Our humble bar scene is graced by international bartending superstars - here’s where to find them.
If you haven’t already heard, the World’s 50 Best Bars awards is happening in Singapore (for the first time ever outside of Europe) and we couldn’t be more excited. This year’s festivities will be brought to you live from Pasir Panjang Power Station. But we think the best way to experience it is to catch the nominees live and in action. Thanks to the awards ceremony, bartenders from around the world will be bringing their talents to our bars. Wanna know where to get a taste? Right this way.
World’s 50 Best Bars events: Takeovers and guest shifts in Singapore
1. Jigger & Pony
14 – 16 October
We’re starting the list strong with Jigger & Pony, our homegrown bar that placed 12th in 2022’s World’s 50 Best Bars list. Festivities kick off at this establishment with the 50 Best Signature Session: Whisk(e)y Lovers’ Night. Bartenders from Stockholm-based bar Tjoget will headline the session from 6pm. If you can’t make it, pop by on 15 or 16 October for guest shifts with Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo and Handshake Bar, Mexico City.
Jigger & Pony, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
2. Parliament
15 October
Frills aren’t welcomed at Parliament. It’s all about classic American fare and good vibes that’ll satisfy your soul and your stomach. The selection of music ranges from soul-funk to new-age rock, R&B and more. The bar is flirty, sarcastic, and cheeky in all the best ways possible. Popping by to join in the fun is The Pontiac from Hong Kong. Jen Queen and Nicole Slater will be stepping up behind the bar for one night only, and you can’t miss it.
Parliament, #02-01, 18 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088390
3. Stay Gold Flamingo
15 & 18 October
If you can’t make it out at night to experience one of the largest takeovers of our city’s bars, have no fear. This is your sign to hit up an electrifying boozy brunch on 15 October. Flamingo Coffee Bar (aka Stay Gold’s alter ego) welcomes Sammy Junior from Melbourne. The beloved Australian coffee haunt and bar will bring its special edition brunch throughout the afternoon. Look forward to daytime staples like the Garibaldi and Americano cocktails alongside spirit-forward treats like the negroni and boulevadier. On 18 October, you’ll find Swallow from Tainan helming things.
At night, Stay Gold comes to life hidden behind a curtain. You have the option of popping by on Sunday night to catch bartenders from Maybe Sammy in Sydney taking over the bar from 9pm. Or spend your Wednesday night with bartenders from Hiboru in Taipei and Vender in Taichung.
Stay Gold Flamingo, 69 Amoy Street, Singapore 069888
4. Junior the Pocket Bar
14 – 18 October
This intimate spot at Ann Siang sets the perfect scene for a night of fun. Junior the Pocket Bar is a cosy space that features new concepts rotating through the months. Expect high-touch and ultra personalised experiences during its special guest shifts. Come 14 October, bartenders Ralph Allen Santos and Claude Delima of The Spirits Library in the Philippines will be swinging by.
From a land not so far away is Kelvin Wong of Good Friends Club in Penang bringing some Malaysian flair. On 18 October, Panji Wisrawan of Aperitif Bar in Bali will be swapping travel memories from his time out at sea. He brings with him a menu that celebrates the rich traditions of the 1930s. It’s a time when the world began to learn about the secret island of Bali and Ubud’s exotic nature.
Junior the Pocket Bar, 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
5. Atlas
15 – 16 October
There’s nothing like having a drink at the glorious Art Deco-inspired Atlas. Within the iconic Parkview Square, you’ll be sipping on divine cocktails while surrounded by some of the most luxurious interiors. Now, that’s a vibe. For its 50 Best Signature Sessions party, Atlas is teaming up with Little Red Door from Paris and Southside Parlor from Seoul. Experience the enchanting streets of these cities’ vibrant bar scene without leaving our sunny island. You’ll be treated to unique drinks crafted by the guest bartenders along with Atlas classics.
Otherwise, spend your Monday night with Simone Caporale from Sips, Barcelona, which ranked third on 2022’s World’s 50 Best Bars list. Come experience the absolute magic this industry legend has to offer with the showcase of Boadas Cocktails.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
6. Sago House
14 – 18 October
We’ll be saying a reluctant but fond farewell to Sago House as it moves out of its original home at Sago Street. But don’t fret, because it plans to go out with a bang thanks to the World’s 50 Best Bars celebration. Take time to soak in the quaint space with two guest shifts from Service Bar, DC and Mostly Harmless, Hong Kong on 15 and 16 October respectively. That’ll shake up an already thrilling night out when you hit up Sago House 1.0.
For anyone who wants to get a sneak peek of Sago House’s new space, drop by on 14 October where Mister Paradise from New York City will be gracing the space. Expect two more shifts on 16 October and 18 October with Harry’s Bar New York from Paris and Civil Liberties from Toronto. We might have to say goodbye to fond memories of the original Sago House space, but we look forward to making new ones at its Duxton Hill spot.
Sago House 0.1, Level 3, 40B Sago Street, Singapore 059029 and Sago House 2.0, 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
7. Gibson
14 – 18 October
Sequestered away on the second storey of a shophouse is Gibson, named after one of the classiest cocktails in the world of drinks. The cocktail bar presents high quality drinks meant to be enjoyed in a wonderfully hospitable atmosphere. Mavericks and non-conformists are welcomed in this space where the craft is serious (but not too serious!).
Catch bartenders from Allegory (Washington DC), Satan’s Whiskers (London), and The Savoury Project (Hong Kong) over the next few days before the official World’s 50 Best Bars awards. On 18 October, Gibson closes it off with Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal).
Gibson, Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
8. Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh
15 October
Here’s a heads up: Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh’s Singapore outpost is celebrating its first anniversary! The space is about a Mexican country girl and an Indian city boy’s love story. Indian and Mexican cuisine are married into the perfect blend of flavours and traditions. And it only makes sense for one of Mumbai’s best bars to join in on the party. Slink & Bardot will be taking over both the kitchen and bar for a full day. Expect bold flavours and unforgettable experiences with activities like flash tattoos and beer pong.
Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681
9. Nutmeg & Clove
15 – 18 October
Dishing out modern Singapore plates and cocktails, Nutmeg & Clove is an icon in our bar scene. It takes Singapore’s story from colonial outpost to modern metropolis and reimagines it into drinks and food with uniquely Singaporean twists. Spend your Sunday night here with a special guest shift with Julio Cabrera from Cafe La Trova in the US. You’ll be sipping away while dancing your heart out to Latino tunes spun by DJ Aka during its Sip, Savour, and Swing event.
To celebrate the best of Seoul on 16 October, catch Demie, Jisu, and Danny from Zest, Seoul. It’s known for upcycling leftovers from each drink’s components, constantly raising the standards in the industry. And finally, to cap off its calendar of events, Harrison Ginsberg of Overstory, New York will take over with elevated flavours and innovative techniques.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
10. Native
15 – 18 October
Sustainability is at the core of what Native creates, focusing on local and regional produce all across Southeast Asia. This three-storey space is cosy on all levels, with drinks that’ll astound you. You’ll find a list of special cocktails on the menu served with a smile by friendly staff.
On 15 October, bartenders from The Living Room (Mumbai) and Rayo (Mexico) will take the helm, bringing menus heavily inspired by the local produce of their regions. Next, bartenders from Vietnamese establishment Hybrid (Saigon) will join in for a bar takeover on 16 October. It’s all about playfulness and inventiveness, which fits seamlessly with Native’s own craftsmanship. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Native’s 7th anniversary party too. A South American bar takeover will rock the space to its core.
Native, 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
11. Night Hawk
14 – 16 October
Demarcated by a nondescript sign just by the door, Night Hawk is an unpretentious but futuristic haven. It’s inspired by the urban alienation evoked by Edward Hopper’s mid-century piece, Nighthawks. This intimate speakeasy has some of the loveliest staff running the show. Affectionately termed its Week of Chaos, Night Hawk will be taken over by talents from all over the world.
Drop by on 14 October to see Mille and Corby from The Gresham Bar, Brisbane bringing a taste of the city’s bar scene. Swing by on 15 October to catch Jason and Kailee from Century Grand, Arizona, an alluring spot that emulates the train stations in Europe. And just before the dust kicks up with the World’s 50 Best Bars celebrations, kick back with bartenders from CMYK, China and Danico, Paris.
Night Hawk, 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088464
12. Sugarhall
14 – 16 October
Rum-focused bar Sugarhall is fueled by a love of dark liquor, turning that passion into well-crafted cocktails and convivial hospitality. The menu sees cocktails that are never too sweet, classic, funky, fancy or big. But big things are happening in its space and we’re all for it.
Over the course of the World’s 50 Best Bars weekend, head on upstairs to catch bartenders from Speak Low (Shanghai) and Cambridge Public House (Paris), as well as an Africa Takeover with Hero, Sin + Tax, and Front/Back.
Sugarhall, Level 2, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
13. Barbary Coast Ballroom
14 & 16 October
The Barbary Coast Ballroom boasts a luxurious interior that sets the perfect tone for a date night. Inspired by the ballrooms of San Francisco’s yesteryear, the space is both rich and quaint in all the right ways. If you and your beau both have a penchant for delectable cocktails, it’ll be worth paying this spot a visit. Especially with the guest shifts it’s hosting. Erik Lorincz from Kwant, London will be bringing a touch of Mayfair civility with him. On 16 October, enjoy a Japan takeover with bartenders from Bar High Five, SG Club, and El Lequio.
Barbary Coast Ballroom, Level 2, 16 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828
14. Fura
15 October
A bar, platform, and lifestyle spot, Fura is the personification of the future. It’s all about making sustainable dining accessible with ingredients that have a low carbon footprint. It’s one of the newest spots on the block, and there’s no better time to visit than during the festive season of the bar world. Get a glimpse of the space while Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone, Hong Kong, mixes, shakes, and stirs up your drinks.
Fura, 74A Amoy Street, Singapore 069893
15. Offtrack
15 – 18 October
Music is at the heart of Offtrack, which was founded by local music collectives Darker than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays. The schedule is always packed with DJs almost every night so the space is never silent. Not to mention the rotating menu of drinks that ensures you’ll never be bored. And to inject even more excitement into the mix, international talents will be adding their signature spin to the bar.
The party starts with Cross Yu from Epic Bar, Shanghai and Roger from The Odd Couple, Shanghai. Caretakers Cottage from Melbourne will be taking over the bar on 16 October, so expect a show with DJ Oscar O’Bryan from Melbourne’s underground club scene who will be spinning tunes to keep you entertained. On 18 October, bartenders from Stir (Ho Chi Minh(, Coley (Kuala Lumpur), and Mahaniyom (Bangkok) will be around to wrap up the World’s 50 Best Bars week.
Offtrack, 34 North Canal Road, Singapore 059290
16. Neon Pigeon
18 October
This modern izakaya draws influence from Tokyo, featuring a menu full of Japanese flavours. There are a number of sake infusions available and cocktails that use myriad Japanese ingredients. Expect chaos in the coop after the World’s 50 Best Bars awards in the best way possible. Gear up for a whole night of rotating guest shifts by bartenders from Drink Kong (Italy), Iain McPherson (Hong Kon)g, and Tropic City (Thailand). Industry veterans will take turns to churn out creative cocktails that encapsulate their individuality.
Neon Pigeon, 36 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059915
17. Room0202
15 October
Experimentation is the name of the game at this new bar. Room0202’s team of mixologists are perfectionists, exploring unique flavours, premium spirits, and innovative techniques. All of which amalgamates into this fresh drinking experience. The same goes for the guest shift happening on Sunday night with a cocktail omakase available by reservation. Hidetsugu Ueno from Bar High Five, Tokyo will be there to ensure you have a memorable night.
Room 0202, Level 2, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
18. Studio 1939
15 – 18 October
This drinking den with an ever-evolving menu is a hideaway that boasts great vibes. More than just an intriguing list of cocktails, you can’t ignore the food whipped up by the chefs at Three Buns. On the back of its brand spanking new Palette of Sounds cocktail menu, there’s a fantastic lineup of guest shifts coming up in one of the most iconic buildings of Keong Saik. Pen this one in your calendars ‘cause it’s probably one of the liveliest takeover weekends yet.
On Sunday, start with a rooftop party featuring Beckaly Franks, Christine Wiseman, Megs Miller, Shafira Permata, and DJ Sebastian De La Cruz. At night, friends from Hong Kong will join in, hailing from Thirsty Shaker and The Old Man HongKong. Monday sees a panel discussion about the Indian bar scene. After chatting about it, experience the taste of India with guests from Indian Accent, Ekaa Mumbai, Americano, and PCO. To wind down, enjoy a guest shift with The Cocktail Club, Jakarta on 18 October.
Studio 1939, 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143
19. Last Word
15 – 18 October
This bar may be named after a forgotten classic cocktail, but it’s certainly not easy to forget. With minimalism at its core, Last Word rekindles the romance of cocktails served alongside simple Japanese dishes. Surround yourself with friends in a warm ambience and you’ve got the setting for a classy night out.
Get your pinkies up with guests from Scarfes Bar, London and sip concoctions as you relax to the sound of live jazz music. Bartenders from Bar Cham, Seoul will be taking the reins on Monday night, bringing the spirit of traditional Korean houses along with them. Finally, talents from Argo, Hong Kong will cap off the festivities.
Last Word, #02-01, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
20. Live Twice
14 – 16 October
This little hidden bar takes you back in time to mid-century Japan with its minimalist interior. Bring your most authentic self into the space where things are fuss-free and straightforward. Over the course of three days, you’ll be treated to a spectacle that’ll shake up the bar’s typically calm atmosphere. The guests of honour hail from Soko Bar (Seoul), Schofield’s Bar (Manchester), and Martiny’s (New York).
Live Twice, 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
21. White Shades
16 – 18 October
It’ll be worth sacrificing the weekdays for a nighttime rendezvous at this boozy playground. Start your week with drinks crafted by bartenders from The SG Club, Tokyo. And with possibly the only guest shift happening on 17 October, drop by to catch The Odd Couple, China taking over the back bar. Hit up the space on Wednesday if you’d love to take a mini bar hop through the world. Guest bartenders include talents from the likes of Le Syndicat, Paris, and A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London.
White Shades, 25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622
22. Smoke & Mirrors
13 – 18 October
Perched atop the National Gallery, Smoke & Mirrors will be celebrating its 8-year anniversary alongside the World’s 50 Best Bars celebrations. While bar manager Mel Chavez and bar supervisor Wong Wee Siong are off to participate in their own guest shifts around the world, a number of bartenders will be stopping by to help keep the bar warm. On 13 October, Slovakian bartender Adrian Michalcik (aka winner of 2022’s Diageo World Class competition) brings his A-game to this rooftop destination.
Come 15 October, Macau beckons with the arrival of Vida Rica Bar’s Davide Boncimino. Be transported to the flourishing Guangdong province with the southern Chinese flavours. On 16 October, Michele Venturini from Cahoots London brings us four Italian-themed cocktails full of buzz and romanticism. Finally, the celebrations come to a close on 18 October with an Italian takeover. Lorenzo Querci of the famed Moebius Milano will tingle your taste buds with his innovative mixes.
Smoke & Mirrors, #06-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
23. Madame Fan
14 & 16 October
Madame Fan dazzles with its modern Chinese cuisine. The lifestyle dining destination is full of whimsical old-world glamour and east-meets-west fun. Decked out in green with gold accents adorning the bar, it drips in opulence and sets the mood for a luxurious time. Leading up to the World’s 50 Best Bars events, Estefany Palma from Baltra Bar (Mexico) will be joining the team on 14 October. On 16 October, expect a guest shift from Dinos Constantinides from Lost & Found (Cyprus).
Madame Fan, The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
24. Goho Kaiseki Bar
16 October
Transport yourself to an eclectic space when you enter Goho. Turn to a staircase neatly tucked away in the corner of Rappu and take yourself up to an intimate dining spot that puts the spotlight on seasonal ingredients at their peak. To make an elegant night more special, Bee’s Knees (Kyoto) bartenders will be taking over the Goho bar for one night. You’ll be treated to unparalleled mixology magic by Toru Ariyoshi and Keisuke Yamamoto paired with izakaya bites created specially for this event.
Goho Kaiseki Bar, enter through Rappu, 53A Duxton Road, Singapore 089517
25. Cat Bite Club
18 October
Sometimes silly and sneaky, other times mischievous and unpredictable, expect the unexpected at Cat Bite Club. Focusing on the under-utilised agave and rice spirits, the team goes beyond crafting delicious cocktails. Your visit here comes with a learning moment to understand rice spirits in its enchanting world. On 18 October, three bartenders from three bars will be rocking up for a rotating guest shift. We’ll be saying hi to Nicolas Torres of True Laurel (San Francisco), Megs Miller of Cata (Costa Rica), and Christine Wisemen of Lillistar (Brooklyn).
Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534
26. Rappu
16 October
Rappu surely needs no introduction. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill handroll Japanese dining spot. It’s a restaurant that combines classic izakaya dining with dim interiors and modern handrolls made to order right in front of you. The one-night event brings the best of both worlds to one spot. On the bar lineup, we spot bartenders from Opium Bar (Bangkok), Firefly (Bangkok), and Find the Locker Room (Bangkok). Remember to pad your stomach with dishes from the likes of LG Han from Labyrinth and Paul Liew from Keng Eng Kee before you start drinking!
Rappu, 52 Duxton Road, Singapore 089516
27. Origin Bar
15 & 16, 18 October
Origin Bar welcomes 2022’s best bar to commemorate the World’s 50 Best festivities. Say hello to Paradiso from Barcelona. Creative-in-chief and co-owner Giacomo Giannotti along with partner in crime Margarita Sader will be showcasing their whimsy creations on 15 and 16 October. Then on 18 October, New York’s Manhatta and Overstory will be helming the bar.
Origin Bar, Shangri-La Singapore, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Where will you be on the World’s 50 Best Bars weekend?
