If you’re in charge of booking the office Christmas party, a birthday bash, baby shower or simply any event that involves bringing a group of adults together here in Singapore, you’ll be chuffed to know that there are heaps of brilliant options when it comes to cool event venues. Whether you’re looking to book a lavish rooftop with a view or quirky spot in the jungle, the island is packed with great bars, restaurants and private rooms. There are also a fair few wild cards to consider for dos with a difference – from bouncing around in trampoline parks to hiring out cable cars. Read on for oodles of inspiration – and, whatever you decide, have a ruddy fabulous time.
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332 6900
You might have visited the Arts House for exhibitions and concerts, but did you know that it’s open for event rental? The heritage building has various venues that are great for parties. For instance, the Blue Room can accommodate standing room for around 120 people and table seating for 60. It has impressive Neoclassical architectural details and Palladian windows that fill the room with natural light. Or, perhaps you’d like to host a cocktail event in the Living Room, which holds up to 80 people. For larger groups, Gallery I is a good choice – it’s a 270-square-metre space that fits up to 250 people, and features grand rows of columns and a unique exposed brick entrance dating back to 1827.
Lime House
2 Jiak Chuan Road, 6222 3130
This fun shophouse bar in busy Chinatown is Singapore’s first Caribbean restaurant and knows how to whip up incredible jerk chicken and rum cocktails. Their large, airy private room upstairs is perfect for hiring out, plus you’re in a great spot to head off to a club as the night goes on.
Potato Head Folk
36 Keong Saik Road, 6327 1939
This whimsically-decorated venue on busy Keong Saik is actually huge inside, with three levels and three menus, each very different, but equally cool. If you’re after colourful wallpaper and eclectic vintage, head to level two, if decadent glamour and cocktails is your thing, hit level three, and if you love a fairylight-strewn rooftop, make that climb to level four.
Chopsuey
Block 10, Dempsey Road, #01-23, 9224 6611
While this restaurant boasts great Chinese food, it’s decorated in a decadent, frivolous style, with glass everywhere and 1920s music on the stereo. The outdoor area is modern, with concrete features clashing nicely with the green surrounds of Dempsey.
Cafe Melba
1 Stars Avenue, #03-01, 6352 2721
90 Goodman Road, 6440 6068
If you’re looking for something laid back and friendly in an open, green setting, head to Cafe Melba for reasonably-priced fizzy and Western comfort food. If this is a daytime bash where children are welcome, there’s also a great kids area and bouncy castle to keep them distracted while you neck a wine or two.
Sons
20 Cross Street, #01-19 China Square Central, 6221 3937
This buzzy joint is a great size for a medium-sized affair, with a whole wall of spirits for a cocktail extravaganza. There’s also a cheese room, salami bar and Mediterranean dishes galore at this hip Italian kitchen.
Manhattan Bar
Regent Singapore, Level 2, 6725 3377
Looking for something grown up and classic? This American-style is all about cool luxury and strong, short drinks. Think whisky, bloody Marys, lobster, fois gras and cheese. One for the lads, although fun for ladies who fancy dressing up for a posh night out.
Lantern Bar
1 Fullerton Road, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, rooftop, 6597 5299
If you haven’t heard of Lantern Bar, then you’re missing a serious view across Marina Bay in an oh-so-plush setting. It’s set on the rooftop of the Fullerton Bay Hotel – think gorgeous swimming pool, mood lighting and a large, airy bar that looks across the city from all, open sides. Now, this won’t be a cheap affair, but it will be memorable.
Southbridge
80 Boat Quay, rooftop, 6877 6965
This classy oyster bar is perfect for a smooth evening in a stylish setting. There’s lots on the menu, although the new rooftop bar is becoming known for its excellent seafood. Sat on the river in Boat Quay, this sexy little joint overlooks Marina Bay.
Coastes
50 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6631 8938
How about a beach party for you and the gang? Whether you want a couple of tables in the sand or the whole bar, Coastes offers a night out with a difference and a view across the water and twinkly ships in the bay. With cheerful, seaside food and often live music by night, you always feel a but like you’re on holiday in this beachfront spot.
1-Altitude
1 Raffles Place, 6438 0410
We can’t chat rooftop bars with a view without mentioning the tallest one in Singers, complete with an open-air dance floor now, can we? Whether you’re looking for bubbles across a remarkable sunset on the rooftop (floor 63), fine dining at Stellar (floor 62) or cocktails and dancing at Altimate (floor 61), 1-Altitude throws heaps of different events, with various-sized areas available to hire out.
Orgo
8 Raffles Avenue, #04-01 Esplanade, 6336 9366
There’s a strong chance that you’ve never trotted along to this awesome rooftop bar at the top of Esplanade Theatres as it’s not one of the ‘biggies’, but it offers an amazing view of Marina Bay. The open-air bar thinks of itself as a drinks lab, with Orgo meaning ‘organic chemistry’, so expect a focus on organic produce and interesting ingredients.
The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road, 6473 9965
Did you know that this beautifully restored old chapel in Dempsey often pops on its party hat and throws massive events for punters? The White Rabbit, and it’s fun outdoor bar area The Rabbit Hole loves to throw whimsical parties, and there’s lots of potential space to book up for your bash. If you have a lot of adults to cater for, this is a great option too.
BluJaz
11 Bali Lane, 6292 3800
After live music in a more casual setting? Blu Jaz is plonked in the middle of hip, lively Haji Lane and boasts some seriously awesome bands. In terms of music, there’s R&B DJs, funk nights, reggae-themed events and more – often at the same time on different levels of the shophouse. After something more colourful and Mexican? A few doors down on Haji Lane is Piedra Negra, which is part of the same group and sees people dancing in the streets and in the themed bar upstairs after a few margaritas.
Tanjong Beach Club
120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6270 1355
If you’ve got deep pockets and you fancy making a day of it, TBC is a party hub that sees people dancing in the sand (and on tables) from day ’til night. Set on a lovely stretch of beach on Sentosa, this is a seriously trendy (and big) venue to go for.
Singapore Flyer
30 Raffles Avenue, 6734 8829
After an even bigger capsule in the sky? You can also rent out spaces on the Singapore Flyer, which cram in far more people than you might think. Up to 28 people can party in the pod, with space for dining tables, decorations and even a few waiters to keep you topped up.
Nox – Dine in the Dark
269 Beach Road, 6298 0708
One way to ensure that everyone has plenty to chat (and laugh) about is to blindfold everyone and get them to eat their meal entirely in the dark. Yup, Nox offers just this – with diners being treated to innovative, unknown cuisine that they have to diagnose with their taste buds alone. It makes for an unforgettable night, plus encourages you try a few delicious dishes that you might have otherwise swerved.
Amped
46 Kim Yam Road, 8228 5961
Is your party often bouncing off the walls? Make it literal and book a slot at Amped, Singapore’s first indoor trampoline park. And it’s exactly that – a huge floor of connected trampolines that everyone can’t help but fall in love with the minute they start bouncing.
S.E.A Aquarium
Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577 8888
The massive Open Ocean tank in Singapore’s popular marine centre is available to hire for huge dinners and glamorous parties. Sat next to someone awkward? Just point at the gigantic sharks and make polite chat about being eaten alive.
Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir Park, 8100 7420
Don’t love the water? Take to the skies instead and clamber your way through this jungle trail for a spot of team building, exercise and adrenaline. There’s also a lovely, lush bar to hit nearby called Wawawa that’s fun for a few drinks after your high-impact day out.
Laser Ops
60A Orchard Road, 6884 4890
Quite simply, if you sometimes feel like legging it after your pals/colleagues and taking a few shots in their direction, then LaserOPS might be the venue for you. The indoor laser game involves getting suited up, dividing into teams and hunting each other down through the vast arena. It’s pretty hilarious, plus there’s no contact involved, so if you’re heading there with work, there won’t be an HR situation to deal with afterwards.
Hire a yacht
Throw an adult bash with a difference by hiring a boat and setting sail around Singapore. There are lots of options to consider, from group size and boat type to specific routes and catering, and we cover that and more in our handy guide to yacht hire here. From mooring on Lazarus Beach during the daytime to watching the fireworks on Sentosa by night, hitting the water is a very cool option.
For more, head to our living in Singapore section.
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Best nightclubs for dancing the night away!
