Recently opened in Singapore – a bespoke cocktail bar in the mould of Tokyo’s famous upscale bars
December 22nd, 2014
Modelled closely on the famous upscale cocktail bars that are a stand-out feature of Tokyo’s legendary nightlife, recently opened Singapore bar D. Bespoke deftly captures the aesthetic and ritual of the quintessential high-end Japanese drinking establishments. A discrete entrance, extensive timber paneling, solid wood bar faced with plush leather bar seats, and a well-stocked backbar with rows of shelving showcasing a multiplicity of liquor bottles are all exemplars of the much-lauded cocktail and whisky bars found in Tokyo nightlife districts like Ginza, Shinjuku and Minato-ku. Founded by well-credentialed owner-bartender Daiki Kanetaka (owner of two popular bars in Beijing, and previously with a decade of training at renowned Ginza bars Star Bar Ginza and Bar High Five), D. Bespoke introduces for the first time to discerning Singapore patrons an authentic Japanese cocktail bar experience – specialising in the same renowned bartending ritual, meticulous personalised service, and consummate drinks as served inTokyo’s leading bars.
Located within a handsomely refurbished shophouse in the burgeoning Tanjong Pagar precinct, entry from the street delivers patrons into a luxuriously furnished room that showcases the bespoke products of selected Kyoto-based artisans. Products ranging from handmade glassware as found in the bar, porcelain and ceramic tea ware, silk textiles, and bespoke shoes can be ordered for local delivery. A heavy timber door opening off the retail space reveals the D. Bespoke bar – an intimate, yet comfortably proportioned space, dominated by a substantial 15 metre solid teakwood bar that spans ones side of the room. Plush seats crafted from Japanese leather face the bar, accommodating 14 patrons. An adjacent small lounge space seats a further 14 guests on leather Chesterfield sofas.
Guests at D. Bespoke can order their bespoke cocktails to be crafted from an impressive list of premium and artisan spirits, each drink personally prepared by Kanetaka and served in custom-made glassware specifically matched to the style of the cocktail. In addition to the bespoke cocktails, both classic cocktails and spirit serves receive the same precise bartending technique, including the hallmark hand-carved ice blocks (made from micro-filtered water for purity and slow melt rate). Also very much “on-trend” at D. Bespoke is the substantial assemblage of fine sherry, calvados and Armagnac sourced from the leading producers in Spain. As a certified venenciador (sherry sommelier) Kanetake enthusiastically shares his encyclopedic knowledge and passion for sherry with customers – serving tasting flights that provide a sampling experience across a variety of sherry types and flavours.
D. Bespoke is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 pm, with limited seats at the bar, bookings are recommended. Unlike its Tokyo bar bethren, D. Bespoke does not impose a cover charge for a seat at the bar, but a minimum spend of S$60 is requested.
D. Bespoke – polished cocktails & fine sherries
D. Bespoke – luxurious interior
