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8 SPECIALTY &
ROOFTOP BARS
Some bars are choosing to focus on one class of
alcohol. Others prefer to let their prime location on
rooftops with scenic views do the talking for them.
We list eight spots we cannot get enough of.
WO R DS

JASMINE CHUNG

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Cin Cin
Situated in the heart of Tanjong
Pagar, this 1920s art deco-style bar
offers 100 labels of gin and 500 ways
to customise your own martinis and
G&Ts. Cin Cin, which means ”cheers”
in Italian, derives its name from the
sound of clinking glasses.
Head Bartender Fadly Sujebto
enjoys the challenge of creating
cocktails stirred rather than shaken
as he discusses the science of
proportions, mixing fresh ingredients
and the room temperature. He
shares, “You can’t go wrong with
shaken but the same may not
be true for stirred concoctions.”
Perennial favourite Napue gin from
You can’t go wrong Kyrö Distillery forms the base of the
signature cocktail Aurora Polaris,
with shaken but the which pairs perfectly with the Seared
Ahi Tuna. Don’t leave the high tables
same may not be true without tasting the Hel Sin Gin,
available exclusively at Cin Cin.
for stirred concoctions.

La Maison Du Whisky
Stepping into La Maison Du Whisky (LMDW) at Robertson Quay
reminds you of its historical Parisian flagship plus a touch of
Peranakan elements. The haunt for those seeking rare
Carving out a niche and exclusive whiskies carries the famed but extinct
Japanese whisky Karuizawa with vintages dating all
Bōruto the way back to 1969.
A stone’s throw from the Central Business District Sébastien Cady, Trade Marketing Manager at
(CBD), this industrial-chic izakaya stocks over 100 LMDW, shares that rare may not necessarily be
brands of sake. Bōruto pays tribute to the space the most expensive as the bar also prides itself
by storing its ‘treasures’ — Juyondai, Isojiman and in having the latest releases in the market
Nabeshima Black, among others — in the original before others.
vault of what was once a bank. The rare Gekkekan The most popular whisky here is the
Retro is exclusively available at Bōruto and best single cask release ex-Sherry Cask from
enjoyed in the Private Room. Kavalan, while Signatory Vintage and
Head Chef Angus Chow, also Chef of the Year Gordon & MacPhail bottles from Caol Ila,
at this year’s World Gourmet Summit Awards of Bunnahabhain and Ben Nevis distilleries
Excellence, churns out an extensive tapas menu, have a strong following. A classic Bourbon
including Charcoal Karaage and Beef Short Ribs. Old Fashioned is recommended to bring
Hidden Passion, a yuzu sake cocktail, is the out the flavours of a good whisky. Patrons
sweet tipple of choice, the perfect starter before are encouraged to order food from the
embarking on the true focus of Bōruto as reminded vicinity’s waterfront restaurants as bar
by the barrelled wall at the entrance: sake. Tony bites are not available. Sit by the bar for a
Chan, who oversees brand and marketing at Bōruto, view of over 300 tasting bottles and chat for
shares that most customers concur that they have hours about distilleries with the passionate and
one of the largest sake range in Singapore. knowledgeable crew.

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Caffe Fernet
Set against Marina Bay, Caffe Fernet exudes
a modern Italian trattoria vibe, juxtaposed
Every seat in Caffe Fernet
with some classic elements such as the Leiter
Chair and European-styled table bases. The
provides a view of the bar to
square fluted columns and vaulted ceiling
of the original structure at Customs House
highlight the craftsmanship and
have been retained to pay homage to the
architecture’s history.
narrative behind every cocktail.
The bar features inventive renditions of Italian
classics such as Aperol spritz and Negroni
alongside an extensive mod-Italian food menu
that includes Crispy Golden Beetroot and
Mafaldine Cacio E Pepe.
“Every seat in Caffe Fernet provides a view
of the bar to highlight the craftsmanship and
narrative behind every cocktail, which we have
taken pride to create,” says Aki Eguchi, its Bar
Programme Director.

Drinks with a view

Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Overlooking Marina Bay Sands, this establishment’s
cheeky moniker belies a hip-urban atmosphere
inspired by the unpretentious rooftops of
shophouses in Tokyo, where friends unwind after a
hard day at work.
Check out the intricate Japanese tattoo
designs of Miami Ink’s Chris Garver sprawled on
the floor mural as you knock back unique umeshu-
infused cocktails such as Nippon Chi-Chi and Spicy
Hachimitsu paired with hot favourites Temaki Bites and
Spiced Miso Chamame.
Adeline Koh, Marketing Manager at Refinery Concepts,
tells us to stay tuned for the next Kinkilicious sundown party
with Pop Tart, which takes place at least once every quarter.

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Loof
Loof epitomises the local culture as evident
from its name, a Singlish pronunciation of
”roof”. Step into the urban garden and get
whisked away to a whimsical escape with a
touch of nostalgia.
Grab the hottest seats — those facing
the historic Raffles Hotel — and dig into
Dude-Sin bar grub, such as Chilli Crab
Waffle Fries and Loof Original Ramly,
conceptualised by Chef Bjorn Shen.
Locally inspired drinks, such as Kopi Cat,
with salted caramel vodka, always brings
on the smiles with its quirky presentation.
Plus, pop by the Mamashop for a curated
list of old-school knick-knacks and new-
age local souvenirs.
“We wanted to create a space that
would celebrate and epitomise local
culture. The food, drinks, décor and
design were all carefully
curated to pay homage
to the Singapore we
know and love,“ says
Managing Partner
Wee Teng Wen.
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Smoke & Mirrors
Perched atop the National Gallery
Singapore, Smoke & Mirrors is an open-
concept bar with panoramic views of
Marina Bay. Cleverly angled walnut timber
panelling shrouds the bar in semi-privacy
and mystery while you indulge in the
popular skinny truffle fries or chicken and
waffles. At the popular outdoor terrace, you
can chill with the bar’s signature Old and
New Sling, inspired by the design of
the Esplanade.
For their new cocktail menu, The Playful
Eye, Head Bartender Yugnes Susela shares that
his team researched unique flavour profiles and
methods by chefs who push culinary and imbibing
boundaries. “We drew inspiration from personal
experiences, surroundings and travels to create 10
new cocktails such as the Smoke & Mirrors, inspired by
my favourite restaurant, the two-Michelin starred Mugaritz in
Spain,” he emphasises.
We drew inspiration from personal experiences,
surroundings and travels to create 10 new cocktails.
1-Altitude Gallery & Bar
At 282m above sea level,
1-Altitude, the world’s
highest al fresco bar, offers
a 360-degree view of the
city from the heart of the
CBD. Soak up its vibrant
atmosphere after dusk with
live music from top local
bands and DJs. Join the
crowd in getting a picture
taken at the corner of the bar
overlooking Marina Bay.
Savour the refreshing
signature Altitude Affair as you
dig into a Beef Rendang Pizza
or Chorizo Croquetas for a
perfect party night out.
Ian Sim, the General
Manager, shares that his
team’s focus is on “delivering
an unforgettable experience
for every guest by treating
them just like visitors to
their home”.
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