While Dante in New York City claimed first prize for the best bar in the world, it didn’t take us long to notice how the small island state of Singapore had made its mark. It has eight of the World’s Top 50 Bars on its shores. For a country that is only 721km squared, we thought that this deserved to be recognised.
Atlas

This ode to art deco really has to be seen to be believed. This glistening confection of gold, dark wood and copper, looks like a hedonist’s Hogwarts. The magical potions that fill these shelves include 1000 different types of gin, including one that dates from 1910. However, you don’t have to wait for the sun to go down to enjoy the Atlas bar as it’s famed for its gin-inspired afternoon tea.

Manhattan

Walk through the door of this elegant bar and you feel as if you’re entering a 1920s speakeasy. Smaller nooks surround the lounge, which gives you a change to gossip or socialise. The adult-only Sunday Cocktail Brunch has made the Manhattan bar a fast-favourite with locals. And when you see the Bloody Mary Room you’ll love it too.

Jigger & Pony

For a destination that would leave James Bond shaken and stirred, it would have to be Jigger & Pony in Singapore, where the door glides open with a wave of your hand. Cocktails that have made sure that it remains high on the best bar list include the spicy Rice Martini and the Williams Cooler, a fruity Williams pear cocktail.

Operation Dagger

Take a trip into this subterranean bar filled with lightbulbs and bright ideas. Their inhouse wine programme features an array of unique wines, including ones created with cabbage, beetroot or rhubarb instead of vines.

The Old Man Singapore

This Hong Kong transplant has made its mark on the Red Dot. With interiors inspired by Hemingway’s Havana estate, the Old Man would have never gone to sea if he’d taken a look at this. But it’s not just the interiors that are creative – the mini laboratory cum bar tempts you with cocktails made of gruyere cheese, pandan yogurt and marshmallow gin.

28 HongKong Street

Tucked behind a shophouse is 28 HongKong Street. Sip complex cocktails to hip hop classics. This bar doesn’t market itself on social yet has still made its mark. Exactly. Don’t forget to order the Pandan Churros.

Nutmeg & Clove

Looking for a local tipple? Then stop by Nutmeg & Clove on Ann Siang Road. It revels in playing with Singaporean flavours. There’s Call Me Old Fashioned with pandan flavours, Gin Fizz with butterfly pea flower and Hanky Panky with Tongkat Ali bitters.

Native

If you want to feel good about having a great night out, pull up a barstool at Native. Every inch of this eco-chic bar does its best to be sustainable – from its aprons to garden of herbs. The team is also keen foragers and you can find the results of their efforts in their creative drinks.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Italy

Venice Florence Tuscany Rome Italy Europe

  • A tasting tour of the lagoon city of Venice

  • Italian food & wine with vineyard visits and cookery classes

  • The art and sculpture of the Italian Renaissance in Florence

  • Explore Vatican City and the archaeological sites of Rome

  • The ruins of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii

ideal length 11 nights

Luxurious Gourmet Tour of Australia

Western Australia South Australia

  • Sample world-class cuisine at acclaimed Australian restaurants

  • Learn to cook modern Australian cuisine and blend your own wine

  • Hunt for truffles in the Margaret River

  • Enjoy an exclusive private tour of Seppeltsfield, a historic wine estate

  • Stay in luxury accommodation in Australia’s top foodie regions

ideal length 9 nights

Luxury Roadtripping in Tuscany

Tuscany Italy Europe

  • Stay in a magnificent country estate overlooking the city of Siena
  • Drive through Tuscany’s countryside in a classic vintage car
  • Go wine tasting in Chianti at one of the world’s oldest vineyards
  • Explore the medieval towns of San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Volterra and Siena
  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pienza, a Renaissance town
ideal length 3 nights