Singapore’s nightlife district Clarke Quay is a go-to destination for both locals and tourists, and being home to some of the city’s most iconic bars, clubs and events, it’s pretty much a no-brainer on where anyone should head to for a good night out. But as the years pass, some great venues have closed their shutters for good, making way for newer, bigger and fresher ones to breathe new life into the district. It’s now buzzing with some really exciting spots and events, which is a pretty good enough reason to drop by and check out what’s up. Here’s the 4-1-1.
A new hip hop club just joined the ranks
Fleek Singapore, the self-proclaimed “hip hop shrine at heart” has recently opened their doors. Currently, they organize two regular night series, #OnFleek on Fridays and Sublime on Saturdays. Playing mostly R&B and hip hop tunes, they’ve already had DJs like Jade Rasif and Stas helming their decks, with DJ Stas and Raw on duty with emcee T-Fresh this coming Saturday. They also offer $10 jagerbombs all night. Besides the obvious choice of going to Phuture, this place provides an alternative for anyone who loves hip hop and R&B. Check out their Facebook page here.
Afterparty grub now includes satay at Violet Oon’s establishment
After opening the very beautiful and fancy National Kitchen at the National Gallery Singapore exactly a year ago, Peranakan darling Violet Oon is following things up with her third restaurant. Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill has officially opened, just a few steps away from beloved 1990s institution Satay Club in Clarke Quay and conveniently right next to a taxi stand, serving—you guessed it—charcoal-grilled meat on a stick. To be specific, there will be grilled meats, seafood and local vegetables, not forgetting a few Nyonya classics grilled buah keluak otak otak. Also on the menu are some Violet Oon signatures, like the babi pong tay and the beef rendang. They also have some delicious desserts offerings like durian chendol and black glutinous rice with gula melaka and coconut ice cream. More info here.
Zouk Singapore is finally complete, with the opening of Capital
Capital is the lofty new sanctuary located on the second floor of Singapore’s longest-running nightlife and music institution. But you won’t be able to go in from Zouk’s main room. In fact, it’s a whole other concept that’s only accessible via a lift or a dimly-lit stairwell at Zouk’s lobby area. And it’s nothing like the old Velvet Underground either. Capital adopts a lounge-like atmosphere throughout its four main areas: an island bar, a whisky bar, a cigar room and a lavish seating area, complete with a dedicated DJ console with surrounding VIP seating (just like Zouk) and a dance floor. See more here.
There’s now a Philly cheesesteak specialist in town
American junk food fetishists are going to want to check new Clarke Quay opening out. Taking a break from endless burgers, the powers that be have delivered unto us Philly Shack, a retro American-style diner that proclaims to be the home of the Philly cheese steak. The star dish features thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions and a choice of provolone cheese, American cheese or, if you’re feeling extra classy, Cheez Whiz. The Fully Loaded option also comes with peppers, jalapenos and mushrooms. Philly Shack also does a couple of basic burgers, onion rings, habanero-glazed wings and other goodies. But other than the signature dish, the other exciting thing has to be the spiked milkshakes. Everyone’s talking about the chocolate bourbon one. More here.
The highly-anticipated comedy fest is back for its fourth year
Magners Singapore International Comedy Festival is back on Mar 16-19. This year, there will be 16 comedians from all over the world lined up for performances in bars around the area like Warehouse, Crazy Elephant, F Club and Paulaner CQ, with a special focus on Irish comedians as the festival coincides with St Patrick’s Day. There’s the triple bill comedy show at Irish pub McGettigan’s featuring three Irish comedians: Aiden Killians, who has sold out shows across Australia, Japan and the US; a circus performer-turned-comedian, Martin Mor; and Matthew Giffen; a regular headliner on Comedy Masala. Early bird tickets are going for $20 (early bird), $30 (standard) and $98 (full access to all shows). Find out more here.
An alternative Finnish events space has arrived
Huone Singapore, a stylish events “hotel” with themed meeting rooms is providing another option for your meetings, events and parties. The establishment consists of 11 rooms, all equipped with signature Hexagon-shaped tables that can be rearranged to suit your needs, meeting essentials like Wi-Fi, AV systems and writing materials. The space uses Finnish brands Genelec for their speakers and Framery for their sound-proof phone booths. They also have international dining options and gin and tonics by Kyro Distillery. Read more here.
