[dropcap size=small]I[/dropcap]n a city that has no lack of rooftop bars (or crowds that flock to them) it’s hard to say what these sky high watering holes have that’s so appealing beyond having a nice view and the occasional breeze. And Mr Stork, the latest of its kind that sits atop the Andaz Singapore hotel, does indeed have a thrilling view. Been there, seen that.
But Mr Stork actually does have an ace up its 39-storey-long sleeve: space. And more importantly, quiet space. The bar currently only does walk-ins, and patrons are all but running in to try and secure a table in time to view the sunset. (Go between 6:30 and 7pm for the best view.) So it will most definitely be bustling in the areas facing the glass barricades, but take a walk around the premises and you’ll find the place more closely resembles a rooftop garden than a rooftop bar.
Escape from the hordes though winding paths lined with abundant foliage. Steal away into one of the teepee hut-style day beds and gaze at the stars. If you aren’t on a date, it may very well turn into one — that’s how insidiously romantic this side of Mr Stork is.
Drinks here are inspired by its garden setting. The Rhubarb is a refreshing cocktail made with rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice topped with sparkling wine and a shot of vodka, while the Ruby is a mix of lemon, ginger, mint, vermouth and Ceylon Arrack. The bar has also teamed up with RedDot Brewhouse for its very own Andaz Pale Ale, a crisp and fruity brew.
There are (and will be) bars with better views, a higher address, more consistent service and maybe even a more exciting menu, but when it comes to providing a true escape from the hubbub down below, Mr Stork is hard to beat.
Your imbibing experience is heightened at Lavo, the eighth-month-old bar perched on Marina Bay Sands’ Tower 1 Sands SkyPark. TAO Group’s first swanky Asian outpost features an Italian American restaurant and rooftop bar complete with a luxurious lounge and nightlife entertainment including live DJ sets. Guests can enjoy hearty Italian American food (think: linguini with clam sauce or meatball made with wagyu beef and Italian sausage) along with hand-crafted cocktails. The uniquely designed indoor and outdoor space offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Marina Bay and the surroundings.
Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 1, Level 57 Sands Skypark, S(018956). Tel: 6688 8591. www.lavosingapore.com
image
Meatball pasta served at Lavo Bar, featuring meatballs made of Wagyu beef and Italian sausage.
image
The Other Roof
Featuring a wide array of creative mixes with clever names to match, this rooftop bar is where cocktail hour marries tea time. Headed by award-winning mixologist Dario Knox, The Other Roof concocts countless bespoke blends – tea-infused, of course. A great starter would be their citrusy Monkey See Monkey Do, a zesty mix of grapefruit and lemon. Tea leaves are sourced from all over the globe, and unique in-house blends are created every day. What’s more, the 75-seater bar overlooks the restored shophouses with a lovely view of the China Town skyline. In addition, it offers a delectable selection of comfort bites such as oysters, beef sliders and bruschetta.
28 Ann Siang Road, Ann Siang House, Rooftop, S(069708). Tel: 6100 2882. www.theotherroof.com
image
Artemis Grill
A little further from the Marina Bay crowds is Artemis, another destination for rooftop dining and drinks in Singapore’s CBD. To get there, zip up to the 40th floor, atop the Capita Green building on the corner of Cecil and Cross Streets, which overlooks our skyscrapers and sparkling bay. The rooftop Sky Lounge is great for post-work or pre-meal cocktails. If the skies open up, there are eco-friendly state-of-the-art tulip umbrellas to shield you from the rain.
This rooftop bar at Boat Quay – overlooking Singapore River and our glittering skyline – is a great place to slurp oysters, paired with glasses of champagne or prosecco. The menu includes a range of craft cocktails to boot. The bar food here is not your average chips and olives. You’ll get satisfying stuff like pulled pork or wagyu sliders, and spaghetti with truffle and mushrooms – perfect for after-work sustenance.
Who can say no to breezy post-work tipples matched with Italian-inspired food? Caffe Fernet at The Custom House is the spot to sip refreshing Aperol Spritz and Negronis by the glittering waters. This concept by cocktail bar veteran Jigger & Pony Group offers casual chic vibes, and friendly service. The bar also exclusively stocks about 15 varieties of Fernet, a special bitter mostly sourced from Northern Italy (try the King Cole Old Fashioned, a classic cocktail laced with herbaceous notes).
Cacio e Pepe, a signature dish at Caffe Fernet made with ribbon-shaped mafaldine pasta topped with pecorino and peppercorns.
image
Smoke & Mirrors
Perched on the rooftop of the National Gallery, Smoke & Mirrors is known for its progressive cocktail programme curated by head bartender Yugnes Susela. The flashy cocktail experience covers three senses: taste, sight and touch, so you’d be treated to unique flavours woven with imaginative presentation. There’s a range of excellent gins, rums, Asian whisky and even agave in the bar menu to boot. But the drawcard has to be the view – this indoor/outdoor space affords spectacular panorama of the Padang and Singapore’s skyline.
#06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, S(178957). Tel: 9234 8122. www.smokeandmirrors.com.sg
image
1927
Opened in August 2018, 1927 at SO Sofitel Singapore is a charming rooftop cocktail bar and pool set in the heart of the Central Business District that features contemporary equatorial cocktails and gourmet bar bites. Highlights include the Absinthe Colada, an absinthe-infused variation of Piňa Colada, which has St. George Absinthe from California, agricole and cool créme de menthe alongside the classic base of coconut and pineapple. According to Head Bartender Thomas Sobota, this addictive drink was concocted to evoke the adrenaline of escaping for a holiday. He recommends pairing his cocktails with the bar’s Relish Platter which comprises a selection of Beef Po’Boy (Wagyu hangers brioche), Crispy Pork Belly, Coco Prawns (tiger prawns with coconut and avocado), Jerk Chicken (spicy chicken with Scotch Bonnet chilli, onions and garlic) and Chipotle Poppers (chipotle with whipped cheese and sweet corn).
This award-winning venue, often referred to as the “world’s highest alfresco bar”, stands 282 metres above the Singapore’s Central Business District. The 360-degree view of the city’s spectacular skyline from here is unparalleled. So it is no wonder that this remains a coveted spot for celebrations, parties and weddings. Snap the best photos at its triangular tip, or lounge in one of their cabana beds as you sip a cocktail. The Gallery & Bar is part of the multi-concept lifestyle destination 1-Altitude, which occupies over 16,000 square feet of space spread across four levels (including the ALT Café & Bar on the ground floor) at One Raffles Place. The restaurant, Stellar, at level 62, is helmed by Executive Chef Christopher Millar and features progressive Australian cuisine, while the club lounge at Altimate (level 61) is an exclusive nightspot.
Mr Stork, nestled on Level 39 of the exquisite Andaz Singapore, is a tranquil rooftop bar set among tropical landscaping with cobbled pavements and ten teepee huts. The unobstructed 360-degree view of the city skyline and the heartlands is definitely a draw, so do try to come by in the late afternoon (they open at 5pm), before it gets busy, for a nice stroll. The sunset, we hear, is stunning. Cocktails here lean toward the fruity and floral style featuring garden herbs and fresh fruits. We enjoyed Ruby, a citrusy concoction made with lemon, ginger, fresh mint, vermouth and Ceylon Arrack, a traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Sri Lankan oak casks, and also Rhubarb, a fizzy drink made with fresh rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice, sparkling wine and a shot of vodka. For bites, do try the fried chicken rice risotto balls served with chicken rice chilli and crab cakes served with aioli.
Perched on the two highest floors of the National Gallery Singapore, Aura is a dining destination with a 90-seater Italian restaurant and a sprawling 200-seater rooftop Sky Lounge. Fronted by the amazing view of the Marina Bay skyline, Aura Sky Lounge is a sophisticated lounge and bar with a strong Mediterranean focus designed for effervescent conversations and chilling out. While taking in the awesome sights at night, munch on some Foie Gras and Duck Sliders and toast to the good life with a Cosmic Karma, which features homemade green-apple-infused vodka, lychee liqueur, lime and egg white.
#05-03 and 06-02, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrews Road. Tel: 68661977. www.aura.sg
image
Lantern
Framed by an infinity lap pool and lush landscaping, this stylish rooftop bar, with a gorgeous view of the Marina Bay area, is a favoured spot for parties and celebrations. Come weekdays, you may find networking events a happening, while weekends are popular for birthdays and after-wedding parties. Nibble on their popular Butter Poached Lobster Roll with Mayonnaise and Truffles Fries or Mini Wagyu Beef Burgers – while sipping on refreshing cocktails such as Red Lantern, which has tequila, watermelon, cucumber, lime, and their Imperial Berry Mojito with rum, berries, mint and Champagne.
Loof (a play on the way some Singaporeans pronounce ‘roof’), by the Lo and Behold Group, has been a local favourite since 2005. We love the breezy vibe, the old school Mamashop (check out their pre-iPad knick knacks and old-school snacks here) and the superb view of the Raffles Hotel. Quirky South-east Asian-influenced cocktails, such as its signature Loof Bubble Tea that comes shaken with vodka, orange liqueur, sour plum, passion fruit, calamansi, lemon, yogurt and fruity pearls, come highly recommended.
