Quaich Bar Wanderlust at InterContinental Singapore takes you on a journey around the world with its cocktails, whiskies, and bar bites.
Idlewild is now Quaich Bar Wanderlust.
Live music lounge Idlewild in InterContinental Singapore opened to great fanfare in 2019, but closed shortly after at the onset of the pandemic. In its place is the latest concept by the folks behind Quaich Bar chain of whisky bars.
The new Quaich Bar Wanderlust borrows many elements from Idlewild. In fact one could say it looks largely unchanged, having inherited and retained most of the fixtures its predecessor. Right down to the bar counter whose top is still etched with the Idlewild name.
Its name is also a hat tip to Idlewild, whose cocktail menu celebrated the golden age of travel. In a similar vein, you’ll find here tipples and dishes also referencing cultures all over the world.
Each of the 19 cocktails explores familiar flavours of the country they were inspired by. There’s Miyeok Guk, a Korea-inflected vodka- and makgeolli-based cocktail made savoury with seaweed. Or the Sawajito, which gives the classic Mojito a spin by infusing it with flavours of Thai milk tea. For a punchier option, the Teagroni reimagines the classic Negroni aperitif with notes of Indian-inspired chai.
As can be expected from a Quaich Bar, there are whiskies aplenty. But Quaich Bar Wanderlust goes beyond the expected focus on single malt Scotch whiskies like its counterparts. Instead the whisky list here explores whiskies from less-explored whisky making regions. So while you can avail yourself to familiar Scotches like Bunnahabhain and Tomatin, take this opportunity to instead sample whiskies/whiskeys from the likes of Ireland’s Tipperary, The Lakes from England, or South Africa’s Three Ships.
You’ll travel on your palate as well. Quaich Bar Wanderlust offers renditions of familiar dishes inspired by different cuisines around the world. The Grilled Octopus Legs is its version of classic Galician pulpo, and along with the Patatas Bravas is a tribute to Spain and the western Mediterranean. Among other bar bites? The Seared Hokkaido Scallops and Nan Lu Pork Belly draw on Japan and China respectively, and are both excellent paired with whisky.
We still do miss the live jazz from the good ol’ Idlewild days, though.
Quaich Bar Wanderlust
Address 80 Middle Rd, Level 1 InterContinental Hotel, Singapore 188966 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 5pm to 1am Mondays to Thursdays; 5pm to 2am Fridays and Saturdays; closed on Sundays
Tel (65) 9818 0885
Web https://singapore.intercontinental.com/dine/quaich-bar-wanderlust
Facebook QuaichBarWanderlust
Instagram @quaichbar_wanderlustsg
Reservations book here
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