Axis Bar and Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore - elegant bar features live jazz entertainment

May 11th, 2012

The Axis Bar and Lounge exudes the sophistication and elegance commensurate with its home within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. One of the hallmarks of Mandarin Oriental hotels world-wide is the exceptional quality and diversity of restaurants and bars housed within each property. At Mandarin Oriental, Singapore that essence is expressed in a collection of six distinctive restaurants and bars, each presenting an inspiring culinary experience.

Axis Bar and Lounge is located on the fourth floor of the hotel and has panoramic views over the adjacent Marina Bay and Singapore skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass along the outer wall. By day the room is enveloped in a natural light that accentuates the bold interior design, whereas the evenings provide stunning views of the city lights. Axis serves drinks and tapas, coffee and tea, all-day in the elegant lounge setting. A traditional Afternoon Tea is served between 3pm and 5pm, and then in the evenings, Axis transforms into a more upbeat, chic lounge – serving up the famous MO signature cocktails, accompanied by the smooth tunes of live jazz performers late into the night.

The contemporary lounge furnishings of Axis Bar & Lounge feature a bold colour palette of red, black and silver

The layout of Axis features an elongated main lounge area, a petite private room at one end, and adjacent to the entrance, behind a timber and glass “wall of wine” ( a trademark feature at Mandarin Oriental bars world-wide)- a discrete space holding an impressive long communal bar table, with plush black leather high chairs. In the main lounge, the room divides into three slightly sunken zones each aligned to optimise the external views through the glass frontage. The decor evokes an alluring atmosphere of laid-back luxe, blending with an understated oriental sensuality, a consistent feature of the Mandarin Oriental experience.

Lounge seating with views over Singapore skyline through the floor to ceiling glass windows

The daytime view from the Lounge over Marina Bay and to the Singapore CBD

The internal facade of Axis features a rich timber display wall of vintage champagne bottles

TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA – click on menu image below for full details

The appreciation of fine cocktails is a well practised art at all Mandarin Oriental bars. Bartenders are highly trained professionals with a depth of experience and commendable attention to the details of both preparation, and presentation of their creations. A feature of the drinks list at Mandarin Oriental bars world-wide are the selections of localised signature “MO Cocktails”. Each bar creates a signature cocktail that captures the essence of the local culinary traditions, and these are then selectively available in the numerous MO bars across the globe. At Axis, the signature MO cocktail is the MO Singapore – Lychee Royale- concocted from Absolut Vodka, lychee liqueur, champagne and fresh lychee. And to mark the Mandarin Oriental Singapore’s 25th Anniversary, an exquisite variation has been created, with a shimmering silver sheen added into the cocktail (see photo below).

The drinks menu lists a selection of ten “MO Mixology” cocktails from a diverse range of sources, including – MO Bangkok – chao phraya; MO Munich – apfelstrudel martini; and MO Paris – j’aime paris. Other cocktails featured at Axis include selections of “Molecular Cocktails”; “MO Singapore Signature Sips” such as Mandarin Mojito; and Mandarin Sling. Further categories include “The Classics”, “Mo’Tinis”; and “Luxury Mixology”- including the exotic Caviar Motini- crafted from black vodka, dry vermouth, fresh lime, Beluga caviar stuffed olives, and served with 30 grams of the finest Beluga caviar and condiments- priced at S$1,888 for the ultimate in indulgence.

Other beverages served include a wide selection of premium spirits, an impressive range of single malts, and international whiskys, and for beer aficionados- a huge selection of global beers- including many specialty brews from Belgium. Champagnes and a compact selection of red and white wines are available by the glass or bottle.

The Axis Lounge serves luxury teas from both TWG, and Mariage Freres- France’s oldest house of tea and globally the most exclusive merchant in luxury teas.

Axis also offers an all-day menu of delicious tapas and canapes to accompany the drinks.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore 25^th Anniversary cocktail– based on MO Singapore – lychee royale- with Absolut Vodka, lychee liqueur, champagne and fresh lychee. With an added touch of silver to mark the significant occasion.