Vodka Ribena, pinball machines: Singapore’s rising retro bars reflect new movement in city state’s nightlife scene
- Bar managers A Phat Cat Collective are using strong retro vibes and unique quirks of the Lion City to attract locals looking for something they can relate to
- Western imports Ministry of Sound, Cafe del Mar and Zirca all promised to bring a slice of London, Ibiza or Las Vegas to Singapore, but summarily closed
What were some of your favourite childhood drinks? For most kids in Asia, particularly Singapore, you might hear any variation of the following: blackcurrant fruit drink Ribena, the malty chocolate mix Milo, or even root beer from a particular fast-food chain.
If you think you’ve outgrown those drinks, Singaporean bar Nineteen80 is here to prove otherwise. Stepping into this bar makes a visitor feel like a kid in a candy shop – only this time, the sugared confections come with an alcoholic kick.
Forget about Western concoctions like Bloody Marys, or “Singaporean” cocktails such as the touristy Singapore Sling. This bar’s menu includes Vodka Ribena, Rootbeer Splash (for adults mourning the departure of American fast-food chain A&W) and the cendol-inspired Cococabana.
Nineteen80 also serves up a quartet of pizzas that come with some familiar names – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello – named after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the immensely popular late ’80s cartoon.
All this is set against a neon-tinged backdrop and accompanied by pop and R&B hits from the early 2000s. Old-school arcade machines and cassette tapes line the walls, while giant pixelated murals of retro icons such as Bruce Lee and Pac-Man tower over revellers.