The buzz: First things first, Bukit Pasoh’s new cocktail bar has got Ginza celeb bartender Daiki Kanetaka, who struts about in white double-breasted suits and deploys surgically precise techniques while underlings hand home towels. If not for the theater, come for the focus on sherry, Armagnac and calvados.
The décor: The small space only seats 28 people with 14 bar seats. Everything’s decked out in dark wood paneling, tufted leather chairs and handcrafted metal pendant lamps. There’s even a made-to-order retail shop at the front selling bar wares like glasses, tea caddies and bamboo flower pots.
The drinks: Despite the fortified spirit focus, it’s still a bespoke cocktail bar, and individualized creations that start at around $27, with a minimum spend of $60. It also has sherry tasting flights (from $25) where you get to taste four or five. For something lighter, go for the Thienot Champagne (from $27).
The food: Not much aside from a small plate of dried nuts and fruits like raisins, almonds and dried tomatoes, as well as jamon Iberico de Bellota ($40) that sits at the bar’s end.
The music: Muted jazzy tunes waft around the hushed room.
The crowd: Pretty selective and elite, you won’t find any raucous types looking for a quick and easy drink.
Why you’ll be back: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bar that transports you straight to Ginza elsewhere. Plus: the dandy bartender.
