ANTI:DOTE

Just a few steps from City Hall MRT Station, ANTI:DOTE sits on the ground floor of Fairmont Singapore like a well-kept secret for the after-work crowd. Slip inside and the buzz of the CBD fades into plush seating, amber lighting and quietly luxe vibes. But what really sets the bar apart is its clever Cure:All menu, a cocktail concept that asks not what you want to drink, but how you’re feeling. Frazzled after back-to-back meetings? Or simply ready to channel your main-character moment? Consider this stylish apothecary of cocktails the perfect remedy.

The vibe 

Hotel bars often lean predictable, but ANTI:DOTE keeps things interesting. The space balances five-star polish with an intimate lounge feel – leather armchairs sink low, marble-topped tables gleam under warm chandeliers, and artworks by Singapore artist Yip Yew Chong add character to the room. Behind the bar, mixologists move with quiet theatre, crafting drinks with house-made ingredients and careful flair. It’s a spot with serious cocktail credentials too – it’s recognised on The World's 50 Best Bars Discovery list. Think sophisticated yet relaxed – somewhere you can linger over a drink, whether it’s a midweek wind-down or the start of a long night out.

The food 

The food here is designed to keep pace with the drinks. The menu leans towards polished bar bites with a global twist, ideal for sharing between sips. Crowd favourites include the crunchy signature fried chicken ($18) with spicy honey ranch dressing. Then there’s the decadent N25 caviar ($35) served with salt-and-vinegar chips and onion crème fraîche dip, a playful take on luxury snacking. The manchego cheese and tapioca fritters ($8) with piquillo pepper aioli are golden little nuggets of comfort, while other plates riff on Spanish pintxos-style bites and indulgent sliders. Everything arrives in neat, elegant portions, just enough to buffer the booze without slowing down the evening.

The drink 

The real magic happens on the Cure:All cocktail menu (from $26), where drinks are grouped by mood rather than spirit. Feeling bold? The Confident: Discover section serves playful, theatrical creations like the gin-based, colour-shifting Curious Chameleon. Indulge: Empowered is where richer tipples live, including the whisky-laced Main Character Energy, a smooth mix of rye whiskey, vermouth and berry liqueur designed for nights when you’re feeling unstoppable. Meanwhile, Reset: Recharged offers lighter, soothing concoctions like the aptly named Burnout Brew, which blends Sakura Tea Gin with honey and Aperol jelly for a gentle pick-me-up. There’s even a Clarity section of non-alcoholic drinks, proving you don’t need booze to join the party.

Time Out tip 

Come earlier in the day for ANTI:DOTE’s afternoon tea. The bar regularly collaborates with art galleries to create an edible exhibition where desserts mirror actual artworks. The concept rotates every few months, and the current edition features a partnership with OdetoArt, spotlighting contemporary Indonesian artist Acong until April 30.