[top photo: The new rooftop Orgo bar at the Esplanade]

By Cara Van Miriah

Singapore's rooftop bars are providing plenty of options for tippling on top of the world.

Two new venues have breezed onto the nightlife scene with great cityscape views, exotic cocktail menus and trendy decor.

They are the month-old Mr Punch Winebar on the roof of the Mint Museum of Toys in Seah Street, and two-week-old Orgo bar, on the Esplanade's roof terrace on the fourth floor.

They bring the number of rooftop bars dotting Singapore to at least nine. The latest newcomer on the starry bar scene, Orgo, has a dazzling, 360-degree view of Marina Bay, the upcoming Marina Sands integrated resort and the towering skyscrapers of the central business district.

Another reason to hoof it to the roof is Orgo's exotic cocktails, which are created by Japanese celebrity bartender Tomoyuki Kitazoe. His creations include Orgo's signature cocktail, the soursop calamansi martini.

Bargoers can also chill out in three air-conditioned 'glass houses'. These are 3m-high structures that can take between eight and 15 people.

The chic hangout is run by Mad Scientists, a local design and lifestyle company. It has a three-year lease on the 167 sq m space on the Esplanade's roof terrace.

Managing director Nick Yen, 40, introduced the glass-house bar concept at the Central riverside mall during the Formula One season in Singapore last September.

The idea proved a hit. Now, there are also plans to introduce communal dining in one of the three glass houses at Orgo when the kitchen opens later this month.

Not far away is Mr Punch Winebar, a rooftop bar with a mid-level view of Stamford Road's cityscape.

Mr Punch Winebar.

The quirky watering hole on the sixth floor of the toy museum is named after the traditional English puppet show featuring the characters Punch and his wife Judy.

It is run by Mint's chief executive officer and art collector Chang Yang Fa, 59.

Patrons encounter a nostalgic vibe at Mr Punch, as the bar features Mr Chan's personal collection of over 50 original enamel posters and tin plates dating as far back as the 1890s.

The collection, including a retro Quaker Oats enamel sign, is estimated to be worth over US$150,000 (S$225,000).

And the bar's L-shaped wooden counter originated from a 1920s remittance centre. Mr Chang bought it for 'a few thousand dollars years ago' from a rag-and-bone man in Middle Road.

The cosy watering hole, which takes up to 80 people, draws mainly young professionals out for 'dinner and cheap drinks in a homely environment'.

Mr Chang, who picked up his enamel pieces in Japan, Hong Kong, India and Taiwan, tells LifeStyle: 'The rooftop bar complements the cafe and museum. The draw is not just the view but also the heritage element.'

Apart from Orgo and Mr Punch Winebar, there are at least nine rooftop bars in Singapore, which include Loof at Odeon Towers, Breeze at Scarlet Hotel in Erskine Road and Screening Room in Ann Siang Hill.

Two are private venues: In Seah Street, there is Naumi Hotel's 10th-floor guest-only rooftop bar and infinity swimming pool overlooking the cityscape at Stamford Road, and the members-only Rooftop Bar in Pagoda Street.

Next month, open-air lovers can chill under the stars at a new venue, The Nest at DXO nightspot beside the Esplanade Mall.

But do note this down-to-earth point: The 232 sq m Balinese-style rooftop venue, which overlooks the bustling food street at Colours by the Bay and Esplanade Drive, is open only for private bookings.

A DXO spokesman explains why it is going to new heights: 'There isn't enough room during weekends at the alfresco bar on the ground floor. So we decided to open the rooftop bar. This will give bar-goers a choice of two outdoor venues.'

And when it rains? Some drinking holes have either retractable awnings or indoor areas to shelter guests.

Others such as Mr Punch Winebar, Orgo and The Nest have partially air-conditioned indoor areas for when it is wet, or too hot and sticky.

This is a plus for advertising manager Shauna Koh, 34. She says: 'The view may be great but sometimes it can get really warm and humid outdoors. That is when you wish there is an air-conditioned room nearby to take the heat off.'

caravm@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times.