Hotel watering holes don’t have to be boring. For this November edition of Drinkspotting, we visit three hotels to check out what’s fun and new.
The Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Singapore
You’ll be tempted to dismiss The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore as yet another atrium lounge better known for high tea. But you’d be wrong. A recent culinary revamp has transformed its food and drinks offerings – complete with an all-new cocktail menu specially crafted in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Jesse Vida from Cat Bite Club – sets this hotel lobby lounge apart from the rest.
The new cocktail creations are inspired by the neighbourhood where InterContinental Singapore is located. Kick back and relax over the Royal Rosales, for example, a lovely and fruity gin-based concoction that’s savoury, sweet, spicy and sour at the same time inspired by the garden at Sultan’s Gate in Kampong Glam, or Black Rose, a tea-infused Old Fashioned that’s a tribute to Arab Street.
As expected of a hotel lobby lounge, the food menu is an eclectic mix. But what’s worth trying here are its rather authentic renditions on favourite local dishes such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Penang Char Kway Teow, Our Singapore Laksa, and the Seafood Fried Hokkien Mee.
The Lobby Lounge | InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966 (Google Maps link) | 11.30am to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays; 11.30am to 12am Fridays and Saturdays | singapore.intercontinental.com/dine/lobby-lounge | 6825 1046 | book here
Republic Terrace, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
For those looking for a more alfresco experience, there’s Republic Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. Located outside Republic Bar flanking the hotel’s grand entrance, this courtyard bar is a cosy outdoor corner for those who prefer some fresh air or having a tipple under the stars.
More than an open-air offshoot of Republic Bar, Republic Terrace has a food and drink menu that’s separate from the award-winning cocktail space. As expected of an outdoor bar, expect floral- and fruit-forward creations that are fun and whimsical. There are spritzes like Peach & Jasmine, Elderflower & Bergamot, or Melon And Rosemary for a refreshing start, otherwise there are punchier creations like Passion Fruit Daiquiri, Chilli Mango Margarita, or the gin-laced Tropical Fruit Punch, if you so prefer.
Food is mostly grazing fare with the likes of Creamy Truffle Arancini, Boneless Texas Buffalo Wings and Barbecued Beef Sliders to line the tummy as you enjoy your drinks.
Republic Terrace | 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Singapore 039799 (Google Maps link) | 5pm to 12am daily | republicbar.com.sg | 6434 5289 | book here
Christina’s, Mondrian Singapore
Brunch and coffee spot by day, Christina’s at recently-opened Mondrian Singapore turns into a stylish drinks-forward hangout come evening. And while we love dropping into the hotel’s flagship eatery Bottega di Carna for some great steaks or cocktail lounge Jungle Ballroom for playful cocktails, Christina’s has its own draw with fun vivacious vibes that’s quite unlike your usual ubiquitous all-day dining hotel restaurant.
And while Christina’s offers some whimsical Asian-inspired cocktails of its own – the Asam Boi Highball, Kopi-tini and Spiced Banana Daiquiri, for example – we do love its small but cutting-edge natural wine list here that range from funky pet nats to zesty skin contact wines.
As for eats, the evening tapas-style menu is more unconventional than most, combining culinary influences from all across the globe. Rendang Crispy Fried Chicken Wings? Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Roll? Shio Koji-cured Wagyu Bavette Steak? We want them all.
Christina’s | 16A Duxton Hill, #01-09, #01-10 Floor 1 Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Singapore 089970 (Google Maps link) | 8am to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays; 8am to 12am Fridays and Saturdays | book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining | 6019 6010 | book here
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