Cocktail Hour: Loof, Singapore

Loof

Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Level 3, 331 North Bridge Rd, Singapore

The View:

Located on a low-rise rooftop, overlooking Singapore's iconic Raffles Hotel and surrounded by the city's towering skyscrapers, it's an impressive outlook, especially once night falls and the always striking Marina Bay Sands tower lights up in the distance.

The Vibe: Was bustling with an after-work crowd on a Tuesday evening, with several tables reserved for large groups. The thumping EDM soundtrack was a bit more intense than necessary for a school night but the open air setting means you can still have a conversation without being drowned out.

The Chat: Once I worked out the system (table service only; even if you sit at the bar, you cannot place orders directly with the bartenders, rather, you have to order through a server) the service was excellent. My man Raj found me a table, talked through the Happy Hour offer and introduced me to the potent but delicious Bubble Tea menu.

The Menu: Is fairly comprehensive and offers a selection of wines (which will make your Kiwi eyes weep - $135 for a Pegasus Bay sauvignon semillon that retails for $30 at home), spirits and cocktails - including three variations on the Bubble Tea cocktail, which puts a local spin on Long Island iced tea. I opted for the Agave Bubble Tea, featuring tequila, cherry liqueur, Campari, grapefruit, agave, homemade ginger beer and tapioca. It was stiff and sour - and still cheaper than the wine.

Loof's Kaya Lumpur, a refreshing concoction full of local flavours like pineapple rum, kaya, citrus, house bitters and fresh basil. Photo / Instagram

The Expectation:

Loof features regularly on lists of Singapore's best bars - and is frequently name-checked as the city's best rooftop bar. It also happened to be walking distance from my hotel, which put it at the top of my list.

The Reality: The service is good, the drinks are strong and the view is superb. What more do you need? I suspect this place would be a madhouse on a Friday or Saturday night. Hot tip: Leave your heels at home. The dress code is relaxed with most people sporting sneakers and flats. Plus the decking will destroy your stilettos.

Loof's #gummiberry shot, concocted with a delightful mix of gin, cointreau, berries and topped with a flame-toasted meringue. Photo / Insagram