In line with the Sicilian theme of Hotel Fort Canning’s Gattopardo restaurant, this ‘Forbidden Hill’ lobby lounge serves distinctly Italian-oriented cocktails – think fresh herbs and tangy citrus flavours. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with one such concoction, or the lack thereof, as the barman was unable to shake up the signature Sicilian Sunrise. The reason? A crucial ingredient – imported rock melon from Italy – was out of stock. Luckily, our spirits were soon lifted when the night’s first cocktail was delivered to the lush leather sofa where we had retreated to sulk.
We soon had before us what can only be described as the Godfather of Tisettanta Lounge beverage offerings. With its soft, lemon-sorbet consistency, white-rum flavour and fragments of mint, the bar’s blended Mojito Sorbet made up for our earlier misfortune.
Later, in the quiet of the now sparsely populated bar, we soaked in some mellow jazz and salsa while digging into an order of calzone served with garlic pita chips. The Lounge may not be a place to spend an entire evening, but it’s the ideal spot to cool your heels before dinner or a big night out. Gerard Ward