Verre

8 Rodyk Street, #01-05/06

6509 1917

www.verre.com.sg

Who Drinks There:

Robertson Quay’s ever-burgeoning residential scene, Happy Hour crowds who want big wines by the glass, anyone whose day is made better by some Burgundy by the river.

Best Thing About It:

Though sporting a few New Worlders, this wine bar is all about the Bordeaux and the Burgundy. You won’t find a sommelier on the premises – the aim is to keep it casual. Instead, opera-singer, wine aficionado and co-owner Melvin Tan will help you navigate through the extensive list. He personally sources many of the wines from small family-run vineyards in France. Ask him for a recommendation, and know you’re in good hands.

Signature Drink:

The wine flight ($38). You get 100 ml of two reds and one white – the equivalent of about two regular glasses – of wines normally available only by the bottle in big-name restaurants and hotels. The wine flights change all the time – today’s may be chosen by varietal, tomorrow’s by village. The result is the opportunity to taste the best of France.  

Nibbles and Noshes:

Fresh cheese (flown in from France every Thursday), seasonal fruit wrapped in Parma ham (“melon is so 80s”, says Melvin), house-made pork rillettes, free-range pork chops – it’s all there, as are desserts like pineapple and honey granita and the carrot cake pictured here.

When to Go:

Stop by for a set dinner – two courses and a glass of wine – for $35 on weekdays.

Monica Pitrelli

The Stomping Ground

1 Fullerton Road, #01-11 One Fullerton

6327 9226

www.thestompingground.com.sg

Who Drinks There:

Foodies and wine lovers who appreciate quality at affordable prices, novice wine drinkers who want to embark on a wine journey without feeling intimidated by big-name-wines, after-work CBD Happy Hour wine drinkers.

Best Thing About It:

Quality food and wine at reasonable prices. Great for those who like to try a selection of wines by the glass rather than sticking to just one, although bottles are available, too. If you like pinot grigio and your drinking partner prefers shiraz viognier, no one has to compromise. Enjoy great views of Marina Bay waterfront from the alfresco seating near the Merlion while a very eclectic mix of music plays in the background.

Signature Drink:

Over 35 wines by the glass starting at $8, so you can try a variety of wines from around the world in one sitting.

Nibbles and Noshes:

Very reasonably priced ($10 or $15), decent-sized sharing plates; truffle fries, deep-fried eggplant with pork floss, fish and chips, mini Wagyu burger, slow-braised lamb lollipops and a to-die-for chocolate lava cake.

When to Go:

Happy Hour is from 5pm to 8pm daily and drinks are half-price during this period. An $18 set lunch with starter and mains, ($22 for starter and mains, for example, Wagyu beef burger) is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm. High tea is available from 2pm to 5pm with a pastry platter ($8) or a cake platter with cheesecake and chocolate cake ($12) – both are served with tea or coffee.

Harriet Empey

Bartini

46 Club Street

6221 1025

www.bartini.com.sg

Who Drinks There:

From blind dates to business deals, Bartini is ideal. Though not big, this watering hole sports a sophisticated, yet “curl up on the couch” vibe; dimly light, minimalist décor and an impressive line up of tunes.

Best Thing About It:

Bartenders who redefine bartending. So if you’re looking for a pint of Stella or a Jack and Coke, keep walking. Reliving their good old London days, owner Patrick Fok and mixologist Barnaby Murdoch have put the “art” back into martini. They stock bottles rare on Singapore soil (boy, have I missed spiced rum and cocktails tickled pink with Chambord!), handcrafting cocktails with refreshingly innovative flair.

Signature Drink:

Classics are instinctive perfection here, but we suggest you step outside your comfort zone with an Umbongo ($17) – Wyborowa vodka, fresh passion fruit and pineapple foam. Also popular with the ladies is the Pornstar Martini ($22) – Wyborowa vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur and passion fruit juice served up with a mouthful of Charlie. For the men: Little Creatures, Monteith’s, Tuatara and Pipsqueak cider from New Zealand.

Nibbles and Noshes:

There’s talk of a kitchen, but in the meantime you can order Spizza pizza from the comfort of your barstool.

When to Go:

Happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm each day. Be sure not to miss Cocktail Club on Mondays and Tuesdays, offering new concoctions fortnightly at $50 for six cocktails.

Leanda Rathmell