Main images: (From left) The Warehouse Hotel Lobby Bar; Chou Long Gin distilled in the hotel itself; Warehouse Martini, the hotel's signature made with their own gin. [Photos: Kim Choong]
Not every hotel has a lobby bar, and not every lobby bar is a destination. But The Warehouse Lobby Bar changes the game, creating a true cultural gateway to Singapore, not just an afterthought for travellers.
Led by Food and Beverage Director Joseph Haywood and Assistant Bar Manager Jaemin Shin, The Warehouse Lobby Bar's menu brings the past to life with hedonistic flair and modern creativity, serving up curated cocktails and delectable bites in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Situated on the ground floor of the 37-room Warehouse Hotel, the lobby bar sprawls across the entire floor, with cozy nooks and spacious seating areas ideal for anything from intimate gatherings to lively group events. Elevated bar seats offer a theatrical view of bartenders at work, framed against the bar’s warm, square-tiled wall backdrop. Above, the high ceilings soar two floors, showcasing original block and tackle pulleys that harken back to the building’s maritime history as a riverside warehouse.
Trade Route-Inspired Cocktails
From left: Watermelon Fizz is refreshing and "cooling" with coconut water; Tiki Katong, Warehouse Lobby Bar's version of Mai Tai; Jack's Gamble is an adventurous try. [Photos: Kim Choong]
Originally built in 1895, the Warehouse Hotel was once a hotbed for secret societies, underground activities, and local distilleries. Paying homage to this history, the Lobby Bar distils its own Chiu Long Gin (named after “Spirits Distillery Street” in Hokkien) for its signature drink, The Warehouse Martini (S$26), part of the “Spiced” category. This martini combines Hapusa Gin, Baldora Dry, Shao Hsing wine, and a cluster of sea grapes - an ode to the port's rich history of international trade.
Another standout from the Spiced category is Rita in Red (S$25), a playful twist on the Jungle Bird, a classic cocktail from 1970s Kuala Lumpur. Named after Queen of Disco Rita Chao, this cocktail combines High West rye bourbon, Campari, kefir, rhubarb, orgeat, and pineapple, bringing a bright, fruity twist with a spicy kick.
For a refreshing, effervescent choice, Watermelon Fizz (S$24) is a highlight of the "Fruity" category, inspired by the journey of watermelon from Africa to China and, eventually, Singapore between the 10th and 12th centuries. Complementing the watermelon and gin are coconut water and a hint of salt, with a non-alcoholic version available for S$18.
Another intriguing choice is Jack's Gamble (S$27) under the "Bold" category. Inspired by the jackfruit, known as both a “jack-of-all-trades” ingredient and a meat substitute, this cocktail adds cold-pressed jackfruit to High West Bourbon, Campari, Baldoria Rosso, and Bianco Bitter – a tropical twist on the classic Negroni or Boulevardier.
For the Adventurous
For those looking to explore local flavours, Tiki Katong (S$26/S$18) is a Katong laksa-inspired Mai Tai with a herbaceous twist, while the Asam Whisky (S$24) offers a Southeast Asian spin on the Penicillin cocktail, adding tamarind for a tangy depth. For a savoury note, try the clarified Hail Mary (S$24), a unique and clear take on the Bloody Mary.
From left: Sticky fall-off-the-bones Charcoal-grilled Iberico Jowl; a small portion of the succulant Paper Spring Chicken; Rama-Rama, a mezcal and coconut cream concoction inspired by a folk song "Geylang, Sipaku Geylang", referring to Geylang full of ferns and butterlies. [Photos: Kim Choong]
Bites with a Local Touch
The Lobby Bar’s food menu, crafted by the kitchen team from the hotel’s restaurant Po, offers an array of local tastes with modern twists. Delight in kuih pie tee, silky steamed Paper Spring Chicken (S$60 for a whole chicken) served with spicy chili sauce, Charcoal-grilled Iberico Jowl (S$24) marinated in Arabica coffee and sweet black bean glaze, or Mushroom Dumplings (S$20) drizzled with spiced ginger sesame.
*All prices are before service charge and GST.
The Warehouse Lobby Bar invites both locals and travellers to soak up its unique ambiance – there are even a few quiet spots where you can bring your laptop and get some work done.
The Warehouse Lobby Bar is part of Lo & Behold Group. 320 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169628. Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 1am. Make reservation here.
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