Sago House

Climb three storeys and look for the iron hand on the shophouse door to know you’ve arrived. Described by the owners – bar veterans Jay Gray, Desiree Jane Silva and George Abishek – as “raw as fuck”, this neighbourhood joint came to life during Singapore’s lockdown. But Sago is more than a by-product of the pandemic; it had been percolating for over a year by the time it launched. Built by hand by the team, 80% of the salvaged-chic kit-out is from upcycled objects, with the pared-back back bar feeling akin to drinks at a friend’s place in a trendy pocket of Berlin or Tel Aviv. Fed by the local market, six weekly concoctions are graffitied onto frosted-glass windows: Don’t Go Bacon my Heart sees bacon-washed mezcal combined with tequila and root beer, while Oregano Be My Girl? features spiced rum, amaro, oregano and blueberry compote, lime and bitters. Curried mac ‘n’ cheese’ll help soak it up. Words by: Worlds 50 Best Bars