Rent in the hip Tiong Bahru hood has skyrocketed since its gentrification, but that’s not stopping owners Chris Chong and Kaz Sajimin from transforming an old Chinese restaurant along the Seng Poh strip into a casual drinking spot. Concrete walls and floors, uncovered ceilings, minimalist furniture, exposed vent and steel beams—the industrial, warehouse aesthetic couldn’t be more obvious. But the 150-seater does try to look different with chinoiserie floor lamps, old-world chandeliers and a Persian rug for a hint of chi-chi exoticness. All of the standards are on the extensive menu—bottled beers and ciders (from $10), Champagne (from $22), spirits (from $10) and about 400 labels of wines (from $10 per glass and $48 per bottle). There are also Cuban cigars to be had if you’re in the mood. Happy hour is on daily till 7pm, so it pays to drop in early and stay on all the way till 2am—this is the only establishment in TB that opens late.
