Looking for a new watering hole or hangout spot to try? Located in buzzy Holland Village, The Nook is Singapore’s first-ever self-serving bistro bar where you can self-dispense wines, spirits and beers all under one roof. Apart from boozy drinks, the cosy taproom also offers a food menu consisting of hearty European, American and local fare that won’t break the bank. Read on for the inside scoop!
The concept
Instead of traditional paper menus, waiters who take orders, and cashiers at the payment counter, the 82-seater opts for tech-savvy features including an ordering app (Dining Butler), an automated cash machine for cash payment, 11 self-dispensing wine and spirit stations, and six Pour-My-Beer beer stations. The self-serving concept requires only around 30 percent of the manpower of a conventional bar. The catch is this: cost savings are passed down to the diners in the form of nett prices with no extra charges!
The grub
Meat lovers should try the Angus aged beef, a secret-menu item known only to regulars. The process involves dry-ageing cuts of beef for 21 days before trimming and cutting them into steaks, and the result is better flavour and a far more tender texture than a regular steak. There’s an ongoing promotion where you can enjoy one at the special price of $38 for rib-eye or $34 for sirloin – simply approach one of their service ambassadors to order.
If you’re visiting with company, get the pan fried fresh squid with chimichurri sauce ($14.90) and chicken, lamb or beef satay ($7.80 for six, $14 for 12) to share. For mains, a popular pick is the Hungry Burger ($21.90), aptly named for its generous serving; succulent beef patty topped with smoky cheddar cheese, guacamole, tomato and an egg, all nestled between charcoal buns. The pork knuckle ($33.90) is another signature that’s perfect for sharing – think crispy pork knuckle with homemade beer sauce and sauerkraut. Delish!
The booze
Feeling thirsty? You’ll be spoilt for choice here with nine wine and two spirit stations offering 44 different labels of wines, whiskies and sakes. The wine stations make it easy for first-time wine drinkers to experiment with the different varieties, as they can opt for a tasting portion before committing to a half- or full-glass serving. Look forward to a curated selection of premium vino at affordable prices; the labels are changed up every once in a while too.
If you’re not craving wine, head to the spirit stations, where you can sample drinks like Japanese sakes and whiskies. Beer connoisseurs should definitely check out the Pour-My-Beer beer stations, which serve six different types of house craft beers brewed by the folks at The Pump Room, a local microbrewery at Clarke Quay.
Written in collaboration with:
The Nook
36 Lor Mambong, Holland Village
6314 2218 | thenook.sg
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