Head here for bespoke cocktails and free-flow nibbles

We scour the bar scene to bring you the new and noteworthy. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! Emi Finch checks out DRINK to see what they have to offer.

First impressions:

This relatively new bar sits over the road from the SCC clubhouse, with a tiny glimpse of MBS: nice and central for after-work drinks with colleagues. It’s a low-key and no frills place, with a clientéle made up largely of young professionals letting off steam after a day at the desk. You enter via fine-dining restaurant FOO’D by Davide Oldani, and can choose between the airconned library-style indoor seating or the more atmospheric alfresco space.

The Chosen One:

Have a chat with the bar’s mixologist Mike Cheong, who will devise your own bespoke cocktail (from $20) based on your taste buds and mood! You simply suggest the spirits and flavours you like – whether it’s “floral” tones, for example, or something spicy – and he does the rest. I’m ashamed to admit that I opted for a very safe and comforting G&T with Hendrick’s ($18).

The Cheapskate:

The NV Ferrari Metodo Classico Brut – that’s sparkling chardonnay to you and me – seemed to be good value at $16 a glass! Or, try a Court Adjourned ($18), a sweet combo of Bombay Sapphire gin, melon, elderflower, yuzu and fairy dust (shimmery, edible petal dust) served in an old light bulb (trendy or what?).

Bite on this:

Complimentary free flow canapés by executive chef Simone Depalmas do the rounds each night from 6 to 9pm; divinely presented, these high end “small eats” are served on large boards at your table. If you’re lucky, you might get the mini pea and mint soup, duck mousse gelatine, vol-au-vent stuffed with taleggio cheese and blueberry sauce, or a mini version of the classic Italian dessert zuccotto. In somewhat of a contrast to these exquisite bites is the “pub grub” that’s on offer on the bar menu: think mini burgers, sausages and fried chicken, and pizza, which seemed rather incongruous with the fine-dining canapés. Still, for a large group, you can’t go past the meat platter ($46; for two to four people), comprising mini sliders, chicken wings, lamb chops, pork sausages and fries.

Last but not least:

We liked the serene and minimalist look of the adjoining restaurant, FOO’D by Italian Michelin starred chef Davide Oldani, so treat yourself to dinner there after your cocktails, and end up back at DRINK for a nightcap.

By Emi Finch

DRINK
#01-01, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place
6385 5588 | foodbydo.com

Want more? Read: 

The ultimate guide to bars in Singapore

5 of the best nightspots to get your groove on

This article first appeared in the October 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!