Bar Middle

In an industry obsessed with being the "best", it takes confidence to call your bar "Middle". But for founder Gavin Teverasan, the name isn't about playing it safe, it's about finding balance. Having cut his teeth just a few doors away at 28 HongKong Street before spending years honing his craft across some of Singapore's best cocktail programmes, Teverasan finally opens a place that feels entirely his own. It's where American warmth meets Japanese precision, with a touch of Taiwanese soul thrown in for good measure.

The vibe

As we're handed warm towels and glasses of cold genmaicha, Teverasan smiles and says, 'Let me be serious, you guys have fun.' This pretty much sums up the experience at Bar Middle.

Yes, there's unmistakable Japanese influence here. Every drink is crafted with meticulous care, but unlike some minimalist Japanese cocktail bars where conversations are hushed and cocktail prices are unlisted, Bar Middle keeps things relaxed. The lighting is low enough for date night while the Japanese hip-hop and city pop soundtrack keeps things casual.

The drinks

Start the night with the refreshing gimlet fizz, one of Teverasan's signature drinks. It's bright, citrusy and very well balanced. Then there's It's Just Negi, Bar Middle's answer to the dirty martini. Infused with Japanese leek, sake and a gently savoury brine, it carries all the umami character you'd expect without veering into aggressively salty territory. Even if you normally avoid dirty martinis, this is a surprisingly approachable gateway.

Across the board, every cocktail feels remarkably restrained. Nothing is over-garnished, over-sweetened or overloaded with ingredients. The drinks know exactly what they're trying to achieve and they get there with confidence.

The food

Food plays a supporting role rather than the main event. Without a full kitchen, the menu stays intentionally compact, offering bar snacks like well-seasoned edamame to tide you over between rounds.

The standout, however, is the three cup chicken. Served as sticky, deeply savoury chicken wings, the Taiwanese comfort dish brings a welcome dose of heart to the menu. The sauce is prepared by Teverasan's mother, who has made this dish for him and his brother since they were growing up. If Teverasan ever turned this into comforting rice bowls to end the night with, we're sure there will be queues out the door.

Time Out tip

Our favourite pairing of the night was It's Just Negi alongside the three cup chicken. The off-dry savoury drink beautifully through the rich, sticky glaze, making for one of the best drink-and-snack pairings.