PROOF CREATIVE CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE OPULENT REPUBLIC BAR AT THE RITZ-CARLTON IN SINGAPORE

Helming the revitalisation of the East Wing of the hotel was globally-acclaimed design firm tonychi studio, whose previous works include the Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel in Kowloon. Meticulous and discerning design touches are showcased throughout three separate spaces: the Library Reception, the Republic Lounge and the Republic Bar. One design highlight is a curated display of spirits evoking of the four cultural epicentres, an ode to the famous home bars of the 1960s. Each ‘Home Bar’ is adorned with red Venetian glass, 1960s vintage spirits bottles and the requisite crystal and barware for serving a well-balanced stirred drink. Guests can relive the era with authentic liquid history, imbibing on their drink of choice.

The Republic Bar team is led by Head Bartender Martin Villareal, Beverage Manager Konstantin Nemolochnyi and Outlet Manager Rudi Mohamed. Much of the team came together in the hotel’s award-winning Chihuly Lounge, which anchored the East Wing prior to the renovation. As a result, the team was intimately involved in the menu development from start to finish, supported by the Proof Creative team. Guests at Republic Bar can expect thoughtful, immaculately garnished cocktails, each prepared in 1960s style.

 “Being a part of Republic’s opening is a huge honour for me. To work alongside tonychi studio and the expert Proof Creative team was both exciting and educational. Republic Bar is the result of our collective effort. We feel very proud to share this new experience with Singapore – home to one of the most vibrant cocktail scenes in the world,” notes Nemolochnyi.

The Merlion, a national Singapore icon born in the 1960s, takes centre stage in the Mythical Beast Cocktail, which uses a base spirit from Singapore’s first full-fledged microdistillery, Brass Lion Distillery. A spirituous stirred drink, Brass Lion Gin is blended with Tio Pepe sherry, house-prepared Port City syrup, citric solution and Scrappy’s Orleans Bitters.

The Mini Skirt Cocktail takes inspiration from one of Britain’s most famous design ideas from the 1960s period by fashion designer, Mary Quant. A red-hued, sour-style drink with citrus and berry notes, this cocktail is a shaken blend of Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Luxardo Limoncello Liqueur, Pimm’s No. 1, house-prepared cranberry pineapple cordial and citrus stock. The Mini Skirt is served in an era-inspired bespoke cocktail coupe designed by British purveyors, John Jenkins & Sons, a family business who hold a Royal Warrant for crystal glassware.

A memorable quote from notorious American pop artist, Andy Warhol, who said “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” is the inspiration for the 15 Minutes of Fame Cocktail in the America selection. This drink is a  visually striking serve with chocolate paint garnish in the same vibrant colours as Warhol’s  iconic Marilyn Monroe silkscreen. Farmer’s Organic Gin and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur are balanced with clarified apple juice, verjus, cacao, Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters and topped with Champagne.

The bar’s elevated food menu is created by Executive Chef Massimo Pasquarelli and offers guests a selection of plates inspired by social and cultural trends of the 1960s. One of the culinary highlights is the boneless Texas Buffalo Wings, a reimagining of the classic bar snack with tender bites of chicken, criss-cross chips and house made ranch and barbecue sauce.

Proof Creative’s work on Republic Bar dates back to 2018, when it was asked by the hotel and its owners, longstanding clients Pontiac Land Group, to bring a signature bar concept to one of Singapore’s most iconic hotels. Over time, the Proof Creative team working on the project included Spirits Evangelists, Mimi Lorandova, Jeremy Chua and Guillermo Bravo, with support throughout from Creative Director, Jason Williams and Creative Project Coordinator, Jonathan Teo.