Dave Spanton is founder and publisher of Australian Bartender magazine and
www.4bars.com.au

Tippling Club

8D Dempsey Road, Singapore
www.tipplingclub.com

The Tippling Club is the most progressive bar I have ever seen. Set amidst lush rainforest in Dempsey Hills (a strong ex-pat district) this visit was to be a three hour, mind-blowing sensory experience.

The venue was co-founded by Aussie Matt Bax, who also founded and owns Der Raum cocktail bar in Melbourne which itself has won every award possible for its own drinks creativity and stellar service.

Matt’s partner in the Tippling Club is former head chef of threestarred Melbourne restaurant Vue de Monde, British born and trained Mr Ryan Clift. These close friends have set out to redefine the dinning and drinking experience not only in Singapore but internationally and they really are at the forefront of food and cocktail innovation.

I was lucky enough to be present for their local media presentation of their new drinks menu which ranged from cocktails inspired by jazz kings to MacDonald’s.

One that caught my eye was the Velvet Fog consisting of Gin, Crème de Violette, Champagne, Citrus and Floral Violet Fog. Inspired by the flavours of the Blue Moon cocktail of 1917 with their exciting “flavour fog” (utilising liquid nitrogen) technique that rests on top of the drink.

I have nothing but admiration for this venue, I only hope that Singapore is the right place for it. It’s an extremely niche concept they are trying to push and I struggled to see the enthusiasm that you might find in London or New York. I don’t see this working as a multi venue idea and the boys have to be hands-on in one venue for this concept to work.

I just hope it’s getting the support it deserves, otherwise they can pack up and head home as I’m sure it would be a hit down under, and such talent appreciated in Australia.