Plum-Plum Shochu and Cherry Blossom Bellini
Shimmering waterfalls flank the scene of the action
Elegant decadence reminiscent of classy 1920s Shanghai
Ashish Soni, Robert Vadra, Ritu Beri, they’re all here

Dance into the wee hours, dip into scrumptious snacks or just recline with a glass of bubbly in comfortable, cushioned seats. Verve checks out the liquid assets of high end lounge bars in four rocking world metros.

Shochu
London

Shochu, a colourless distilled drink made from wheat, rice and potatoes, is Japan’s answer to vodka. Located under the restaurant, Roka, the bar of the same name, has an independent spirit with a ban on minimalism. The warm, opulent room is decorated in dark teak wood, with vast distilling barrels and a showcase displaying jars of fruit-steeped shochu. The dim lighting and corner seating are conducive to a romantic atmosphere, and it’s a great venue for secret dalliances and private rendezvous!

Of course, the speciality of the place is shochu and it’s usually quaffed as a tonic in South Korea and in shochu lounges in Japan and has the ability to carry a myriad of flavours with grace. You can choose from lychee to cinnamon; the range is extensive and it can be imbibed in a cocktail form or on the rocks. Don’t leave without sipping Plum-Plum Shochu and Cherry Blossom Bellini.

37 Charlotte Street, London W1.
Tel: +442075806464

- Nisha Paul

The Forbidden City
Singapore

The yuppie corporate crowd has suddenly rediscovered Clarke Quay along the Singapore River, in its new avatar after a recent $15 million facelift. The IndoChine Group, synonymous with fine dining, trendy nightlife options, and stylish décor has set up shop here with The Forbidden City, a restaurant-cum-lounge bar. The see-and-be-seen types walk past towering terracotta warriors to Bar Cocoon. Located in a 22,000 sq ft opulent abode, suitable for an ancient Chinese Emperor, it spells elegant decadence reminiscent of classy 1920s Shanghai.

While clubbing, sip on Vinto Terrino perfected by savvy owner, Michael Ma, Terra Cotta or Butterfly Effect. Simultaneously, nibble multi-delicacies from the Cocoon Platter.

Lore has it that the original Forbidden City had an Ice Palace where the Emperor sent his unwanted concubines. Here, though, the Ice Palace serves a totally different purpose!

Currently, only shots of 42Below are served. As drinking at extreme temperatures is different from drinking at room temperature, guests are allowed to remain for a limited time, closely monitored by bar staff.

(3A Merchant’s Court, River Valley Road, #01-02,
Singapore 179020.
Tel: + 65-65576268)

- Amita Sarwal

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