The buzz: From the folks that brought you Gem Bar and Zui Hong Lou, their hip Ann Siang Hill venture is modelled after hush-hush whiskey bars and serves twists on Prohibition-era cocktails. It used to be invite-only but now its signature cocktails are for all to imbibe.
The decor: Forest green walls and teak panels exude an old-world gentlemen’s club vibe. We feel like we should be smoking cigars amid the tufted leather chairs, dim lighting and defaced classic art pieces.
The drinks: The full drinks list aside, the signatures are the big draw for us. Campbell’s ($20) is a tequila-based twist on the Bloody Mary, while Sweet Dreams ($20) is a vanilla-spiked Old Fashioned. Manor is also one of the only places that do flights of artisanal whiskeys.
The food: The usual (but satisfying) bar bites like truffle fries ($14) and deep-fried bean curd prawn rolls ($6).
The music: An eclectic mix of recent indie-alternative tunes with old school disco and hip hop.
The crowd: Industry insiders congregate with fellow barkeeps and pin their business cards to the world map near the bar to encourage international exchanges.
Why you’ll be back: To feel like part of the inner circle with other bar folks there for a nightcap. If not, Din Hassan’s expertise should be enough to entice you.
Manor Cocktail Room is in I-S Best Bars Guide 2014. Download your copy to see where else you should be partying.
