1. Cé La Vi
Where? Atop Marina Bay Sands on the 57th-floor Skypark, the former Ku Dé Ta was renovated, rebranded, and opened in June 2015 as Cé La Vi. Its SkyBar – one of three bars on the top level – was overhauled in April 2016 and is one of the city’s must-see watering holes.
Why go? How about the 360-degree view for starters? From 200 metres above sea level at this multi-faceted hotspot – it encompasses a bar, lounge, and modern Asian restaurant – visitors can take in the hotel’s iconic infinity pool, the city skyline, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay,
the Singapore Strait, and on a clear day, Indonesia and Malaysia. Best-selling drinks include the Storm Cooler, made with Grey Goose vodka, passion fruit, honey, and aged Swedish liquorice. Group activities range from birthday celebrations to large, corporate events that commandeer
the whole venue.
sg.celavi.com
2. Aura Sky Lounge
Where? On the sixth floor of the National Gallery Singapore, the city-state’s newest museum, which opened in November 2015. Housed in two repurposed national monuments – City Hall and the former Supreme Court Building – the museum cost more than S$500 million (about US$365m) to develop and took a decade to complete.
Why go? The panoramic views of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers are terrific from this rooftop bar connected to the Italian restaurant Aura one floor below. The ambience is both formal and casual, with Bianco Canaria marble incorporated into the furnishings, and two specially commissioned floor-to-ceiling sculptures by Singaporean artist Grace Tan adding further
visual flair. With an indoor salon and two alfresco terraces spread over 6,000 square feet, the Sky Lounge has capacity for 500 guests for cocktail parties, and 168 guests for a sit-down dinner, and serves signature cocktails, including Berry Smash (gin, lemon, soda with marinated berries and strawberry extract).
aura.sg
3. Potato Head Folk
Where? In the heart of Chinatown, in a landmark, red-and-white Art Deco building that dates to 1939. The whimsical, two-year-old Potato Head Folk, a popular, four-floor emporium that serves fiendishly addictive burgers, sides, desserts, and drinks, is the anchor of the city’s hippest block.
Why go? There is an agreeably laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a neighbourhood hangout. There’s also something physically pleasurable about leaning back and looking up at
the skyline, not down at it! Designed as a lush oasis in the city, the bar has green plants and bamboo accents, creating a
Tiki-style backdrop for exotic cocktails. Potato Head Folk doesn’t accept reservations, but groups are welcome; it does take private-event bookings for the entire rooftop.
pttheadfolk.com
4. Lantern
Where? Topping the gleaming Fullerton Bay Hotel on the cusp of the financial and arts districts, this refined, breezy bar in a garden-like setting, and designed by Hong-Kong-based André Fu, weaves a wonderfully captivating atmosphere.
Why go? Across from the bay from Marina Bay Sands, the bar is next to the rooftop pool (sadly tipplers can’t take a dip, the pool is for hotel guests only) and is unfailingly romantic. At night, with the lights of Marina Bay reflected on the water, the setting feels almost otherworldly. Lantern’s focal point is the five-metre central bar, accented with curved bronze panels that make it resemble a glowing lamp. Cocktails, influenced by all corners of the globe, include Red Lantern (tequila, watermelon, cucumber, lemon). Private events can be arranged for groups of 30-300 people.
fullertonbayhotel.com
5. Tiger’s Milk
Where? On top of the renovated Club Hotel, which was closed for a year to undergo a complete revamp, reopening in July 2015. It’s situated in the social nexus of Ann Siang Hill, a low-rise locale of pretty shop houses and a buzzing bar-restaurant scene popular with expats and locals.
Why go? The city’s one and only Peruvian-themed rooftop bar has fine views of the skyline, and dining on ceviche and dishes made using a parrilla (open-fire grill), allowing for the traditional method of grilling anticuchos, or skewered beef hearts. The stairwell up to the bar sets the tone, with the walls enlivened by Henri Rousseau-style paintings of the Amazon rainforest. Not surprisingly, the cocktails draw their inspiration from Peru, and include the classic Pisco Sour as well as the mash-up Piscorinha (shaken with calamansi, passion fruit, sour plum, and served with crushed ice). The bar caters to group and corporate events, with the ability to handle up to 110 guests.
theclub.com.sg
