Olde Cuban

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 2 Trengganu Street, #02-01, China Town, Singapore, 058456 , Singapore
Tel: +65 6222 2207
Email: Kelvin@oldecuban.com
Website: view Olde Cuban’s website
Style: Speakeasy

Review

Firstly, so you have half a chance of finding this place, you should know you are looking for a speakeasy style bar, somewhere that wants to be hidden. So when you find the address ignore, the yellow plastic chairs in the (reputedly very good) eatery downstairs, and the sign telling you that the cigar shop is shut, and make your way up into this converted shophouse.

Upstairs, you'll be greeted by a warren of interconnecting rooms, rich with that comforting scent of cigars, and decorated with bookshelves laden with whisky and, yes, the compulsory Che Guevara pictures.

The Olde Cuban's collections of potables and smokables run to 200 cigars plus more than 100 whiskeys. The efficient staff will quickly locate and deliver your selection but don't expect to have a conversation about the fineries of whisky or cigars. Also don't come here expecting a cocktail speakeasy.

The leather armchairs and generally vintage feel is softened and modernized by brightly coloured walls and low tables. The Olde Cuban is predominantly populated by male business types and the atmosphere is a tad starchy.