VIEW FROM THE TOP
How better to unwind in the city after a day of meetings than cocktails with a fabulous view? Sanjay Surana picks five top spots
The city’s rooftop bars offer superb views and great cocktails
LANTERN
WHERE? Topping the gleaming Fullerton B Bay hotel on the cusp of the financial and a arts districts, this refined, breezy bar in a g garden-like setting weaves a wonderfully c captivating atmosphere. It was designed b by Hong-Kong-based André Fu, the man b behind Gong Bar at London’s Shangri-La a at the Shard.
WHY GO? Across the bay from Marina B Bay Sands, the bar is next to the rooftop p pool (for hotel guests only) and is u unfailingly romantic. At night, with the li lights of Marina Bay reflected on the water, t the setting feels almost otherworldly. L Lantern’s focal point is the five-metre c central bar, clad with curved bronze panels t that make it resemble a glowing lamp. C Cocktails, influenced by all corners of the g globe, include the Red Lantern (tequila, w watermelon, cucumber and lemon). P Private events can be arranged for groups o of 30-300 people. fullertonhotels.com
CE LA VI
WHERE? Atop Marina Bay Sands in the 57th-floor Skypark, the former Ku De Ta was renovated and opened in June 2015 as Ce La Vi. Its Skybar (pictured) – one of three bars on the top level – was overhauled early this year and is one of the city’s mustsee watering holes.
WHY GO? For the 360-degree view. From 200 metres above sea level at this multi-faceted hotspot – it encompasses a bar, club lounge and modern Asian restaurant – you can take in the hotel’s fabulous infinity pool, the city skyline, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Strait and, on a clear day, Indonesia and Malaysia. Best-selling drinks include the Storm Cooler, made with Grey Goose vodka, passion fruit, honey and aged Swedish liquorice. The venue can also be hired for events. sg.celavi.com
AURA SKY LOUNGE
WHERE? On the sixth floor of the recently opened National Gallery Singapore. WHY GO? The panoramic views of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers are terrific from this rooftop bar, which is connected to Aura restaurant, one floor below. The interiors feature polished marble and two floor-to-ceiling sculptures by Singaporean artist Grace Tan. Signature cocktails include the Berry Smash (gin, lemon, soda with marinated berries and strawberry extract) and the classic Pina Colada (pictured far left). With an indoor salon and two al fresco terraces spread over 560 sqm, the Sky Lounge has capacity for 500 guests for parties, and 168 guests for dinners. aura.sg
POTATO HEAD FOLK
WHERE? In the heart of Chinatown, in a landmark red-andwhite art deco building that dates back to 1939, this whimsical, fourfloor emporium serves fiendishly addictive burgers and is the anchor of the city’s hippest block.
WHY GO? The laid-back vibe makes it feel like a neighbourhood hangout. There’s also something pleasurable about leaning back and looking up at the skyline. The bar’s green plants and bamboo accents, create a “tiki-style” backdrop for exotic cocktails. While it doesn’t accept reservations, the rooftop can be booked for private events. pttheadfolk.com
TIGER’S MILK
WHERE? On top of the Club Hotel, which reopened in July last year following a full revamp. It’s situated in the social nexus of Ann Siang Hill, a low-rise locale of pretty shops, houses and a buzzing barrestaurant scene popular with expats and locals.
WHY GO? The city’s one and only Peruvian-themed rooftop bar has fine views of the skyline, and serves up ceviche and meats cooked on a parrilla (openfire grill). The stairwell up to the bar sets the tone, with the walls enlivened by Henri Rousseau-style paintings of the Amazon rainforest. Cocktails include the classic Pisco Sour, as well as the mashup Piscorinha (pisco, calamansi, passion fruit and sour plum served with crushed ice). The bar can host gatherings of up to 110 guests. theclub.com.sg