Part of the National Gallery’s entourage of stylish new bars and restaurants, Smoke & Mirrors is a 2,400 sq ft. cocktail bar overlooking the Padang, sharing a terrace with the lounge at Aura. The interiors have a wooden, brass and glass theme going on, but it’s really the roomy verandah furniture you want.
The bar is run by Yugnes Susela, formerly of the Tippling Club, and signature cocktails include the lavishly named Tiger Blood Daisy ($20), made with reposado tequila, ginger beer and a house-made sour plum grenadine. Also interesting, if a bit rich, is the Milo Haze (Barbados five-year rum, vermouth, sherry and an in-house Milo tincture, $24). There’s also a short list of wines, craft beers and ciders.
The brief and affordable bar bites menu comprises standard stomach liners like the truffle fries with homemade dips ($12) and the slightly more interesting popcorn chicken with dried chilli ($14), along with charcuterie and cheese platters ($24-28). For something heavy, get the beer-battered cod fish and chips or the panini with smoked kurobuta ham and aged cheddar.
