Last updated: January 9, 2024
The view of the bar at the fabulously grand Manhattan within the Regent Hotel, Singapore, was so impressive that I actually used it as my very first Instagram photo! There’s a decadence and opulence present in this bar which is hard to rival, which is why I’d recommend you visit if you’re spending any time in Singapore, as the city has recently celebrated its’ 50th Anniversary of Independence.
The bar area itself is theatrical-like, dark, moody and dramatic, with the bar as the stage, the neatly lined bottles acting as a backdrop and the stunning staff, it’s starry actors and actresses.
It’s a bar worth dressing up for, because the indulgence and sophistication of Manhattan will you have stepping back into an age of days gone by… into the 19th Century Golden Age of fine whiskies and experimental cocktails.
With a luxurious and contemporary feel, you’ll be sinking back into the finest of upholstered leather seats and sipping on a beautifully made tipple before you’ve even noticed the jetlag.
American head bartender Ricky Paiva has pulled out all the stops to ensure you receive the best drinks you’ve probably ever tasted. No expense is spared during the cocktail making process and this even involves using a premium ice programme. The ice is actually made from the highest quality water with an array of high-purity, high-density hand cut bespoke cubes and shapes, which enhance the tasting experience. Likewise, nothing but the finest customary cocktail glasses are also used – handcrafted at one of the world’s oldest glass factories!
Manhattan houses the first in-hotel Rickhouse too, which features over 100 American oak barrels from Minnesota and is used to finish sprits, bitters and cocktails and whiskies, while the Ingredients Room houses the most unusual of ingredients from around the globe to help shape Paiva’s creations.
Shaken or stirred, there’s something on the menu to please the most discerning of palettes from the Rainbow Room Cosmopolitan with Death’s Door Vodka, Ferrand Dry Curacao, fresh lemon and hibiscus syrup, to the Papaya King mixed with Plantation Dark Rum, All-Spice Dram, bitters, banana cordial and fresh juices.
And to compliment these truly divine concoctions, come the finest of food. Michigan born chef Nicholas Trosien who’s worked previously as Sous Chef at the four Season Hotel Palm Beach has put his stamp on Manhattan’s nibbles which could really be described as fine-dining bar bites. They might be ‘bite size’, but they’re big on flavour and quality. Try the Rebellion Burgers with Angus beef, tomato onion jam, Nicasio cheese and butter lettuce packed neatly into a paprika bun. The Maine Lobster Roll is a taste sensation with beautifully soft crab meat, avocado and remoulade sauce, while the bourbon infused doughnuts will leave you wanting more….and more… and more…
There’s also 3 private rooms with Manhattan if you wish to get away from it all – the Rockefeller Room hidden behind a secret door and reminiscent in style of a private 1920’s New York Club; the comfortable Private Salon decked out in tan leather and plum velvets; and The Library – sophisticated, elegant and of course, quiet.
