Nightlife specialist Thugshop’s latest foray into the F&B sphere takes patrons to a Higher Ground.
Singaporeans often bemoan the (relative) lack of new places to eat, drink and be merry. While that might indeed have been the case during the period of COVID-enforced lockdowns, in the one-and-a-half years or so since the restrictions were fully lifted, a whole raft of new dining and drinking experiences have popped up as part of our food and nightlife scene’s post-pandemic renaissance. Chief amongst those leading the charge, following the opening of Eat Sum Thing a couple of doors down last year, are nightlife specialists Thugshop, who extend their foray into the F&B scene with Higher Ground. As its name suggests, Thugshop’s latest concept is a rooftop bar on a shophouse building’s fourth storey in the heart of Boat Quay and is a groundbreaking addition to its extensive repertoire of nightlife and dining destinations.
Higher Ground’s location was clearly borne of thorough consideration — it is pretty much next door not only to Eat Sum Thing but also to Thugshop’s flagship rave venue Headquarters. Spiritually, this corner of Boat Quay is the collective’s ground zero, so it is fitting that this is where they scale new heights as well. Concept-wise, while the idea of a rooftop bar might seem incongruous both atmosphere- and decor-wise to Eat Sum Thing and Thugshop’s other nightlife ventures, it is a sophisticated nod to its roots. After all, Thugshop used to host trailblazing rooftop parties back in the day, when it was still The Council. The spirit of those rooftop parties lives on in Higher Ground, with the collective’s choice of house and disco maestro Gerd Janson to headline its launch week a hint at the venue’s open-air party potential.
Throwbacks aside, Higher Ground is a new concept and is hence driven by a new principle: that of elevated excellence, expressed through the carefully curated drinks and no-frills cuisine Higher Ground serves. In terms of the former, besides the internationally acclaimed wines, award-winning craft beers and diverse spirit collection on offer, the menu highlights are comprised of signature bespoke cocktails crafted with Orientalist spirits. The choice of Orientalist as the base for the cocktails is also a thoughtful one — founded in the region of Shangri-La, 3,300m above sea level, the Pan-Asian craft spirit manufacturer’s origins definitely align with Higher Ground’s creative vision of an elevated experience. Deriving inspiration from across Asia, the cocktails are the Oriental Spritz, a citrusy mix of Orientalist gunpowder gin, pineapple umeshu, Shikusawa umeshu, and tonic; the Dragon Makgeolli, combining the sweetness and fragrance of Orientalist Dragon whiskey, makgeolli and elderflower; and the Masala Express, a cohesive, richly-spiced union of Orientalist Solera 23 rum, yoghurt liqueur, chai, vanilla, tea and Angostura bitters. Regardless of whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, lager lover, or spirit savant, there is bound to be something for you on the menu.
The elegantly curated cocktails and alcohol collection are not the only elevated offerings, as seen in the plated dishes. Helmed by Chef Brandon Lee of Les Amis fame, the silky, smoky “Baba Ganoush” eggplant hummus dip with chips and creamy, piquant Salmon Rillette Brioche are noteworthy dishes, while the hand-stretched artisan pizzas are a must-try as well.
Interior-wise, Higher Ground’s decor is done up with elevated minimalism in mind — the industrial decor is raw, but without drowning out the touch of sophistication and elegance that the sleek leather and wooden furniture embellishes the space with. While the industrial design code is a subtle reminder of the heritage of the space it inhabits, it is also a nice juxtaposition against the city skyline, encouraging guests to take in the riverside skyline vistas offered by the higher ground, rather than competing with it. Considering the establishment’s 80-seater capacity, the space is cosy and relaxed — perfect for private events requiring a more intimate setup, for which Higher Ground can be booked out.
Higher Ground
Location: 64 Boat Quay, #04-00
Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm, Tuesday-Saturday
For more information, reservations, or private events, contact Higher Ground here, or through WhatsApp at +65 8191 6455.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2024 issue.