Exit Stage Left Is A New Speakeasy In Jalan Besar That Transports You Back To The 1960s

Exit Stage Left, a hidden bar by New World’s End

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It’s no secret we have interesting bar concepts in Singapore, from a Harry Potter-themed bar with flaming cocktails to Lou Shang’s HDB estate aesthetic. And now, a new contender Exit Stage Left joins the lineup of themed hidden bars in Singapore. 

Exit Stage Left is hidden in a back alley along Desker Road in Jalan Besar. Step through it’s red door and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the 1960s. But unlike most bars, this new one has some secrets of its own.

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Speakeasy accessible at the back of New World’s End

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Image credit: @newworlds.end via Instagram

Of course, this bar, like any other, takes reservations and thirsty walk-ins. First of all, it’s located at the back of a popular immersive audio tour, New World’s End. 

This tour takes place in a “replica” of New World Amusement Park which actually stood nearby in the 1920s. Set in the 60s, the story follows 2 star-crossed lovers – a projectionist at a cinema and a cabaret singer. We won’t spoil the ending but it involves one of Singapore’s largest civil disasters – the Hotel New World collapse.  

Image credit: @newworlds.end via Instagram 

One of the stops in the tour is a vibey light installation modelled after a cabaret in this now-defunct recreation spot. But push past its red door and curtains and you’ll find this bar that’s a homage to Singapore’s swingin’ 60s. Think: vintage furnishings, tastefully warm lighting with splashes of neon. Checkerboard floors and old-school leather bar stools surround the bar.

 

While they may not have the widest selection of spirits, trust us when we say this bar has nostalgia on tap. It’s the endpoint for New World’s End, but even if you didn’t sign-up for the hour-long immersive experience, you can still make a reservation via Exit Stage Left’s Instagram. 

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Singapore-inspired cocktails & free-flow kacang puteh

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Highball Royale $15 (left) & Haw House Sour $22 (right) both include locally-sourced spirits.
Image credit: OH! Stories 

In its own special way, each specialty cocktail at Exit Stage Left is a homage to our nation’s storied past. Some even reference plotlines from New World’s End, such as The Songbird ($24) which features a blend of dark, bold, and bittersweet flavours. 

The Songbird features dark rum from local distillery Compendium Spirits.
Image credit: @exitstageleftsg via Instagram

As a bonus, locally distilled spirits are incorporated into all their drinks. So while these drinks aren’t exactly from the 60s, every sip includes flavours brewed on our soil. Here, you can try G&Ts made with Tanglin Gin, or pineapple-infused vodka from Singapore Distillery. 

Wang Sa (left) & Ye Fong (right) and the mocktails they were inspired by. 
Image credit: @exitstageleftsg via Instagram

Even if you don’t drink, Exit Stage Left also offers 2 mocktails inspired by, and named after, Wang Sa and Ye Fong – a local comedic duo from our past. As for snacks, you can enjoy Kachang Puteh for $4/cone. If all that walking during the audio tour has made you hungry, you can pay $6 for a free flow of these assorted nuts all night.

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Check out Exit Stage Left, Jalan Besar’s newest hidden bar

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Image credit: @exitstageleftsg via Instagram

If you’re into art experiences and booze, then you should add Exit Stage Left to your list. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new spot for Old Fashioneds, or need a new date idea for the year, it’ll be a great night out. 

Address: 85 Desker Road, Singapore 209646
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5.30pm-12am
Contact: Exit Stage Left Instagram

For more places to see and things to do:

• The abandoned Keppel House
• The soon-to-be demolished Tanglin Halt
• Things to do in Keong Saik

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Cover image adapted from OH! Stories & @newworlds.end via Instagram