It’s all happening over in Tiong Bahru. This formerly quiet, slightly worn-down residential neighborhood has seen such a resurgence over the last few months, it's now quite the place to be seen on any evening. The latest offering in this on-the-rise corner of town is Coq and Balls, an edgy, slightly grungy watering hole, perfect for a laid-back evening of craft beers and indie music.
The raw industrial decor of the Coq & Balls interior — Photo courtesy of Coq & Balls
The raw industrial décor features the requisite bare brick walls so popular amongst its Tiong Bahru neighbors, while the bartenders casual attire, the rowdy customers and live sport showing on the TV screens ensure that this will never join the ranks of Singapore’s deliberately pretentious establishments.
Coq & Balls offers a wide selection of craft beers and ciders — Photo courtesy of Coq & Balls
An impressively stocked bar includes a wide collection of craft beers such as the coffee-infused Japanese Hitachino Espresso Stout, British favorites Old Speckled Hen and Wychwood Hobgoblin, and Belgium’s Kwak. Also on offer is a comprehensive selection of ciders, wines and sakes, while the cocktail menu is headed up by the dangerously named Chuck Norris and Enter the Dragon. Both involve absinthe, straws and copious amounts of flames. . .you have been warned!
Do you dare "Enter the Dragon"? Coq & Balls' signature cocktail is only for the fearless — Photo courtesy of Coq & Balls
If you need to soak up all that alcohol, the Japanese-western fusion cuisine on offer will provide the sustenance you need. Choose from light bites such as the selection of yakitori skewers, hearty sandwiches such as the braised pork belly with teriyaki, or main dishes such as tempura fish & chips or black pepper beef udon.
The bar is open daily from 5pm til midnight. And proving that they have their finger on the social networking pulse, the folks at Coq and Balls will give you a 10% discount if you ‘check in’ on Facebook while you are there.