OPENING IN SITU

For these bars, launching when customers could not physically visit their spaces have meant taking a more creative tack.

Opened just before Circuit Breaker, Rebel Rebel Wine Bar is now back with new chef Deborah Yeo (ex-burnt Ends) and an enviable terroir-driven wine list from Artisan Cellars. While the adventurous dishes are a draw – think pig’s head tagliatelle with crispy pig’s ears ($28) and prawn with uni paste on brown butter toast ($12), a la otah sandwich – attention turns to the 200-bottle wine list. On weekly rotation are six wines by the glass (from $14), which will always include skin contact, rosé and sparkling options. Take the opportunity to try unusual grapes and styles, such as Fujimaru Table Top Daidai Iro 2019 skin contact from Delaware grapes in Japan; Fiano grown in the U.S. or a Pinot Blanc sparkly. Beyond the regular wine list comprising choice picks from Rhone such as Domaine de la Patience and Rioja such as Olivier Riviere, are occasional ‘unicorn’ (rare) wines from Littorai and Domaine Sylvain Cathiard. It doesn’t get too rebellious despite its David Bowie-inspired name – a variety of comfortable seatings in a living room style ambience seals the deal.

14 Bukit Pasoh. Tel: 6224 5466

Desiree Jane (ex-28hk), Jay Gray (ex-monkey Shoulder ambassador) and Abishek Cherian George (Spiffy Dapper) are the three likeminded veterans behind Sago House. Envisioned as a place for community and hospitality, the space was personally hand-built over eight months, an exercise in using their hands even as they were conceptualising the bar’s ethos. The menu rotates weekly, made possible by a nearby market, while creative canned cocktails are a Singapore first. Ay Caramba (cocktails from $16) brings together ancho tequila, triple sec, pink grapefruit and forest fruit tea, for a thirst-quencher du jour, while Honey I’m Homeless riffs on whisky, Suze and fresh green apple. 40B Sago Lane. Tel: 9699 4829