Singapore, Asia’s cocktail capital

WHEN the World’s 50 Best Bars awards are presented in Singapore on Oct 17, the event will shine the spotlight on a thriving local cocktail scene that continues to grow despite challenges in the food and beverage industry.

With a significant number of new bars opening in either trendy shophouse spaces or one of the many luxe hotels opening this year, bar operators have remained resilient in the face of a manpower crunch, rising costs, licensing issues and changing consumer preferences.

Even so, there have been casualties. Papa Doble (formerly The Old Man Singapore) closed in August; the 10-year-old Jekyll & Hyde will shutter on Dec 31.