Sociable cocktail haven in central Singapore specialises in made-to-order, handcrafted drinks
February 17th, 2014
Established in December 2012 within a row of unassuming shophouses on the fringe of Singapore’s central business district, Bitters & Love is a popular cocktail bar offering an enticing combination of relaxed vibe and accomplished mixology. Sharing the compact ground floor space with the aptly named Shoebox Canteen (also under the same ownership), Bitters & Love occupies the rear section- concealed behind a row of floor-to-ceiling industrial ribbed glass doors that handsomely divide the two spaces. With its casual chic decor and convivial service, Bitters & Love exudes a welcoming warmth- attracting an appreciative clientele for both after-work drinks and late night libations.
DECOR
The interior design features a casual chic style- blending industrial elements such as tiled floors, concrete rendered walls, and retro lamps with natural materials like the polished timber slab tables and white marble topped bar. Within the bar space, several booth settings line the wall opposite the bar, and at the rear, a large circular tree trunk table is good for larger groups. Warm, subdued lighting suffuses the room with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Intimately proportioned, the combined capacity of both the front canteen, and rear bar, is just 60 seats.
BITTERS & LOVE COCKTAILS
The experienced bar team handcraft cocktails to the specific taste preferences of customers- providing a true “bespoke” cocktail service. A compact selection of six “all-time favourite” cocktails comprise the only semblance of a drinks menu- everything else is prepared in consultation with the customer. Drinks prices are approachable- with most cocktails priced under S$20- even though crafted from premium spirits and ingredients. Incorporating fresh seasonal produce into their inventive cocktails, the Bitters & Love bartenders specialise in creating some intriguing, well-balanced combinations of distinctively local flavours- mixed with a well-curated selection of premium spirits.
Complementing the drinks service, Bitters & Love offer a list of gourmet Bar Snacks such as Seasonal Live Oysters; B&L Beef Cubes- 200g Ranger’s Valley Wagyu, pan seared, sea salt flakes; and Flammekueche– oven-baked thin crust tortilla with sauteed onions, creme fraiche, bacon bits and arugula.
SHOEBOX CANTEEN
At the front, Shoebox Canteen is open for both lunch and dinner, offering a regularly updated menu of international cafe foods, with stand out dishes such as the pan-seared 200g Black Angus Ribeye; home-made pasta; and the Shoebox Beef Burger.
Bitters & Love opens Monday to Saturday from 6:00 pm, with 2:00 am late closing on Friday and Saturday nights. Bookings are recommended- particularly for the popular bar-front counter seats.
Inside Bitters & Love
At the front, the ShoeBox Canteen is a casual eatery serving lunch and dinner. The Bitters & Love bar is discreetly concealed behind the industrial-style ribbed glass folding panels.
The main bar counter extends across one side of the room with low chairs facing the white marble bar.
A large suspended mirror behind the bar provides bar patrons with a clear view of the cocktail preparations of the bartenders.
At the rear of the main bar area, a polished tree-trunk slab functions as a communal table, with a couple of small tables in the rear courtyard offering additional seating options.
Selected cocktails & bar bites
The Queen- Hendrick’s Gin, Cointreau, mangosteen fruit, Earl Grey Tea, fresh lemon juice, egg white.
Festive Season- Mount Gay Eclipse, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, pineapple jam, pineapple juice.
Banana Pancakes- Wild Turkey, banana liqueur, infused apple cinnamon tea, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup. Smoke with hay.
Beef Kebab Skewer- Wagyu Beef & fresh root vegetables.
B&L Beef Cubes- 200g Ranger’s Valley Wagyu, pan seared, with sea salt flakes.
Shoebox Canteen Menu
Bitters & Love- bespoke cocktail bar- Singapore
Address: 36 North Canal Road, Singapore 1059292
MRT station: Clarke Quay
Reservations: +65. 6438 1836
Website: www.bittersandlove.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bittersandlove
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 6:o0 pm ~ 12:00 pm
Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
