Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel
Alessandro Scire CalabrisottoShare
Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel – Singapore
The Long Bar at Singapore’s historic Raffles Hotel is a place where time-honored traditions meet a storied past, making it one of the most celebrated cocktail destinations in the world. With roots tracing back to the early 20th century, the Long Bar has become an emblem of colonial-era charm and is synonymous with its legendary creation, the Singapore Sling. This unique cocktail has traveled far beyond the walls of the Raffles Hotel, becoming one of the most iconic drinks in the global cocktail scene.
Originally established to emulate the relaxed and rustic ambiance of a Malayan plantation, the Long Bar was designed to be a haven where guests could escape the tropical heat. Its decor embraces natural, earthy elements: the bar is filled with rattan furniture, lush plants, and large, slow-moving ceiling fans, known as punkah fans, which lend the space an elegant yet laid-back atmosphere. This blend of comfort and sophistication quickly made the Long Bar a popular gathering spot for both locals and international visitors during Singapore’s colonial era. Here, travelers, expatriates, and Singaporeans could mingle in a space that felt luxurious yet relaxed.
One of the most enduring traditions at the Long Bar is its casual approach to serving peanuts. Guests are encouraged to drop peanut shells directly onto the floor, creating a distinctive experience that has become a part of the bar’s identity. This ritual, though unusual in such an elegant setting, adds to the charm and authenticity of the Long Bar, reinforcing its colonial plantation-inspired roots. It’s a simple yet memorable custom that every visitor to the Long Bar participates in, symbolizing a break from conventional decorum in favor of an inviting and unpretentious atmosphere.
The most famous creation of the Long Bar, however, is undoubtedly the Singapore Sling. Crafted in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling was an innovative response to the social norms of the time. At a period when it was deemed inappropriate for women to consume alcohol in public, Ngiam concocted a cocktail that appeared to be a harmless fruit juice, allowing women to enjoy an alcoholic drink discreetly. The original recipe combined gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, and fresh pineapple juice, producing a pink, slightly sweet cocktail that was as delicious as it was discreet. This creation not only catered to the tastes of the time but also carved out a place for the Long Bar in the annals of cocktail history.
Today, the Singapore Sling remains the star of the menu. The bar continues to craft this signature cocktail according to the original recipe, allowing visitors to taste a piece of history with each sip. The drink’s distinctive pink hue and tropical flavor profile make it as much a visual delight as it is a flavorful one, capturing the essence of both Singapore’s vibrant culture and the Raffles Hotel’s timeless elegance. The Singapore Sling has become so iconic that it’s now replicated in bars around the world, although there’s nothing quite like experiencing it in the very place it was born.
In recent years, the Long Bar underwent a careful restoration as part of the Raffles Hotel’s overall refurbishment, which aimed to preserve its historical charm while refreshing the interiors. The two-story layout of the bar remains, with its signature decor still intact, allowing guests to enjoy a truly immersive experience that feels as authentic today as it did a century ago. The Long Bar remains a place where past and present seamlessly blend, creating a window into Singapore’s colonial heritage and the history of cocktail culture.
Beyond the drinks and decor, the Long Bar has also become a cultural landmark. Over the decades, it has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and literary figures who contributed to its storied legacy. Figures like Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, and even the British royals have passed through its doors, leaving behind echoes of a bygone era. The bar’s heritage and cultural significance extend far beyond Singapore, making it a pilgrimage site for cocktail enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
For those planning to visit, the Long Bar operates daily, welcoming guests to indulge in its unique ambiance and savor a taste of history. Reservations aren’t usually required, but given its popularity, it’s wise to check in advance during peak tourist seasons. The Long Bar is more than just a place to have a drink—it’s an experience that transports guests through time, offering a taste of Singapore’s colonial past and a sense of nostalgia wrapped up in every glass.
The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel is an essential destination for anyone visiting Singapore. It’s a space where history and hospitality meet, where every detail—from the Singapore Sling to the peanut shells on the floor—tells a story. This bar is not only a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cocktails but also a living monument to the golden age of hospitality, embodying the charm and grace of Singapore’s heritage with every drink served.
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