Poblacion bar takeovers: What to Expect at Singapob this August 2023

August 24-26 (8PM-11PM)

Sago House

-  #10 and Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award at Asia’s 50 Best 2023, #51 World’s Best 2023
-  Opened during the 2020 lockdown in Singapore by three industry veterans, Sago House is a cocktail bar for those with adventurous tastes as Sago House’s cocktail menu changes weekly depending on available ingredients.
-  Host: The Spirits Library Tippling Club
-  #63 Asia’s Best 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 theatre to the dining and drinking experience.

Host: OTO

Night Hawk

-  #73 and Campari’s “One to Watch” at Asia’s Best 2023
- Aretro-futuristic speakeasy. Their 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. 

Host: Run Rabbit Run

Employees Only Singapore

-  #30 Asia’s 50 Best 2023
-  Only its second outpost other than the original in New York City, the neo-speakeasy has gained buzz around the world as a must-visit nightlife destination due to its consistent presence among the best bars in the region.

Host: Bar55

See also: Homegrown and world-class: ARC Spirits' Full Circle Craft Distillery is open for tours and tastings

The Elephant Room

-  #64 Asia’s Best 2023
-  A bar that celebrates the people and culture of Singapore’s Little India, the cocktail ingredients are sourced from in and around the Tekka Market, a Little India landmark.

Host: Banter & Jive

Papa Doble

-  Timeout’s 50 Best Bars in Singapore 2023
-  Previously known as Old Man Singapore, the intimate speakeasy takes inspiration from author Ernest Hemingway, known in Cuba as “papa”. Food and drink offerings are named after Hemingway’s most famous works and were created by incorporating bold flavours and cutting-edge techniques.

Host: Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen

During the media launch at The Spirits Library, we got to meet the talented men and women behind the bar of both Singapore and Poblacion watering holes for the first half of the two- weekend event. The bars from the City Hall/Central neighbourhood were eager to set up in their respective bars for the weekend, but not without first treating us to preview some of their signature drinks.

Mel Chavez of Smoke & Mirrors and Daryll Cabrera of Run Rabbit Run served up their Katong Laksa (Tanqueray Gin no.10, light rum, ginger, chilli, laksa punch) inspired by the Singapore hawker staple which was fragrant with blue ginger and latik (browned coconut bits). Chavez expresses that he hopes Singapob will entice his fellow Filipinos to visit them and experience Singapore’s bar scene first-hand. “It really is a different level, and it is not cheap, but I promise it will be worth it,” he assures.

See also: Meet the king of carbonara

Martin Villareal of Republic Bar and Ralph Allen Santos of The Spirits Library impresses with what reminded us of a (really good) espresso martini using cold brew, Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskey, pandan, and kaya foam. “As with any event, I always hope that it is a chance for guests to appreciate what we do,” Villareal expresses. “Even in Singapore, we would serve an old-fashioned and sometimes someone will complain it is too strong. Or maybe a daiquiri is too sour and would request for it to be sweetened. It really just helps to keep exposing people to good cocktails.”

For the second week, the visiting bars will be a select group from Singapore’s Chinatown. Follow their social media to be updated on the coming events.

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