Modern takes on familiar flavours

FOR a warm welcome back to the bar life, follow a red carpet of paint up a Keong Saik shophouse staircase, to the door with an elephant's-head knocker. Behind it lies The Elephant Room, a "culture-forward" cocktail bar inspired by Little India.

No cold industrial vibe here. Instead, there are brick walls, terracotta tile flooring in homage to Tekka Market, and a vermillion wall plastered with clippings. Guests are greeted by friendly staff eager to explain the stories behind each cocktail, and with a welcome drink that changes weekly.

"People come here not just to drink cocktails but to have an experience with us," says co-owner and head bartender Yugnes Susela. The bar emerged from the long drought of the "circuit-breaker" with an updated menu and a greater focus on that experiential aspect.