2 of Singapore’s beloved bartenders open brand-new establishments

Hot on the heels of Ethan Leslie Leong’s Fort and The Spiffy Dapper’s new venture Kacang Putih come these cocktail bars with big names behind the stick. 

Mark Graham Thomas, formerly of Bacchanalia, will open a new cocktail bar and restaurant Club 39 on Duxton Hill that’s slated for a late-May launch. The place will serve tapas-style Italian plates accompanied with a drinks menu full of Thomas’ signature flair: classic cocktails with a culinary twist. Plus, drinks will all be below $20—which is a bonus all on its own.

Then there’s Anthony Zhong’s new cocktail bar, Shin Gi Tai. The bartender made a name for himself through stints at bars like Jigger & Pony. The place is Australian cafe Fine Palate by day and Japanese-leaning cocktail bar at night. And while the cozy space looks and feels like someone’s kitchen with its muted earthy tones, the menu is full of polished drinks that focus on classics like Negroni and Sidecar, but with added twists.