Guide to Ann Siang Hill and Club Street
Just a little outside of the main Chinatown area, the interconnected enclaves of Ann Siang Hill and Club Street have pretty much everything, from trendy bars and intimate restaurants to chic boutiques and even a hidden green space for a quiet night time stroll after all that indulgence. Here’s our ultimate guide to eating, drinking, shopping and partying in this hip part of town (which is conveniently close to Singapore’s CBD).
Eat & Drink
Truffle Gourmet
Love Italian food and can’t get enough of truffle-anything? Then pop by this restaurant. Order some exquisite antipasti – like oysters with truffle caviar – to go with mains such as the must-try beef ravioli with truffle oil and black truffle cream, and of course, a lovely glass of red or white.
Truffle Gourmet, 49 Club Street, Singapore 069426, p. 6222 5996.
Zui Hong Lou’s Deep Fried Chicken Midjoints with Lapchiong Dressing
Zui Hong Lou
Also in the Club Street/Ann Siang area is Zui Hong Lou, an Asian fusion kitchen bar that serves – you guessed it – Asian fusion food and alcohol. What could be a kitschy combination is pulled off well thanks to its unapologetic made-in-Singapore vibe. Try the Serunding Shoestring Fries with desiccated coconut, housemade chilli paste and spices and wash it down with a vodka-based cocktail, served in a traditional Chinese teapot. Worth a visit if you’re tired of shiny new bars.
Zui Hong Lou, 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 6423 9562.
Bumbo Rum Club
Dimly lit, sleek and chic dive bars are all the rage now – but for that touch of whimsy and festivity, head to Bumbo Rum Club. Decked in bright, loud colours, the Carribean-inspired bar offers over 25 yummy rum-based cocktails. The must try? The berries-filled Bumbo Rum Club signature cocktail.
Bumbo Rum Club, 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451, p. 6690 7563.
Operation Dagger
This underground ‘secret bar’ is the latest addition to Ann Siang’s buzzing night scene. After heading down the flight of stairs by Oxwell & Co, take a moment to soak in the beauty of Operation Dagger’s artistic interior – think clean, minimal furniture and an art installation-esque cloud structure arranged from thousands of overhanging bulbs. With Oxwell & Co’s Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura on deck, you can expect cocktails here to be nothing short of experimental. Try ther omakase set (six customisable cocktails paired with bar bites) if you can’t make up your mind.
Operation Dagger, 7 Ann Siang, Singapore 069791, p. 92964704.
Bar Naked
95 Club Street has seen the likes of acid jazz bar, Club 95, lounge bar, Toca Me, and open karaoke bar, HQ. Venue owner, Irene Ang, who is also the Founder and CEO of FLY Entertainment, has reinvented the space to house cheeky cocktail bar, Bar Naked. Conceptualised by Social Influence Marketing agency GOODSTUPH, Bar Naked rides on the pop-up phenomenon and invites brands to rent their bar space to exercise innovative plans for outdoor advertising and event marketing.
Bar Naked, 95 Club Street, Singapore 069463, p. 9620 6719.
Nutmeg & Clove
Nutmeg & Clove
You’ve probably strolled down Ann Siang Road and wondered about the significance of the old-school signage ‘Ching Yoon Wooi Kwoon’. What lies beyond the dark wooden doors isn’t an old Chinese medicinal clinic; it’s actually the quaint cocktail bar Nutmeg & Clove. Oozing old world oriental glamour, the bar works at revitalising the traditional use of Asian herbs and spices, and introducing fresh flavour pairings to the discerning drinker. One of their most popular drinks, the Golden Dawn, is a Tanqueray gin-based cocktail with Chinese hawthorn and red jujube shrub.
Nutmeg & Clove, 17 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069697, p. 6423 9885.
IZY
This Japanese dining spot may be izakaya-inspired, but it looks nothing like what you have in mind. Colourful pop culture posters, concrete floors and walls, exposed light bulbs, IZY’s one edgy, hip izakaya. Food-wise, expect a good mix of traditional eats and contemporary creations, such as the classic katsu don and the ocean trout carpaccio with ponzu sauce. After you’re done with the chow, ask the staff about Cache – a secret lounge bar tucked away in the back. They’ll let you in as long as it’s not a full house and you can stay to enjoy a drink or two.
IZY, 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413, p. 9678 0027.
Gem Bar
Arguably one of the busiest watering holes on the Ann Siang Hill strip, Gem Bar’s been around for more than five years and continues to be known as the go-to spot if you’re looking to enjoy a more vibrant, boisterous nightlife experience. If you’re a fan of refreshing, fruity concoctions, go for their special cocktails, such as the gin-and-soursop-based White Crane.
Gem Bar, 10 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 9646 6160.
G-One
Fans of Japanese food (particularly of the upmarket variety) – don’t mourn for the loss of boutique Kaseki Japanese restaurant GOTO. Its more affordable replacement – G-One – serves up quality fare great for casual meals and is also a semi-izakaya by night.
G-One, 14 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069694, p. 6438 1533.
TAPOW
Oxwell & Co.
We haven’t been this impressed with drinks since the launch of The Cufflink Club. Expect unique and exclusive beverages, such as house-made spirits distilled with botanicals sourced from the Ann Siang area as well as a house designed beer containing a fusion of local citrus and spices; Oxhorn Lager. It’s also the first bar here to keg craft cocktails – G&Ts, Sangrias, Pimms, and rotating seasonal cocktails. Herbs used in cocktails will be sourced entirely from their own rooftop garden. Three thumbs up for these guys – it’s that good.
Oxwell & Co., 5 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069688, p. 6438 3984.
TAPOW
While plenty of bespoke bars claim to be without pretenses or fuss, TAPOW actually is exactly that. Feel free to sprawl out on one of its low-lying couches as you sip on Asian-inspired cocktails (we’d say yes please to any drink with gula melaka in it) with cheeky names or stuff your face with munchies like the Damn Shiok Pizza or Rendang served in tiffin cans.
Tapow, 19 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069699, p. 6423 1213.
Manor Cocktail Room
Brought to you by the same folks behind Gem Bar, Manor Cocktail Room exudes a slightly more upscale vibe and very much resembles a swanky whiskey bar with its plush Chesterfield sofas and excessive use of dark wood. Owner and local nightlife veteran Din Hassan serves up a range of signature cocktails (try Sweet Dreams – a vanilla-infused Old Fashioned), premium spirits, as well as tasting flights featuring artisanal whiskeys so you get to try a little bit of everything.
Manor Cocktail Room, 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069788, p. 9646 6160.
PS.Cafe
A household name for savoury cafe classics, the Ann Siang outlet offers a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding areas. Its food is reliable European fusion fare – which has since earned the chain a rep as a go-to place for long brunches, romantic dates and group celebrations. Desserts here have a cult following – grab a friend or two and dig into the enormous Double Chocolate blackout cake or the Sticky Date Pudding.
PS.Cafe, 45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02, Singapore 069719, p. 9797 0648.
Ding Dong
Ding Dong
It’s time for Southeast Asian remixes by chef Ryan Clift on your plate (and in your drinks too)! Backed by Open Door Policy, this three-floor restaurant boasts Asian-inspired fusion creations. Feast on your favourites with a twist – like Asam Pedas Salted Barramundi or 48 Hours Beef Cheek Rendang with rice puree and crispy herbs.
Ding Dong, 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703, p. 6557 0189.
B28
No secret amongst discerning malt connoisseurs in Singapore – B28 is one of the best spots in the city for whiskies. Head here for its impressive collection of over 100 whiskies, rum, and other libations, and stay for its weekly Jazz Sessions, featuring live performances by local and international musicians.
B28, 28 Ann Siang Road, The Club Hotel, Singapore 069708, p. 9026 3466.
Le Carillon
The extension of famed French restaurant L’Angelus, Le Carillon is a pioneer of the French wine bar concept in the Ann Siang and Club Street enclave. Offering up a huge selection of affordable French wines, cold cuts and french cheese platters, the bar transports us to France with its movie posters, quaint basement and delectable wines.
Le Carillon, 24 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069689.
Lolla
This small 13-seater restaurant is all about amazing food and fab produce. Restaurant highlights include sea urchin pudding, made with squid ink custard and sea urchin (yes, yes, yes); Tuna belly “chutoro” tartare, and beef tongue escalopes. The doughnuts with lemon curd are pleasantly surprising and a must-order to finish off a great meal.
Lolla, 22 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069702, p. 6423 1228.
Shop
Aesop
Aesop
Visiting the Club Street outlet of this Australian beauty brand is like stepping into a contemporary beach resort. Lots of rattan is used in the design scheme and overall, it’s a really calming space. Take your time to browse through the store and feel free to ask for help from the trained consultants if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for.
Aesop, 52 Club Street, Singapore 069429, p. 6220 8789.
MYthology Boutique
Hit up this multi-label fashion boutique for one-of-a-kind items by both established and up-and-coming Asian designers. You’ll find bold dresses by Mumbai-based Veda Raheja, statement pieces by Shanghainese accessory brand, Josie Chen, and plenty more.
MYthology Boutique, 88 Club Street, Singapore 069456, p. 6223 5570.
Aston Blake
Specialising in bespoke menswear, this British-Australian label doesn’t just do customised threads, but also ready-to-wear pieces with its seasonal capsule collections featuring the latest “It” colours and prints.
Aston Blake, 89 Club Street, #02-00, Singapore 069457, p. 6337 3504.
Do
AltaEgo
Ann Siang Hill/Club Street is lined with cool bars offering cheap happy hour tipples, but there’s nowhere in the ‘hood to dance off the intoxication (Gem Bar’s pretty tight on space) – until now. Boutique and multi-concept club AltaEgo has recently opened up, so swig a couple of drinks in the basement lounge before throwing shapes on the dancefloor of the main room.
AltaEgo, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6222 9520.
Ann Siang Hill Park
This walking trail features a mix of greenery and historical sites along areas like Ann Siang Hill, Club Street, and if you prefer to go further, Telok Ayer Street and Amoy Street. Built in 1993, Ann Siang Hill Park itself is Chinatown’s tallest geographical point so stick around for a bird’s eye view of the city skyline.
Ann Siang Hill Park, 1 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069784.
Truefitt & Hill Singapore
Truefitt & Hill
Charles Dickens, Cary Grant, Sir Winston Churchill, and Frank Sinatra – Truefitt & Hill’s star-studded clientele reads like a veritable list of who’s who. One thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely be in good company at this 200-year old British establishment, which made its way to Singapore early last year. Outfitted like an ultra-exclusive gentlemen’s club (think crystal chandeliers, club chairs, and dark wood paneling – naturally), Truefitt & Hill offers haircuts, mani/pedis, massages and waxing treatments to spoil the lads silly.
Truefitt & Hill, 9 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069690, p. 6223 5263.
The Screening Room
This entertainment venue – a boutique theatre and lush rooftop bar rolled into one – is great for cozying up and catching screenings of timeless films while having a tipple or two at the private bar. The rooftop bar (La Terraza Rooftop Bar) also offers stunning views of the cityscape for a post-movie nightcap. Warning – it can get a little crowded here but if you’re on the prowl, this is the place to be.
The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692.
Stay
The Club Hotel
Swanky Club Hotel isn’t hard to miss in Ann Siang – its pristine white, colonial exterior formerly housed 22 monochrome-chic rooms. Currently closed for renovations, we can’t wait for the new look to be unveiled. Watch this space for more updates.
Club Hotel, 28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708, p. 6808 2188.