Time to wet your whistle

Why wait till the weekend to relax with a cocktail?

There is nothing criminal in bidding au revoir to Monday blues with an ice-cold brew. Leaving the office early, or even on time, can be a delicious feeling.

Here are some watering holes to add to your list of late-afternoon unwinds.

FOR THE BEST VIEWS

Where: Ku De Ta, 1, Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.

When: Club Lounge is open daily, 11am until late.

It's the talk of the town after Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow's stunning photo shoot for an airline ad.

Ku De Ta comprises three integrated outlets - Sky Bar, Club Lounge and the beautiful Sky Deck - and is beautiful both in the day and at night.

Aside from letting you chill out at 200m above street level, this setting also serves world-class Asian cuisine and exquisite cocktails created by the hotel's mixologists.

Where: Axis Bar and Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5, Raffles Avenue, Marina Square.

When: 11am to midnight, Sunday to Thursday; 11am to 1am, Friday and Saturday.

This spot overlooking the breathtaking Marina Bay exudes stylish sophistication.

Sip refreshing cocktails or champagne, and munch on a selection of tapas as you relax in this intimate lounge.

The bar prides itself on its exclusive cocktails. Try the Mandarin Sling or, for something a touch more hip, the Mandarin Mojito. Either of them will put thoughts of the office behind you.

FOR THAT LUXE FEEL

Where: Lantern, The Fullerton Bay hotel Singapore, 80, Collyer Quay.

When: 8am to 1am, Sunday to Thursday; 8am to 2am, Friday and Saturday.

This rooftop bar with a view of the Marina Bay waterfront and Singapore skyline, offers an array of Sauvignon Blancs and Merlots from around the world.

Of course, there is a sizeable selection of champagne too.

When you have items on the menu like hand-rolled duck nori spring rolls, smoked salmon, spinach ricotta and brie cheese pizzas, describing the food selection as "snacks" feels like an undersell.

FOR EYE CANDY

Where: Bikini Bar, 50, Siloso Beach Walk.

When: 2pm to 11pm, Monday to Thursday; 2pm to 1am, Friday; 11am to 1am, Saturday; 11am to 11pm, Sunday.

This is perfect if you don't have time for a weekend getaway but are in dire need of a Bali-esque beachside chill out.

Relax with beers, cocktails or wine. Or go for broke with shooters and frozen cocktails.

To really get in the holiday mood, go all out on tasty pub grub like tacos, nachos, chicken wings and pizza.

The best part is that you don't have to think too hard about planning your outfit. Hint: It's in the name of the place.

FOR THE OLD-SCHOOL

Where: Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, 1, Beach Rd.

When: 11am to 12.30am, Sunday to Thursday; 11am to 1.30am, Friday and Saturday.

Stepping into Long Bar is stepping into nostalgia. Savour the two-storey colonial architecture, inspired by the plantation houses of 1920's Malaya, as you sip on that signature tourist tipple - the Singapore Sling.

Expect contemporary and pop hits from the resident bar band.

This article was first published on Nov 16, 2014.
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