Author: Alex Chua
beGin takes a typical gin – usually drank in a traditional English-style habitat with upholstered furnishing – and gives it a chic new spin. Situated upstairs Singapore’s oldest traditional English Pub – The Penny Black, beGin is the only speakeasy bar that houses over 50 gins from different countries. Gin lovers can sample the vast selection in different ways (neat, with tonic or in fashionable cocktail) and pair it with savoury British-Indian small plates. Expect colours, delicious bites and upbeat music with friendly bartenders tucked inside this rustic, moodily-lit speakeasy.
Starting off the course is the Royal Chatanee (S$4), which consists a medley of mild to punchy dips – Tomato, Chilli & Ginger Chutney, Asian Salsa and aromatic Spiced Cilantro Mint & Coconut dip. This grazing platter with refreshing dips is good to awaken the palate for subsequent courses.
Popping into the Crab bomb-a ($13 for 5 pieces) has that savoury oomph of seafood satisfaction. The curry sauce, hidden within the light hollow crisp, is made with beGin’s in-house spice mix for that unique kick. Very addictive and easy to pop in a few.
Appearance can be quite deceiving. BeGIN’s bestseller the Samboo-sa Pasties ($11 for 3 pieces) is a modern interpretation of the humble curry puffs. The chicken has that fiery tandoori masala taste, encased in a fluffy crisp choux pastry for that lovely crunch.
A definite crowd-favourite, the nacho del goa ($15 for 5 pieces) is a twist to the classic butter chicken. Sitting atop nacho-shaped papadums, the prawns are coated with buttery northern Indian Sauce and onion yogurt. It’s not enough to pop in just one of these tasties.
The Cheeky Nigiri is perhaps my personal favourite among the delectable bar bites, partly due to its tender meatiness. Made of beef cheeks, yellow sushi rice and vindaloo sauce, this can simply be a meal of itself.
Enough with the food. Now for the drinks. LAVENDER ($25) is inspired by HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s luscious lavender garden. A dome once lifted releases smoke that unveils the dignified, feminine cocktail. Taste of floral and, with its opal pink, slightly girly drink, but I love it still. No judge.
For those who are into adventurous drinks, the Jagmohan ($25) is a curry and clove spiced tequila mix. Essentially Northern India in a drink, this unassuming cocktail is exotic and tastes of spices, completes with the tomato, chili and ginger chutney on the side with fried crisps.
KOKO ($23) is that decadently well-balanced cocoa-infused rum die-hard chocolate fans would find irresistible. Performed with a ‘fire’ show – igniting the dehydrated orange atop the rum – this fiery concoction is creamy, mellow-sweet cocoa and tastes just like a dessert by itself, which I simply adore!
beGin
27a Boat Quay, The Penny Black Upstairs, Singapore 049817
Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 5pm – 1am
alcohol
Strongbow Cider
WOOHOOOO. My kind of alcohol is definitely not those hard liquor, beer or wine. My favorite has got to be cider.
I like cider because they are sweet and refreshing. I have my favorite flavors from different brands. I was recently introduced to Strongbow! after being more than 10 years in the market.
The world’s leading cider brand is launching three new flavors with a glossy new 330ml bottle packaging. I would usually pick berries over apple because some apple ciders can be dry and Strongbow specializes in apple ciders.
So I thought, why not give it a try? I gave all three flavors a try and my favorite was the Gold Apple. It also has the highest alcohol content of 5% among the other 3 flavors.
– Strongbow Gold Apple (Original)
– Strongbow Elderflower
– Strongbow Red Berries
It was a cosy evening that night where we got to lay down on the picnic mats and indulge in ciders and food from Prive at CHIJMES.
Aren’t we cute? 🙂
Presenting you from left the right – Red Berries, Elderflower and Gold Apple.
As mentioned, the other 2 flavors has lesser alcohol content (4.5%). The Elderflower has a slightly tangy zest and a tinge of fresh lime flavors. You can taste the sweet floral aroma with hints of fresh fruits with every sip.
For the Red Berries, it leaves a mild aftertaste of the culinary apples without being too sweet nor too tart.
Although ciders can be quite mild, I still like them to be served over ice cubes 🙂
Ciders are simply good for chilling sessions anytime after work or during the weekends. You can relax and unwind with your pals in a rewarding manner. Whether it is served in a pub setting or at a weekend picnic party, Strongbow Apple Ciders connects you with friends and reenergizing through real conversations 🙂
The same for us too 🙂
Find the ciders at Cold Storage and FairPrice Finest stores island-wide and at selected bars and restaurants like Timbre, Switch, Prive and more!
The Royal Mail
This isn’t my first trip to the royal mail but the last round was to the restaurant. This round, we went upclose and personal with the bar side! Best part is they are introducing new specialty cocktail and British-inspired tapas to its menu!
Apart from the food, we were well-entertained by the interactive duet. In fact, they tried to drag couple of us to sing together with them.
This pic just scream Bliss!
Enjoying one of the their two signature drinks: Timeless English & old fashioned spice. J’s favorite was the latter as he has quite a few glass of it before i convinced him to try something else.
See! The result of having too much Old fashioned Spice.. now he has to share his cocktail with me!
This boy has always been there with me for all my events be it rain or shine! So i just had to reward him for his efforts with the all time favorite forehead kiss when he was super engross with his cocktail drink! *Territory marked* Heh Heh Heh
My personal favorite was this Cubed Beek Steak accompanied by spicy crab tomato and Bearnanise sauces. Totally irresistible! You would never just stop at one serving after you tried the first!
The Bamboo Clam with cubed squid and Ah Char sauce was also great ! It went well with the cocktails we had that night.
Sweet Potato Chips served with Onion and Shallot Salsa. It definitely look as crispy as it tastes. without the sauce, the chips were already tantalizing. Dip it in, the enjoyment just increases manifold!
Me, on the other hand, prefer sweeter drinks. I gave almost all cocktails a try!!!
I can never drink with an empty stomach no matter how much or little the alcohol content is so I ordered my favorite Fish & Chips!
The fish was so fresh. It was crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside.
Pizzas are really good for group gathering!
Chilling at The Royal Mail isn’t as expensive as you think.
The Royal Mail Bar Daily Promotions (6pm to closing)
• Monday: $5 Dirty or Dry Martinis only
• Tuesday: 1 for 1 House Pour and Premium Wine
• Wednesday: 1 for 1 keys by the Glass
• Thursday: Half-Pint Draught Beer for $5
• Friday: $10 Champagne by the Glass
Happy Hour
Happy Hour at The Royal Mail Bar is from 5pm to 8pm, where all specialty cocktails go for $10 each, and 1-for-1 House Pour (Gentlemen’s Pour 45ml) go for $15.
The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar:
The Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, 2 Finlayson Green, Singapore 049247
Contact: +65 6509 3589
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalMailSG
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 3pm to 11pm