Your guide to the Lion City’s dynamic drinking scene in Makati for two weekends.
It’s no secret that Singapore’s drinking scene is world-renowned. Aside from having 11 of Asia’s 50 best bars this year, the Lion City will also host the ceremonies for the 15th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars in October.
This August, Filipinos will have a chance to take a swig of Singapore’s best drinks at SingaPob, a two-week bar takeover at Poblacion, Makati. Organized by the Singapore Tourism Board, the festivities will see Manila nightlife faves OTO, Bar55, Run Rabbit Run, Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen, The Spirits Library, and Banter & Jive play host to Singapore’s award-winning bars.
Check out the schedule below:
August 17-19, 8 pm-11 pm
Republic Bar x The Spirits Library
Since opening in 2021, Republic has risen quickly to global recognition, ranking 16th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and 90th on the World’s Best Bars lists. Inspired by the free-spirited ‘60s, the bar takes cues from pop culture for their cocktail menu.
Nutmeg and Clove x Bar55
Inspired by Singapore’s progression from colonial outpost to a global metropolis, Asia’s 7th best bar and the world’s 74th celebrates Singapore’s heritage with modern cuisine and progressive cocktails.
Smoke & Mirrors x Run Rabbit Run
Smoke & Mirrors is Singapore’s award-winning destination rooftop bar, located on top of National Gallery Singapore. Combining artisanal cocktails with panoramic views of the Lion City, Smoke & Mirrors ranks 60th in Asia.
Sugarhall x Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen
This rum-focused cocktail pub made it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016 and 2017 before closing its doors in 2018. Returning to the bar scene in 2022, Sugarhall recently debuted a new cocktail menu that, as its name cheekily suggests, “not too sweet.”
Last Word x OTO
Created by the team behind Nutmeg & Clove, this restaurant and cocktail bar “aims to rekindle the romance of classic cocktails and serve simple Japanese favorite dishes.” It takes its name from the forgotten classic cocktail, “Last Word.”
August 24-26, 8pm-11pm
Sago House x The Spirits Library
Not only is Sago House the 10th best bar in Asia, it also won Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award this year. Details like friendly staff saying hello to all customers upon arrival, tables with guests’ names chalked on them, and a constantly changing cocktail menu have helped Sago earn its accolades within just three years since it opened.
Tippling Club x OTO
Recognized for its innovative, ultra-progressive cuisine and cocktails, Tippling Club is consistently recognized by World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants since its opening in 2008. It currently sits 63rd on the extended list.
Night Hawk x Run Rabbit Run
While Night Hawk might only be over a year old, it landed the 73rd spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars extended list and the Campari One to Watch 2023 Award for “its originality, unique drink design and for bringing something fresh to the highly-developed Singapore cocktail scene.”
Employees Only Singapore x Bar55
A regular on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list (it ranks 30th this year), the Singapore arm of this New York bar concept takes on the dynamic vibe of its roots, hosting energetic evenings with strong cocktails to boot.
The Elephant Room x Banter & Jive
The Elephant Room celebrates culture through its food and cocktails, inspired by the culture, trade, people and history of Singapore’s Little India. They aim “to take an often under-documented culture and spread it to the world in all of its richness, [color] and delight.
Papa Doble x Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen
Formerly known as The Old Man Singapore, Papa Doble is a tribute to acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway. The name “Papa Doble” comes from the special daiquiri that Hemingway requested at El Floridita in Havana, Cuba—a concoction “without sugar and with double rum,” in the writer’s words.
For more information, visit the official website of the Singapore Tourism Board.
