Knock back craft beers, tasty cocktails, and original liquor blends in this groovy, ‘90s-inspired hotel bar at Kampong Glam in Singapore.
Backstreet Boys. Spice Girls. ‘N Sync. Britney Spears. Mariah Carey. If you were a ‘90s kid in Singapore, these names mean a lot to you. Now that you’re all grown up and the airwaves are streaming the likes of Ed Sheeren, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, BSB’s “As Long as You Love Me” and Britney’s “… Baby One More Time” may seem like distant memories – but not at Fresh, a new(ish) bar in Singapore located at the second level of boutique hotel, The Sultan.
The space, which used to house the now-defunct SingJazz Club, presents a serious case of ‘90s nostalgia, by the way of its graffiti-plastered walls, and the sounds that comes out of its jukebox. Songs you used to sing along to in the ‘90s and early 2000s are blasted inside this playful drinking den, and it’s not uncommon to hear groups belt out – collectively and enthusiastically, after some drinks – to familiar tracks like “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera. This is a bar that garners a lot of laughter from its patrons, who clearly left their civilities outside the door, just as managing director Shawn Kishore had intended.
A convivial ambiance aside, Fresh serves some solid cocktails, with elevated classics like Xin Jia Po Sling, Kopi Negroni and the Fresh Sandy Sex. If you’re big on rum and gin, give their in-house blends a go. If you worship beer, take your pick from craft labels such as Tenant from Scotland, and Australian lager Moritz. On balmy nights, we suggest bringing your drinks outside to the large alfresco area that’s fitted with high tables and chairs, as well as comfy cabanas. Sounds like the perfect plan to kick-start the weekend, don’t you think?
Fresh, #02-01 The Sultan, 101 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199002, p. 8828 7084; Open Mon-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am.
