1. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
It’s rare that anyone ever leaves Jigger & Pony without anything other than an ear-to-ear grin. Indra Katona and Guoyi Gan, the bar’s owners, have devised a style of relaxed hospitality that prioritises atmosphere over everything else. It may have slipped from the top spot after achieving The Best Bar in Asia crown in 2020, but this will do nothing stem the steady stream of loyal regulars that come through the venue as it is named The Best Bar in Singapore 2021, sponsored by Matusalem.
Its fun-time ethos is complemented by an excellent classic drinks list, as the bar goes about its business in a refreshingly old-school way in terms of drink curation. The distinguished dark-wood counter is dedicated to classic and vintage cocktails from its latest Magazine menu, which arrives in the form of a fully-fledged printed publication that’s full of interesting articles about the Asian cocktail scene and wider afield. The Martinis are standout, but don’t miss the Crystal Ramos Gin Fizz, which would get nods of approval in New Orleans. Head bartender Giovanni Graziadei leads an international and diverse team who set the tone for the party atmosphere that’s always convivial, but never rowdy.
2. Manhattan – Singapore
When Manhattan opened in 2014, it set about the task of creating a venue that conjures up the image of the Golden Age of cocktails, combined with a service ethos that puts the guest experience first. After winning The Best Bar in Asia on two occasions, the Legend of the List Award 2019 and the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in 2020, it continues to mark itself as one of the finest hostelries in the continent.
Bar manager Rusty Cerven joined Manhattan in late 2020 and he is already starting to make his mark on the menu, with some unique barrel-aged cocktails that speak to his flavour-forward bartending style and a roster of forthcoming guest shifts that utilise his extensive black book of contacts. Hued with warm tones, the grand lounge melds Old World glamour with luxe contemporary comfort via velvet armchairs, rich drapery and mahogany tables. A fitting backdrop to drink down over 150 rare American whiskies, or a solera-aged Negronis produced through the bar’s onsite rickhouse, which is the first for any hotel in the world. Manhattan’s heavily researched cocktail list is currently entitled New York Personified and showcases a series of drinks that take their cues from Big Apple luminaries, past and present. The Cigarette Break, inspired by Anthony Bourdain, features hazelnut liqueur, espresso liqueur, coconut and whisky, while the 3000, drawing on Robert Downey Jr, contains rum, chocolate and strawberry dust. The bar’s food menu is one of the finest you’ll find anywhere.
3. Atlas, Singapore
Arriving to Parkview Square you would be forgiven for thinking that Batman might make an appearance at any moment, such is the area’s resemblance to fictional Gotham. Entering Atlas, the comic strip resemblance continues, as a sprawling room with triple-height ceilings and one of the largest gin libraries in the world unfolds. Since Atlas opened, it has made waves with its specialist collection, with more than 1,300 labels on offer. A legacy project of Hong Kong property magnate CS Hwang, the building was designed to mimic a grand hotel with a Great Gatsby-esque feel and is also home to some amazing art. In addition to the gin, the champagne menu is extensive and head bartender Jesse Vida (formerly of Blacktail and Dead Rabbit) creates cocktails in keeping with the grand location. The bar is open from 10am, so customers can enjoy coffee and afternoon tea before moving into cocktails. The food menu hits the right notes, with an excellent selection of Cinco Jotas ham and a mean burger, too.
4. No Sleep Club, Singapore
From its beginnings as a tiny pop-up on Singapore’s Club Street to its current location on the ever-bustling Keong Saik Road, No Sleep Club has gone from strength to strength. After winning the Campari One To Watch Award in 2020, it follows up this year with the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award 2021, which is given to the bar which enters the list for the first time in the highest position.
The success is hardly surprising when you consider that it’s owned by Juan Yi Jun, who ran the show at Operation Dagger, and Jessica ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, the front-of-house doyenne formerly of 28 HongKong Street as well as EC Proof. The all-day concept welcomes guests for coffee, snacks, one of the best tequila-based Espresso Martinis around as well as a banging Reverse Harvard. Add some of the fried school prawns, the Wagyu tartare and perhaps peruse the well-curated wine list if you are so inclined, or join them for the very popular Sunday roast. Either way, make sure to book and a good time is guaranteed.
5. The Bamboo Bar, Thailand
The Mandarin Oriental hotel’s superlative bar has been a sanctuary for music lovers in Bangkok ever since it opened in 1953, with live jazz still a prominent part of the experience today. Combining bamboo furniture, tiger skin prints and polished service, the room has an exotic, club-like feel. The sustainably focused menu called Compass, created by Artesian alumnus Jamie Rhind, provides a liquid journey through the five geographical regions of Thailand: sample the North via Birds, Bees and The Tree (rum, bee pollen, safflower, sunflower seeds) or the Central region in the form of Jack of All Trades (tequila, plum, red vermouth, rosemary). This year again sees The Bamboo Bar pick up The Best Bar in Thailand Award, sponsored by Bellino.
According to worlds50bestbars.com
(https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/list/1-50)
