Fancy (permanently closed)

Words by Theodora Sutcliffe on 19-May-2018

Address: 35 North Canal Road, Singapore, 059291, Singapore
Tel: +65 6535 0332
Website: view Fancy’s website
Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00-00:00, Sun Closed
Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Cocktail bar
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 2018

Review

Minimalism arrives in Singapore – with a bang!

What’s in a name? When it comes to Fancy, quite a lot. In a city where maximalism can often reign, Fancy, paradoxically, flies the flag for minimalism. The raw, open space is stark as they come, with whitewashed exposed brick, brushed concrete, a pared-down, horseshoe bar, white tables, black banquettes and just a lightbox letter board by way of wall decoration.

Sin Kim Shim and Jayden Ong (winner and runner-up in Singapore’s 2017 World Class competition) head up the bar team, and lead with a similarly pared-back approach. The menu is just one laminated, A4 page, with only 12 drinks, centred on a theme and divided by flavour profile.

The theme of the opening menu is flowers, a topic that’s addressed with none of the exuberant garnishing you might expect. Chamomile appears as an infusion in a rich, spirituous mix; orange blossom enhances a creamy affair. And despite that edgy look, it’s a surprisingly friendly space.