You go to a new bar and you’re not sure how it’s gonna turn out. We’ll give you some peace of mind and tell you that these three new ones have our nod of approval. Go on, make a new friend today.

SAMSU HUAY GUAN 三蒸會館

The bar entrance is unassuming, and even the artwork by Justin Lee is oh-so-subtle, and you’re likely to just walk past this spirits bar. Well, don’t. You oughta pay attention and find this spot, because it’s worth it. Samsu is set up by bespoke spirits importer Interco-MLE, and self-styled “Chief Alcoholic” Jeremiah has filled the cosy bar with many independent spirits labels including calvados, rums, whiskies. The boss is knowledgeable, as are the staff, so you’re gonna find yourself with an unfamiliar island rum or award-winning sake.  

Samsu Huay Guan. 100 Orchard Road, #02-33, Singapore, 238840

Farrer Horse

This elegant equestrian-inspired venue in The Sultan Hotel serves playful Asian dishes and horse-themed cocktails. The gastro cocktail spot spans two stories, and is the brainchild of the second-generation owner of Muthu’s Curry Ayyakannu Srinivasan; the bar is an ode to his childhood home along Race Course Road, where Farrer Park Racecourse used to stand. The bistro on the first floor serves modern Asian dishes like the Top Shell Kerabu, heavily doused in Peranakan-styled sambal belacan and calamansi dressing. The Nyonya Pie Tee features a fragrant filling of braised turnips, carrots and shiitake mushrooms, juicy prawns, and a picante garlic ginger chilli dip — most dishes lean towards spicy. 

For sweet relief, head upstairs to the Stable, where bespoke cocktails await: Rocket Man (Encanto Pisco, pineapple, lime, honey, horseradish, egg white); Secretariat (Jim Beam Bourbon, apple, hay, maple, Peychaud’s, mint); and Man o’ War (Jack Daniels, Demerara, Peychaud bitters, Angostura bitters, fennel, cumin). 

The space is elegant, and it will transport you back to when Farrer Park Racecourse was a highly reputable recreational hub built for the affluent with its regal old-world interior.

Farrer Horse, The Sultan Hotel, 101 Jalan Sultan, #01-02/#02-00.

Oche

Oche London, a tech-driven gastro-gaming darts bar, has opened its first outlet in Asia. Singapore is its first foray, and this concept darts bar is located at Riverside Point. It’s a massive welcoming space with cosy sections where punters can throw darts and play drinking games (or is it throw drinking games and play darts?). It’s no longer the moody darts bar of old, this behemoth is lit and the design leans Scandinavian. Oche’s state-of-the-art dart gaming technology means you never have to figure out the scores, and you can focus on the menu put together by Michelin-trained Chef Michael Lungal and two-time World Bartending Champion Adam MacDonald.

There are sharing plates which we love, especially the Lebanese flat bread — simple but so good. A selection of wines is available, and as for cocktails, it’s all reasonably priced at S$18 and we recommend the Pornstar Martini if you’re feeling naughty and nice.

Oche. #01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd

From Noon till 5pm, play darts for only $15/pax; after 5pm it’s $20/pax.

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