October 9th, 2011
In its previous iteration, BALACLAVA was a popular bar located in the Suntec City convention and office complex. In recent months, the owners of BALACLAVA have undertaken the re-location of BALACLAVA to a prime location on the 5th level of the prestigious ION Orchard luxury retail and lifestyle mall at the head of Orchard Road. In fitting with its new location, BALACLAVA enhances on its previous identity as a sophisticated and luxuriously appointed bar- a choice destination for after-work evening drinks, or an elegant venue for indulging in premium quality cocktails, spirits and champagnes whilst listening to house DJs play an eclectic mix of tunes into the late hours.
Reception area
BALACLAVA occupies a curving, stand alone space on the uppermost level of the main shopping mall section of the ION Orchard complex. Accessed internally from within the mall by escalators, or directly from the carpark, the exterior wall has a matt black finish with oversize molded letters identifying the bar. A timber decked outdoor terrace has some round high tables and stools, and presents views down over the bustling Orchard Road street-life below. Entering the interior, a sleek curved black reception counter and plush purple carpeting sets the expectation of a warm, luxurious sensuality. Following the curved contour of the main building’s outer wall of glass and steel framework, the passageway leads to the foyer area where the interior divides into a number of distinct zones. Entering in daylight hours, the soaring curved glass outer facade baths the interior in natural light, and a series of high cocktail tables and leather upholstered high chairs are arranged adjacent to the curving outer wall. At night, lighting effects on the exterior glass walls provide an exotic visual display.
The main bar of BALACLAVA is located in a zone behind the open front area- the interposing of the differing textures and colors of the furnishings, with a low ceiling of dark timber slats, plush black leather seating along the entire length of the back wall, and a long bar with black counter top, the bar area exudes style and sophistication. Muted lighting effects, and an attractive back of bar display of bottles of premium spirits accentuate the atmosphere.
The Main Bar
Further inside , another zone, the “sports bar” opens off at the end of the main bar. Here wall mounted LCD screens display the sports action, and a counter bar and kitchen serve up delicious teppenyaki style bar snacks and light dishes. The DJs station is located in a corner of the connecting space between the zones. The other significant zone within BALACLAVA runs parallel behind the main bar- facing out onto the outer glass facade. Occupying a raised platform, this sleek curved bar space is defined by the luxury of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label themed decoration. This space can also be well utilised for intimate private functions and parties.
The Main Bar
The “BLUE LABEL” bar
“BLUE LABEL” bar counter and display
Outdoor Terrace overlooking Orchard Road
Entrance to BALACLAVA
The bar selections at BALACLAVA are focused around premium spirits and cocktails, French champagnes ( including Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon), single malt whiskys, and imported bottled beers. Music is provided nightly ( Tuesday to Saturday) by house DJs, and every Monday evening a live band performs for a couple of hours. The bar has an attractive “Happy Hours” promotion with 50% off house pours and beers.
BALACLAVA is owned and operated by the same company behind two other highly regarded and popular Singapore venues- KPO Cafe Bar on Somerset Road, and WALA-WALA at Holland Village.
More photos of BALACLAVA in Slide Show below-
BALACLAVA
Address: Level 5, # 05-02, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Road, Singapore. 228211
MRT Station: NS22 Orchard- direct access to ION Orchard
Reservations: +65. 6634 8377
Website:http://www.imaginings.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balaclava.Ion
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 5:00 pm ~ 1:00 am
Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
Sunday Closed
Happy Hours: 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm
DJs: Tuesday to Saturday , Live Band on Mondays 8:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
