French-accented cocktail bar- refined design and consummate cocktails at recent Singapore opening
July 30th, 2014
Notable among the new bar openings in Singapore so far in 2014, refined cocktail bar L’Aiglon distinguishes with its classic French design aesthetic matched with peerless cocktail creations. Located in the increasingly fashionable Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood- convenient to both the CDB and Chinatown, L’Aiglon is the creation of French owner Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart. A distillation of a peripatetic background that has led Plassart from Paris to Los Angeles, and most recently Singapore, pursuing his passion for visual arts and film-making– L’Aiglon exudes a commensurate sophistication and attention to detail. Targeting a discerning and fashionable clientele, L’Aiglon serves first-rate cocktails, together with an impressive selection of gins, premium champagnes and gourmet bar bites in the luxurious interior space designed by Plassart.
Discreetly located within a row of restored heritage shophouses, L’Aiglon combines an open-air terrace section at the street-front entrance with a sumptuously furnished interior lounge, bar and private room- accommodating up to 80 guests in total. Subdued lighting and a color scheme of predominantly dark tones, timbers and leather contribute to an atmosphere of refined indulgence, with plush red and blue velvet stool and armchair settings adding splashes of vibrant color. The centrepiece solid wood bar was crafted in France from salvaged timber- complemented by a handsome lighted backbar showcasing the impressive array of liquor bottles. At the rear of the space, an intimate private room offers an exclusive setting for small groups.
Heading up the bar team at L’Aiglon is accomplished local bartender Louis Tan- most recently a finalist in the 2014 Singapore Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender competition. Consistent with the sophisticated, top-shelf standards of the bar, the drinks list is a thoughtfully curated, concise assemblage of classic cocktails, complemented with a separate list of the signature cocktail creations of Louis. Crafted from full-flavored spirit infusions, deftly balancing the bold flavors of premium spirits such as botanical gins and cask-strength bourbon with the subtle and complex floral notes of ingredients like chrysanthemum and elderflower, the signature collection combines formidable technique with well-honed creativity.
An appetizing selection of French-Asian fusion bar bites are available for sharing- popular choices include the PEP’s Chicken Mini Burgers; Crab cakes with curry salsa and granny smith apple; and the Gent’s Chicken Samosas.
L’Aiglon opens daily (except Sundays) from 5:00 pm- reservations are taken for seats at the bar in addition to table bookings. Regular special events and promotions are highlighted on the L’Aiglon Facebook Page.
L’Aiglon interior
L’Aiglon cocktails
Standout examples from the list of eight L’Aiglon Signature Cocktails include the exquisite punch bowl cocktail titled Asian Sensation– an intriguing blend of chrysanthemum infused Ketel One Citroen Vodka, Cocchi Americano, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup- served from the distinctive Ketel One bronze kettle into ceramic Chinese tea cups; and the Wolf Peach’s Illusion– crafted from gin, lychee liqueur, fresh lemon juice, basil syrup, French cherry tomatoes, and pineapple.
From the list of stellar Classic Cocktails the Screaming Tomatoes is Louis’ reinterpretation of the Bloody Mary- with vodka, French cherry tomatoes (air-flown fresh weekly from France), fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, herbs, and black pepper; while his polished rendition of the Negroni– gin, Antica Formula, and Campari- is appropriately stiff and bracing.
