Offshoot of popular Scottish bar and live music venue – newly opened within Chijmes heritage complex
March 4th, 2015
Updated September 28th, 2016
A prominent fixture within Singapore’s pulsating Clarke Quay nightlife destination since 2006, Highlander Scottish Bar & Restaurant have recently opened (March 2015) their second branch within another repurposed heritage site – the Chijmes complex. Attracting a vibrant crowd nightly at Clarke Quay since 2006, Highlander at the new location will add a new dimension to nightlife in the City Hall area of central Singapore. A well-refined concept that pays homage to the best of Scottish whisky and cuisine, Highlander transforms nightly into a live music and party venue, with bands performing spirited renditions of popular hits until very late in the night. With spacious indoor and outdoor settings, Highlander provides a variety of settings for either relaxed dining and drinks, or energetic partying.
Design Originally constructed in the 1850’s as a Catholic convent and chapel, the sprawling compound of Chijmes has been extensively remodelled into an impressive upscale dining, bar and lifestyle destination – tastefully contemporary – whilst retaining the original heritage aesthetic. Within the compound, Highlander occupies an expansive space on the lower level cloistered courtyard – overlooked by the meticulously restored chapel. Following a similar design aesthetic to the original Clarke Quay outlet, the interior exudes a rustic-chic disposition with dark timbers, raw brickwork, and polished concrete floors. Industrial-style metal framed bar stools are plushly upholstered with brown leather, while distinctly Scottish decor references include the hallmark antler chandeliers, and avant-garde art works from an emerging British artist.
Cuisine Tartan kilt-clad service staff deliver well-executed renditions of Scottish cuisine to guests either at tables in the main indoor room, or at the open-air tables on the courtyard terrace. Recently (July 2016), Highlander has launched a new menu showcasing traditional Scottish dishes such as the Highlander’s Famous Pie selection that includes Beef and Guinness Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Fisherman’s Pie, Scottish Haggis Pie, and Chicken, Pork and Mushroom Pie. Other items to savour from the main menu include the Highlander Meat Grilled Platter and Whisky Prawn Linguine Aglio Olio.
New additions to the famous Wee Bites bar grub includes Haggis Croquettes and Grilled Pork Belly. These are specially curated to complement Highlander’s extensive selection of over 70 varieties of fine regional Scottish single malts and aged blends. For the sweet tooth, you can take comfort in the Highlander Cherry Pie, Cranachan, Orange Gin Crème Brulee, Red Velvet and Hazelnut Praline Cheesecake and Warm Chocolate Pudding.
Cocktails Highlights of the drinks list include the Cocktails with a Scottish Twist – exemplified by drinks such as the Robbie Burns – with Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, orange bitters and absinthe; and The Balmoral – single malt whisky, ginger beer, and mixed fruits. The bar also offers a concise selection of premium spirits, wines and champagne, plus draught beers including Scottish Lager Craft Beer and Scottish Ale Craft Beer.
Highlander opens daily with late closing – 3pm to 2am Monday to Tuesday, 3pm to 3am Wednesday to Thursday, 5pm to 4am Friday to Saturday and 4pm to 11pm on Sunday. Live band Marisol entertains the crowd from 9.30pm onwards from Wednesday to Saturday. Happy Hour starts from opening until 9pm from Monday to Saturday and whole day on Sundays. Enjoy 50% off draught beers, wine by the glass, cocktails and single malt whisky of the month. Check the Highlander main website and Facebook Page for regular updates on events and special promotions.
