Bar Bar Black Sheep

This smartly named mini-chain of genial joints – the original tucked away in a food court off Bukit Timah, its upscale stablemate in Robertson Quay – offers far more than just a genial pub environment. The busy bar at each also flanks three great-value eateries serving wholesome Indian, Thai and Western fare. Meanwhile, the mix of locals and chilled-out ‘foreign talent’ sups European beer in, respectively, a landscaped garden complete with mini-fish pond and a delightful riverside promenade ensconced in expat condo-land.

With its impressively low bar prices (a pint of Stella Artois is just $8 in Bukit Timah, and $10 at Robertson), Bar Bar’s has carved a niche as a reliably affordable drinks-and-dinner brand whose heavy-drinking patrons and easygoing service make for an infectiously vibrant ambience. It’s a winning formula that ensures both the chain’s hotspots are permanently packed, and as a sure sign they’re not dwindling in popularity, the Robertson haunt came in as runner-up in the Best New Bar category at Time Out Singapore’s 2010 Best Of awards. There’s another one coming soon in Boat Quay, too – watch this space for more details.