In need of a post-dinner nightcap (and perhaps a sweet treat or two)? There’s a new progressive cocktail cum dessert bar along the Singapore River — Pilcrow. Situated in an area with a strong bar culture (hello, Boat Quay), Pilcrow strives to be the perfect spot to while away the last few hours of the evening in style.
Named after the typographical character (¶) that marks the beginning of a new paragraph, Pilcrow aims to write new chapters and deliver a fresh gastronomic experience unlike any other with their sophisticated plated desserts and craft cocktails.
The natural yet minimalist 18-seater space is decked out in warm earth tones, reflecting the history of Singapore’s bountiful trade, colonial charm, and tropical splendour.
Craft cocktails
The handcrafted cocktails here combine florals, fruits, and botanicals with a seamless blend of spirits and aromatics. We start off with the signature Pit of the Plum (S$22) — it is marzipan, sweet, and floral with tannic notes. “The Plum I Suppose” by Copenhagen’s Empirical Spirits, comes together with grapefruit and yuzu, creating an acquired taste best enjoyed by fans of Chinese almond cookies and dessert soups.
I was partial to the Butterfly Tonic (S$22) a floral, clean-tasting concoction of Brass Lion Singapore Dry gin, butterfly pea, lavender, and tonic.
If you’re the type to order an Aperol Spritz at brunch, go for the zesty Effervescence (S$22), a blend of Aperol, raspberry, chamomile, verjus, Murray River salt, and soda that imparts a floral fragrance and a subtle herbal tint. Out of all the cocktails we tried, we enjoyed the umami Folio 34r (S$24), Mackintosh Blended Scotch Whisky with miso, citrus, and chilli, the most.
Plated desserts
Although you can find a savoury selection of Sourdough Pizzas (from S$18), we headed straight for the signature plated desserts.
The Exotique (S$16), a light and invigorating combination of yuzu curd, coconut mousse, fresh mangoes, and lime sorbet, is the epitome of a Thai tropical retreat.
I couldn’t stop digging into the Strawberry & Cream Mille-Feuille (S$18), crisp, buttery puff pastry with fruit of the forest sorbet, fresh strawberries and some seriously concentrated pistachio crème diplomate. As a sucker for anything pistachio, I’m telling you that this is a must-order.
1-for-1 cocktails for our readers
From now till 31 May 2022, flash this article to redeem 1-for-1 cocktails with a minimum spend of S$20 per person. You can choose any cocktails from the menu — why not give the toasted marshmallow-topped Flint & Steel (S$24) or the refined tequila-based Quiet River (S$24) a try?
It looks like I’ll be spending my Friday evening with a tipple (or five) along Boat Quay.
Pilcrow
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???? 60 Boat Quay, Singapore 049848
???? 6pm–12am (Mon to Sat)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨