CHECK into these places for tasty cocktails, soothing music and impeccable service.

Axis Bar and Lounge
Level 4, The Oriental Singapore
Tel: 6885-3098
Operating hours: 10am to midnight (Sun), till 1am (Mon to Sat), Happy hours from 5 to 8pm daily, Hi-tea buffet from 3 to 5pm (Mon to Fri)

Caribbean-born jazz and soul vocalist-pianist Pierre Eugene - whose smooth vocals have often been compared to those of Nat King Cole - croons every Monday to Saturday, from 5pm. There's a Mixed Temptations promotion where guests buy a cocktail at $13++ to enjoy unlimited tapas. The crowd here ranges between ages 25 and 40.

Heat Ultralounge
Level 2, Royal Plaza on Scotts
Tel: 6589-7722
Operating hours: 11am to 2am (Mon to Thu), till 3am (Fri), 3pm to 3am (Sat), till 3am (Sun), Martinis, mojitos, caipirinhas, draft Tiger beer, house-pour spirits and house wine go at a special nett price of $9.90 from 5 to 8.30pm daily

A band entertains from 8.30pm in an intimate, cosy setting. Complimentary snacks are served daily between 5 and 7pm, attracting the office crowds who come for a bite and a drink. During the ongoing Rugby World Cup, the bar will open till the end of the last game.

Ink Club Bar
Level 1, Raffles The Plaza
Tel: 6431-6156/6431-5315
Operating hours: 5pm to 2am (Sun to Thu), till 3am (Fri, Sat and eve of public holidays), Champagne hour from 5 to 9pm daily with Moet Chandon champagne by the glass going at half price, Happy hours from 5 to 9pm daily

A band from the Philippines, Co-Ed Liza (main head picture), entertains, alongside a resident DJ spinning sexy and funky club music. Young adults to middle-aged professionals gather here for a drink and a chat, as well as couples who like the mood and ambience.

J Bar
Level 9, M Hotel Singapore
Tel: 6421-6233
Operating hours: 5pm to 1am (Mon to Thur, Sat), till 2am (Fri), Happy hours from 5 to 8.30pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays and public holidays

This classy bar in the heart of the business district offers promotions such as one-for-one deals on selected bottles and half-price discounts on all drinks and bottles during certain hours. Two local bands, Vibe and By Definition, take turns to play to the largely executive and professional crowd on selected days after 8.30pm.

The Atrium
Level 1, Pan Pacific Singapore
Tel: 6826-8240
Operating hours: The Atrium and Cabanas (7am to 1am daily), Keyaki Bar (5pm to 1am daily)

The Atrium comprises the main bar, Keyaki Bar, and the more private Cabanas. A band performs daily from 7 to 11pm, as complimentary tapas are passed around at Keyaki Bar from 5 to 7.30pm, and from 6.30 to 8.30pm at The Atrium. They also boast a range of drink promotions on champagnes, saketinis and martinis, and a liquid buffet for unlimited drinks.

The Bar and Alfresco
Level 1, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Tel: 6734-1110
Operating hours: 8am to 1am daily

As its name implies, Alfresco is an outdoor extension of The Bar, so guests have the option of open-air or air-conditioned seating. A Latin pianist and singer-duo perform from 8 to 11pm on Thursdays to Saturdays, while another local duo entertain from Mondays to Wednesdays. The place attracts hotel guests and businessmen.