I must admit, this was my first-time attending a bar tasting in Novena, which isn’t the most thought of for a Friday night out or for happy hours. Who even hangs out in Novena for fun?
But as I walked out of the lift to the thirty third floor of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena and entered Las Palmas, the newly open bar at the hotel, I was stunned.
A few things caught my eye immediately: a stunning pool by the bar, a rose-quartz bartop, and the palm-springs inspired design all around.
The pool makes this rooftop bar an immediate candidate for Sunday brunches on a hot afternoon. Few rooftop bars in Singapore can compete with the heat and it was a stroke of genius for Mariott to have this on their rooftop bar. Furthermore, you get an unparalleled view of the cityscape and plenty of breeze at this height.
There are also cabanas by the pool that allow small groups to have intimate poolside gatherings while seamlessly moving in and out of the pool. The sorbet palettes adds a refreshing splash of colour and brightens up even the the darkest evenings. I haven’t gotten to the food and drinks menu yet and I already absolutely love this Palm Springs-inspired dining concept.
Cocktail menu inspired by downtown LA
True to the spirit of whisking bar-goers away to the West Coast, the cocktails are named after award-winning films, famous paintings, and popular locations.
The L.A. Confidential cocktail is made up of Venezuela Rum, cherry, oloroso sherry, cacao, cardamom, and sea salt. This chocolate-infused sipper is the perfect nightcap and might just remind you of the crime and vice of LA with every sinful sip.
The Cabana is shaken up with cognac, peach liqueur, citrus, almond and egg whites. It is a bold and adventurous drink that is best had while lazing on the poolside cabana with your feet dipped into the pool.
Their Nighthawk is made with rye whiskey, Italian rosso vermouth, pastis, strawberry root beer reduction, chilli and bitters. The drink was named after a famous painting and gives off a rich, dark and mysterious feeling with every sip.
Undoubtedly, the Las Palmas’ cocktail menu has a drink for every time and mood of the day.
Food menu with Americana, Mexican and Southern Californian dishes
Many bars have impressive cocktail offerings but leave their food menu as an afterthought. At Las Palmas, that is clearly not the case.
The team worked closely with spirit distributor Proof & Company to offer an all-day menu built around classic Americana, Mexican, and Southern Californian dishes.
Some of the highlights include smokey bourbon-barbecued baby back ribs, juicy angus beef brisket, and cheesy tacos, albeit with an Asian twist. This makes the menu perfect for a range of occasions whether it is a celebratory dinner, mid-afternoon snack, or tasty bar bites to accompany evening drinks.
One of the most raved about dishes on the menu is the CLOCK OUT CLUCK IN taco, which features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and served with fragrant grilled onions and creamy salted egg yolk. Sinful, but finger-licking good.
There is also a Singaporean twist of the classic churros at Las Palmas where you’ll find savoury salted peanut butter and a quintessential Singaporean kaya dip to accompany the fried and crispy pastry. You won’t miss the sugar on this one.
While I immediately fell in love with the modernist West Coast ambience embodied in every nook and cranny of this beautiful rooftop poolside bar, the F&B menu was equally impressive.
Instead of heading to Tanjong Beach Club or the top of MBS for your next poolside escapade, you should check out the Las Palmas rooftop bar at the top of the Courtyard hotel. Remember to make your reservation in advance of your visit as I’m sure this new kid on the block would be a hot favourite in no time.
Las Palmas is located on Level 33 of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena and opens from 5pm to 1am from Tuesdays to Fridays, and 11am to 1am on Saturdays and Sundays.
LATEST PRIVILEGES
