Latest news with #SideDoor
Time Out
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Bartender Spotlight: Bannie Kang from Side Door wants you to ST*U and drink her cocktails
Tucked behind a nondescript door along Neil Road, Side Door is the kind of place that doesn't shout for attention – but once you're in, it doesn't let go. Founded by a talented bartender-and-chef duo, this cosy cocktail den (No. 53 on Asia's 50 Best Bars' 51-100 list) is where personal storytelling and technical finesse collide. It's not your typical bar. And Bannie Kang isn't your typical bartender. Our first sip of anything Bannie made was in 2018 during her Anti:Dote days – a time when cocktail-making was more about spectacle. Back then, she was slinging everything from drinks served in fabric-sack lookalike cups hiding baby carrots, to whimsical sharing cocktails spinning on miniature ferris wheels. Bannie's cocktails aren't anything like that now. These days, the 36-year-old has settled into a signature style that's unmistakably her own – clarified, minimalistic, yet layered and complex. She's also racked up an impressive list of accolades, including World Class Bartender of the Year in 2019 and the Bartender's Bartender Award in 2021. And most recently, she's also gained a worthy disciple (and contender) – her husband, Tryson Quek, who was just named World Class Singapore 2025 champion. Seven years later, we had the chance to chat with Bannie to find out about her favourite creations at Side Door, the bar's unofficial anthem (it's a cheeky one) and her thoughts on the latest cocktail trends. Scroll on to see what she's got to say – and don't forget to check out more of Singapore's best bars in the Time Out Singapore 2025 Bar Guide, out now and available for free here. If Side Door had a theme song, what would it be? ST*U by Sophie Powers, from the latest season of American Idol. We chose this song because sometimes we really just don't care. We don't want to bother about others' opinions, we just want to focus on what we do. What is a must-try cocktail at Side Door? Seaside. It's inspired by a classic cocktail – the paloma – but flavour-wise, it's very different. We add fresh watermelon, Amaro, some citrus, and then fat-wash it with curry leaves, coconut oil, and tequila. It's a little savoury, very refreshing, and one of our top sellers. If it's someone's first time at Side Door, we always recommend they try Seaside. What is an underrated cocktail on your menu? There are two. One of them is Shallow Mellow, inspired by a drink I used to love when I was living in Taiwan, called 烏梅汁 (wu mei zhi). It's great for digestion. Our version still has hibiscus and Taiwanese smoked plum, but we also use tequila, peach syrup, and we carbonate the drink. It's very refreshing, but not everybody loves the smokiness of ume. The other is Same Same Salad, a martini-style cocktail with cucumber, basil and olive oil. It's a bright, refreshing style of the martini, but people are scared to order it because they think it's going to be strong. Which cocktail trend do you want to see more of? I want to see more simple, classic, back-to-basics cocktails. Nowadays, lots of people are using fancy equipment and complicated techniques. Back then, when I just started bartending, we didn't have all of that. Just as the fashion industry goes in rounds, and something popular 10 years ago can come back into trend, the bar scene is like that too. That's the reason Bar Leone in Hong Kong is doing very well, because they do really simple cocktails. What's another bar in the neighbourhood you'd recommend? I've always recommended Night Hawk because of the team, the vibes, and the drinks – there's a really great harmony among everything. I love the energy of the bar. Discover more of Singapore's best bars in the Time Out Singapore 2025 Bar Guide, out now and available for free here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg)
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025: Six bars in Singapore make it on the 51-100 list
It's that time of the year again: Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 is drawing near, and ahead of the top 50 announcement ceremony on July 15, the academy has first released its usual extended 51-100 list last evening. This year, Singapore sweeps the charts again with six of our bars making the extended ranking. We may be two short of last year, but the good news is that we're still the city with the most bars on the list. In particular, we celebrate a fresh face: Side Door steps straight into the spotlight with an impressive debut at No. 53. Tucked away inconspicuously along Neil Road, Side Door is the brainchild of acclaimed bartender Bannie Kang (anyone remember her Bartender's Bartender win in 2021?) and chef Tryson Quek. The cosy space fuses Bannie's clean, minimalist cocktails with thoughtful small plates – and evidently, the judges noticed. It's not the best day for everyone else on the list, with some major tumbles from last year's top 50 rankings. Following closely behind Side Door is Sago House at No. 56, slipping from last year's 15th place on the main list. Pause the panic though – the gritty, graffiti-splashed dive bar is still a long-time favourite for its fuss-free drinks and relentless charm. There's also Origin Bar (No. 60) which placed at No. 32 last year, known for its transportative, travel-themed menu. Night Hawk (No. 77) also takes a hit – it ranked at 16th place last year – but the bar is still making waves with its cinematic speakeasy concept and excellent drinks. Rounding off the list for Singapore: OG stalwart Employees Only (No. 89) slips off its 38th place from last year, and Fura (No. 95 this year, No. 42 in 2024) bags the final spot for Singapore with its planet-friendly cocktails and bar bites. This year's extended list spans 23 cities in Asia and 14 new entries, reflecting the region's dynamic cocktail landscape. The main Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list will be revealed live in Macau on July 15, marking the first time the awards touch down in the city. Fingers crossed that we'll see even more Singapore bars make the final cut, especially after a particularly stellar performance last year. While we wait, check out the full Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 51-100 list below:
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Asia's 50 Best Bars: 6 Singapore bars make 51-100 list
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Side Door at Neil Road was the highest Singapore entrant on the 51-100 list at No. 53. SINGAPORE – Ahead of the Asia's 50 Best Bars ceremony in Macau on July 15, the 51-100 list has been released, with six Singapore venues making the cut. In 2024, eight Singapore bars make the 51-100 list and 11 made the top 50. Singapore had the most entrants of any Asian city on 2025's 51-100 list, led by Side Door at No. 53. This is the first appearance by the intimate restaurant-bar in Neil Road. It was opened in end 2023 by chef-bartender couple Tryson Quek and Bannie Kang, two well-known veterans in the local food and beverage scene. The remaining entrants all fell from their 2024 spots. They include Sago House in Duxton Hill at No. 56 (down from No. 15), Origin Bar at Shangri-La Hotel at No. 60 (down from No. 32), Night Hawk in Tanjong Pagar Road at No. 77 (down from No. 16). The final two Singapore bars on the list are Amoy Street spots: Employees Only at No. 89 (down from No. 38) and Fura at No. 95 (down from No. 42). Among the other Asian cities, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo were each represented by four bars. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Over 40% of Singaporean seniors have claimed SG60 vouchers: Low Yen Ling Singapore Live: Is using Gen AI for schoolwork and tests cheating? Asia 4 dead, 38 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Singapore Jail for 'sugar daddy' who gave minor cash for sex, threatened to post her explicit videos online Singapore Train service resumes across Bukit Panjang LRT line after power fault led to 3-hour disruption Singapore 17-year-old youth charged with trespassing on MRT tracks; to be remanded at IMH Business Microsoft cutting 9,000 jobs companywide in second major wave of layoffs this year Shenzhen, Phnom Penh and Kaohsiung made their debuts on the list with one bar each. The annual Asia's Best Bars ranking is based on the votes of Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, which comprises bartenders, drinks media and other drinks experts from across the region. It is organised by William Reed, which also manages The World's 50 Best Bars and The World's 50 Best Restaurants accolades.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tryson Quek from Side Door crowned World Class Singapore 2025 champion
After months of fierce competition, Singapore has crowned its new World Class Bartender of the Year. At last night's finale held at Baia, Tryson Quek, the affable chef-turned-bartender and owner of Side Door, emerged as the winner of one of the country's most prestigious cocktail competitions. He beat out a strong field of finalists: Marco Maiorano (КОМА), Zana Möhlmann (Manhattan), Kelvin Saquilayan (Republic Bar), Ooi Foo Giap (Last Word), and Sam Pang (Night Hawk), who each brought their own distinct style and skill to the competition. This year's final unfolded in two parts, designed to push the boundaries of innovation, speed and bartending finesse. First up was the Drink to the Future challenge, which asked contestants to imagine what the world of cocktails might look like in the decades to come. Their creations had to incorporate either Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Don Julio 1942, or Zacapa XO, and make use of technology. What we saw was a forward-looking display of imagination: plants turned into music to suggest a future where we might converse with our food, magnetic stirrers and ultrasonic infusers aimed at improving bar efficiency, and thoughtful ingredients like hydroponically grown tomatoes and carbon-capturing seaweed that point towards a more sustainable approach to drinking. Next came The Showdown, a speed challenge that tested both composure and technical skill. Finalists had five minutes to shake, stir and present five elevated classic cocktails: a highball with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a Paloma with Don Julio 1942, an Old Fashioned with Zacapa XO, a Manhattan using Singleton 15 Year Old, and a Martini with Tanqueray No. Ten. They were free to interpret the drinks, as long as the core of each cocktail remained intact. It was a tight, high-energy round where each finalist had to work with precision and pace while demonstrating showmanship and brand knowledge. The judging panel comprised Ervin Trykowski, Diageo's global brand ambassador for New Age Whisky; Pedison Kao, Taiwan's World Class Bartender of the Year and global third-place winner; Adam Bursik, director of beverage at Shangri-La Singapore; and Nicole-Marie Ng, Time Out's regional content director for APAC. Together, we assessed a strong showing of ingenuity, technical precision and excellent drinks. In the end, it was Tryson's blend of bold flavours, charming confidence and relentless creativity that earned him the top spot. While he hasn't been behind the bar for long, he used his background as a chef to his advantage. His win also marks a full-circle moment for Singapore's cocktail scene. The last time World Class was held in Singapore was in 2019, when Bannie Kang, Tryson's wife, took home both the national and global titles. Now, five years on, she passes the baton to her husband to represent Singapore at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto this September.
Time Out
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
How to experience the World Class Cocktail Festival in Singapore
The challenges As the first phase of the competition, Singapore's top bartenders kickstarted with a high-stakes shake-off on April 2, challenged to craft two showstopping cocktails in one day. The first was a tequila-based creation using Don Julio, followed by a rum-based concoction featuring Zacapa. The Don Julio challenge called for bold tequila-based drinks using both local and Canadian-inspired ingredients – a nod to the grand finals in Toronto. Think pandan and gula melaka meet maple syrup and Hawaiian pizza – a wild, multicultural flavour ride. But it wasn't just about taste – bartenders had to bring storytelling, technique, and creativity to the table, paying homage to Don Julio's legacy dating back to 1942. Then came Zacapa's dreamy Above the Clouds challenge, featuring Asian ingredients like kaya, Japanese yuzu, and even Himalayan sea buckthorn. We saw everything from using dry ice to create a foggy effect to fluffy foam that mirrored the puffy clouds. Sitting on the judging panel were the global winner of World Class Bartender of the Year 2019, Side Door's Bannie Kang, and two-time World Class Bartender of the Year Singapore winner, Jigger and Pony's Aki Eguchi. They were joined by industry leaders, including the director of Diageo Bar Academy Asia Pacific, Lam Chi Mun; the brand ambassador of Diageo Philippines, Rian Asiddao; Bar Convent Berlin's Henry Stonham; and Augustman's Indran Paramasivam. The competition was fierce, the cocktails phenomenal, and the crowd were full of excitement. Now, the top 20 are prepping for round two – taking on Tanqueray and The Singleton – before the next challenge with Johnnie Walker. Here are the top 20 bartenders: Tryson Quek – Side Door (winner of the first challenge and the Don Julio category) Marco Maiorano – KOMA (standout in the Zacapa category) Sam Pang – Night Hawk Josiah Chee – Bar Bon Funk Colin Chng – Bar Bon Funk Kelvin Saquilayan – Republic Bar Mate Csizmadia – The Bar at 15 Stamford James Dela Rosa – WAKUDA Cherry Lee – Origin Bar Anton Gornev – The Mirabilis Bar Ooi Foo Giap – Last Word Lam Ho Yung – Last Word Orman Bag-ao – CUT by Wolfgang Puck Qing Ting – Madame Fan Zana Mohlmann – Manhattan Jeeivan – The Elephant Room Kim DongJe – The Backdrop Valerie Natasha Valentine – Atlas Gabriel Gan – Gibson Joel Accad – Silly Goose SUSHISAMBA stirred up some serious love from fans, earning it March's World Class Cocktail Festival Experience of the Month. The bars to check out during the festival Now it's your turn to drink in the action – literally. The World Class Cocktail Festival is the perfect excuse to bar hop between some of Singapore's most stylish, talked-about, and downright delicious drinking spots. Whether you're partial to dimly lit speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors or love the vibe of plush hotel bars, each venue is pulling out all the stops for this city-wide celebration. And the fun doesn't stop with the top 20 contenders. Bars all across town are joining the party, including SUSHISAMBA, WOOBAR, Sugarhall, Plume, MO Bar, and many more. Each serving up their own inventive festival-exclusive cocktails featuring the heavy hitters of the spirits world: Don Julio, Zacapa, Tanqueray, The Singleton, and Johnnie Walker. It's a full-on flavour fest – and the perfect chance to catch these cocktail maestros in their element, shaking, stirring, and serving up liquid gold right at their home bars. The festival's exclusive cocktails to try Now, let's talk about the drinks. These aren't your average cocktails – they're masterpieces crafted exclusively for the festival, and you won't want to miss any. Spice things up with The Backdrop's Pho-ntastic Ensemble ($27), a tequila-based concoction with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and a fiery chilli twist. Or, sip on Plume's PaJANGma ($25), a bold mix of Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit liqueur, gochujang, and lime for a smoky-spicy kick. For something truly unique, The Elephant Room's Indian Lion ($25) is a must-try, blending The Singleton whisky with tandoori nectar, fenugreek vermouth, and pickled onion for a savoury surprise. If you're dreaming of your next holiday, let Bae's Jungle & Single ($26) whisk you away to a tropical paradise with The Singleton whisky and vibrant passionfruit, or take a trip to Japan with KOMA's Hanami Dream ($25) – a delicate and fruity fusion of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, lychee, sakura, and peach soda. For creamy spins of Ron Zacapa 23, Last Word's Banana Punch ($27) delights with banana, Branca Menta, yuzu, and milk, while Night Hawk's milk punch-style The Hollow Glass ($25) does so with fermented honey syrup, black tea, lemon-pineapple blend, and balsamic vinegar mist. Side Door's Tiramisu ($25) – a decadent rum-based treat featuring Zacapa 23, brownie, coffee, and Baileys – and SUSHISAMBA's Velvet Pursuit ($20) with The Singleton 12, cherry, vanilla, coffee and lemon are set to perk you up. And that's just the beginning. With so many festival-only creations waiting to be discovered, the only real challenge is deciding which to try first. Pro tip: Ask for the World Class Festival menu when you visit the participating bars. Cast your vote for a chance to win a prize As if sipping exclusive cocktails wasn't rewarding enough, you also get to support your favourite bar by voting for it. Cast your vote, and you'll be automatically entered into a lucky draw with some seriously enticing prizes – think bar vouchers perfect for your next night out with friends. The voting refreshes every month after each challenge, giving you another chance to support your favourite bartender (and score more goodies). Just remember: it's one vote per month, so make it count. Haven't voted yet? Time to get started here. This is it – the cocktail event of the year, and it's one no cocktail lover in Singapore should miss. Check out the full list of participating bars and locations here, and get ready to toast to an unforgettable festival. Cheers!
