Atlas

Ranking in at 16 for the World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, getting a reservation at Atlas became even more of an uphill task. Opened in 2002 in the iconic Parkview Square building, Atlas doubles up as both the grand lobby as well as a bar on the ground floor. Celebrating the 1920’s rich culinary and beverage traditions, Altas is set against a grand backdrop of the architecture inspired by glamourous Art Deco skyscrapers of Europe and New York

One of the most iconic structures within Atlas is their more than 1,300-brand-strong gin tower which takes centerstage amongst the other opulent furnishings within the bar. If you are lucky, you can spot a bartender climbing the tower to retrieve a bottle of gin

Not exactly a gin drinker, I came for the afternoon tea and at the same time appreciate the beauty of the architecture. Priced at SGD 56, the afternoon tea comes with an ATLAS rose-gold tier stand of sweet and savoury bites served with your choice of coffee or tea. You can also add an additional SGD 4 for the premium selection of tea leaves. You can also choose to pair your afternoon tea with champagne at an additional cost

We were first served a welcome drink which is a light grapefruit drink which was very refreshing as a start to enjoy the afternoon tea set

They also served a small truffle steamed egg starter which was quite delicious

The items on the 2 tier platter include the following: corn crème fraîche tart, 5j Iberico jamon, toast, lobster crostini, pumpkin quiche, cream cheese truffled egg, watercress brioche, smoked salmon pumpernickel, scones with jam and clotted cream, berry fruit tart, lemon meringue tart, banana cream pie, raspberry financier, dark chocolate and grappa truffle and madeleines

Personally, I really liked their savoury items as the taste profile were light yet packed with freshness and umami flavours. All of the items are bite size and most importantly the crust of the tarts are still fresh and crispy

For the sweet items, I find that the scones were too dry and most of them too sweet. The ones with the fruits had a nice balance of tangy and sweet while the others with the cream with a little too saccharine sweet

The tea served was pretty decent and throughout the afternoon tea, we were given a choice of 2 beverages. So you can either do 2 different types of tea or coffee with tea. I did an upgrade for the premium selection of tea which was definitely a good choice as the tea blends were more unique

It was a bit of a pity not getting alcohol at Atlas so my friend ordered an Atlas suite which was a trio petit serving of ATLAS Martini, Orange Blossom Martini and ATLAS Espresso Martini. The flavours were quite nice and not overpowering and the small glass was just nice as a tasting size so it is not too much even for people who can’t hold their liquor

Overall, the service at Atlas was quite attentive and the opulent architecture was a big attraction. We also managed to spot the bartender climbing the Gin tower. In terms of the food, it was pretty general and nothing too spectacular although the tea selection was a plus point. One thing I definitely loved was the overall atmosphere as you get to lounge and soak in the space. I probably will not visit again for the food but as a chill and hangout place, Atlas is indeed a nice pick although getting a reservation is an uphill task

Address: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778

Operating hours: 10 am to 10.30 pm ( From 12pm on Sats and Closed on Sundays)