Pub crawl your way through Singapore, right at our very own Poblacion!
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) brings an unexpected twist to the Metro Manila nightlife with SingaPob—a two-week bar takeover featuring a lineup of Singaporean bars known as the best watering holes in Asia and the world. Experience The Lion City’s drinking scene from speakeasy cocktail bars to craft beer hubs. SingaPob turns our beloved Poblacion hotspots—The Spirits Library, Bar55, Run Rabbit Run, OTO, Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen and Banter & Jive—into award-winning Singapore bars ready to delight Filipinos with their memorable concoctions.
RELATED: From HereAfter to ReCraft, Here’s Where to Get Your Cocktail Fix in Manila
Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss from the 17th to the 26th of August, from 8PM to 11PM.
Republic Bar
Currently 16th among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 and 90th among The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, Republic Bar pays homage to the freedom, expression and individuality of the ‘60s—the decade when Singapore became an independent state. Dive into its innovative menu that is inspired by the hallmarks of pop culture in the 1960s, and centered around the themes of art, cinema, fashion and music.
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Republic Bar will take over The Spirits Library from August 17 to 19.
Nutmeg & Clove
Established in 2014, Nutmeg & Clove currently holds the 74th spot among The World’s Best Bars 2022 and the seventh position among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Nutmeg & Clove incorporates elements from Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage to create an astonishing lineup of modern Singapore cuisine and progressive cocktails.
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Nutmeg & Clove will be at Bar55 from August 17 to 19.
Smoke & Mirrors
Perched on the rooftop of the National Gallery Singapore, through the years, Smoke & Mirrors has earned various recognitions in the industry. It has the 60th spot among Asia’s Best Bars 2022 and the Best Rooftop Bar in SG Magazine’s Nightlife Awards in 2020. This destination rooftop bar thrives with its creative cocktail program and stunning panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
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Smoke & Mirrors will be hosted by Run Rabbit Run from August 17 to 19.
Sugarhall
Sugarhall’s story began in 2014 in an Amoy Street shophouse next to their big sister bar Jigger & Pony. Sugarhall made a stunning debut on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2016 list at no. 48 and returned the following year at no. 38. After a four-year hiatus, the rum-focused cocktail pub reopened its doors in Singapore’s central business district in 2022 where they continue to share their love for rum, well-crafted cocktails and good vibes.
Sugarhall will be popping up from August 17 to 19 at Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen.
Last Word
Despite being a rookie in the business, Last Word already won Best New International Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards in 2022 and debuted at #61 among Asia’s Best Bars in 2023. Sister bar to the highly acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove, Last Word’s offerings certainly live up to the expectations. Minimalist space, classic cocktails, and a selection of Japanese cuisine give this cocktail bar a truly inspiring edge.
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Last Word will be serving up drinks from August 17 to 19 at OTO.
Sago House
Sago House ranks 51st among The World’s Best Bars 2023, 10th among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, and bagged the 2023 Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award—a special award given to bars with memorable hospitality experiences. Opened during the 2020 lockdown in Singapore by three industry veterans, Sago House is a cocktail bar for those with adventurous tastes. Despite serving classics like the martini and the old-fashioned, guests can expect twists on these core offerings as Sago House’s cocktail menu changes weekly depending on available ingredients.
Catch Sago House on August 24 to 26 at The Spirits Library.
Tippling Club
Recognized for its innovative and progressive cuisine and cocktails since it first opened in 2008, Tippling Club is currently rated 63rd among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Occupying three massive shophouses in Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar district, Tippling Club is a boundary-pushing gastro-cocktail destination where Chef-Owner Ryan Clift brings a touch of theater to the dining and drinking experience. Homegrown head bartender Arathorn Grey took over the helm of Tippling Club’s bar last year, earning the title in just two years. Citing music as his first passion, his latest brainchild is an inventive cocktail menu aptly named A Guide To Modern Drinking—6 Decades Of Music, which features modern concoctions accompanied by a soundtrack from the ‘40s and the ‘90s.
Experience Tippling Club from August 24 to 26 at OTO.
Night Hawk
Taking inspiration from artist Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks painting, Night Hawk is a retro-futuristic speakeasy. It was cited as Campari’s One to Watch and currently holds the 73rd spot among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Night Hawk’s cocktail menu features signature cocktails such as the eponymous Night Hawks, where cold coffee infused with rum, vodka and amaro creates a delightful warm-cold contrast with coconut and palm sugar foam.
Night Hawk will be hosted by Run Rabbit Run from August 24 to 26.
Employees Only Singapore
Originally from New York City, Employees Only opened their second branch in Singapore back in June 2016. This place currently sits at #30 among Asia’s Best Bars 2023. Since opening, the neo-speakeasy boasts its consistent presence among the best bars in the region.
Employees Only Singapore takes over Bar55 from August 24 to 26.
The Elephant Room
Making its debut at the 64th spot of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, The Elephant Room is a bar that celebrates the people and culture of Singapore’s Little India. Cocktail ingredients are sourced from in and around the Tekka Market—a Little India landmark that houses a wet market, food center and shops. Resulting cocktails are distinctive, thanks to a spirit selection entirely sourced from India.
Experience The Elephant Room from August 24 to 26 at Banter & Jive.
Papa Doble
Found along Keong Saik Road, Papa Doble pairs innovative cocktails with Mediterranean flavors. It’s one of Time Out Magazine’s 50 Best Bars in Singapore 2023. Previously known as Old Man Singapore, the intimate speakeasy takes inspiration from author Ernest Hemingway, who was known in Cuba as “Papa.” Food and drink offerings are named after Hemingway’s most famous works and were created by incorporating bold flavors and cutting-edge techniques.
Catch Papa Doble at Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen from August 24 to 26.
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But the party doesn’t stop there! Alongside these takeovers, a bar masterclass featuring the Singapore bars will take place at The Spirits Library on August 23 in partnership with Diageo. With products sold in over 180 markets across the world, Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands in the spirits and beer categories. Guided by the purpose “to celebrate life, every day, everywhere,” Diageo is driven to be the world’s best brand builder in the field of premium drinks.
For more information, follow the Singapore Tourism Board on Facebook and Instagram.
Words Francesca Testa
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
