocktail menu. For refreshing, easy-to-drink options, go for their Bianco Spritz or Aperol Spritz and for more complex and stiffer variations, try their Negroni Sbagliato and Lambrusco Spritz. For a midday pick-me-up, definitely go for their Italian Bloody Mary.
Address: 55 Keong Saik Road, 01-02, Kesa House
Opening Hours: 10AM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park
2. IB HQ Cocktail Bar – They have shifted to Duxton Hill
Founded by the couple that founded Indigenous Bartender, an online platform for like-minded bartenders (and foodies) looking to explore locally sourced ingredients and their uses with a culinary and creative approach, IB HQ (Indigenous Bartender Headquarters) is a cocktail that perfectly gels modern mixology sensibilities with a vast variety of native ingredients, ferments and infusions. If you’ve been following Kamil Foltan’s (formerly of Black Swan, Potato Head and Tippling Club) cocktails, you’ll know that he’s all about experimentation and providing customers with multi-sensory experiences.
Ever heard of curry gin? The Maharaja is an Indian-inspired tipple concocted using curried gin, jackfruit bitters and sweet vermouth. A good, refreshing drink to help ease you into this stylish cocktail bar is the Stars & Bars which comprises Green Mango Gin, Starfruit Honey, Green Chartreuse, Orange Blossoms, Citrus and Egg White.
Address: 76A Duxton Rd, Level 2, Singapore 089535
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10.30PM (Tue to Sat), closed on Mondays & Sundays
Contact: +65 9152 4550
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
3. Jekyll & Hyde – Closed Down during CB, Reopens During Phase 2
Many hearts shattered at the news that Jekyll & Hyde was shutting its doors in light of the Circuit Breaker measures and overly-exorbitant rental, but thankfully that was only a temporary setback as they’ve since found themselves a new home over at Neil Road.
If you’re looking to indulge in some expertly hand-crafted cocktails, allow Head Bartender Michael Foong to take you by the hand as you explore a myriad of intriguing signatures befitting of anybody whether you’re a novice drinker or a pro. Don’t miss out on their daily Happy Hour promotions from 4 PM to 6 PM where all classic cocktails are available at S$15++.
Address: 74 Neil Rd, 2nd Floor, Singapore 088839
Opening Hours: 4PM – 10.30PM (Wed to Fri), 11AM – 10.30PM (Sat), 11AM – 6PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 8940 2450
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar
4. Kreams Krafthouse – Teleport Yourselves to Korea During Phase 2
A thematic Korean-inspired cafe cum craft beer bar concept brought to you by the same folks behind Kream Beer in Duxton, Kreams Krafthouse, is where it’s at if you’re looking to spice things up with your partner over the weekend. The vibe is great and keeping in line with its autumn theme, the interior comes complete with autumn leaves covering the ceiling and spilling down the sides of the wall.
They serve your typical cafe fare from artisanal lattes (Dalgona latte included), scones but the thing that interests us most is their range of craft beer offerings.
Kreams @ Duxton (Cherry Blossoms In Spring)
Address: 60 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089524
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10.30PM (Daily)
Contact: 6226 2369
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
Kreams @ Maxwell (Fall Vibes)
Address: 32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Opening Hours: 9AM – 10.30PM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: 6226 2369
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
5. Kingdom Of Belgians – The Closest You Can Get to Belgium
Moules Frites, Steak Frites, Waffles and more importantly beer. These iconic staples are what the Belgian people are most widely known for. To enjoy an authentic taste of Belgium without having to book yourself a ticket and wait in agony as this pandemic blows over, pay a visit to Kingdom of Belgians, a newly-opened gastropub that offers a selection of 40 Belgian beers and a myriad of Belgian signatures to pair along with, including hearty stews cooked with Belgian beer—what’s not to love?
Opened by celebrity chef-owner Emmanuel Stroobant, diners can expect an all-rounded dining experience. While this venture takes on a more casual tone as opposed to Chef Emmanuel’s other concepts, their dishes are anything but ordinary. Their loaded fries, Steak Frites and meatballs are classic staples that offer more than your usual pub grub.
Address: 8 Rodyk St, #01-05/06, Singapore 238216
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10PM (Tue to Thu), 5PM – 12AM (Fri), 11AM – 12AM (Sat), 11AM – 10PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6634 0500
Nearest MRT Station: Fort Canning
Read our guide to the brave bars that opened during Circuit Breaker.
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