Looking for something different? ANTHIA CHNG checks out The 1925 Brewing Co a restaurant and bar that serves up thirst quenching beers and delicious cocktails in Jalan Besar.
First impressions:
This place does more than just your regular beers. Located along the stretch of shophouses in the vibrant Jalan Besar neighbourhood, this restaurant, bar and microbrewery all in one is a cosy hideout decked in industrial décor featuring steel, concrete floors and rustic walls. The space fits 30 people on the first floor and 60 on the second.
The Chosen One:
Picking a favourite is tough, but if I had to choose one, it’d be the Blk Party ($21). This dark, creamy and full-bodied tipple consists of Blk 622 dark ale (an in-house brew), vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, chocolate bitters, egg white and sea-salt chocolate. Fans of mocha will love this bold and robust concoction, the perfect marriage of coffee and cocoa. On the other end of the spectrum is the Love Nectar ($18), another original cocktail that highlights an in-house brew, this time the Yellow Van. Supporting stars include honey-infused vodka, elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, plus honeycomb, making it sweet, refreshing and easy to drink.
On the beer menu you’ll find a tight selection of craft beers ($15 a pint; $7 for a half); there’s a good mix of guest taps like the Wussie Pilsener from the US, alongside in-house brews such as the limited edition Manuka Stout, which features authentic Manuka honey. Not sure which one to get? Opt for the beer sampler paddle ($23), which allows you to try five brews. Don’t be put off by the term “sampler” though, as the portions offered are generous – we couldn’t finish ours!
The Cheapskate:
Happy Hour runs from 2pm to 6pm and from 10pm to 12 midnight, Monday to Thursday. Enjoy a full pint for $10!
Bite on this:
1925’s skewers are an assortment of meats, vegetables and seafood grilled on the smoker and dressed in a special beer reduction glaze made from the signature Blk 622 Dark Ale. We loved the sirloin strip ($8), which was perfectly grilled and not too chewy. The beer glaze did wonders for the portobello mushroom ($4), too; it was extremely juicy and flavourful. Another must-try is the mixed skins platter ($16), featuring baked potato skins and crispy chicken skins – but it’s definitely a guilty pleasure if you’re watching your diet!
A variety of beer-inspired mains is available, from burgers to pastas. The smoked duck fettucine ($22) came highly recommended, and sure didn’t disappoint. It could have used some spice to cut through the creamy sauce, but the pasta is handmade from the same grains used to brew the in-house beer, and it had a good bite.
Love cocktails? Hear all about Kampong Bahru’s hidden gem!
There are plenty more reviews on our Bars section!
