Cocktail Hour: Gin Parlour at The Clifford Pier

The luxe decor at the Gin Parlour at The Clifford Pier. Photo / Facebook

Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore

The view: Is exceptional. Right on the waterfront, overlooking the Marina Bay Sands complex. If you time it right - just before 9pm - you'll have a prime view to watch the nightly light show over the harbour.

The vibe: Is surprisingly low-key and relaxed, given the bar is part of the super-luxe Fullerton Bay Hotel. Those looking to see and be seen head upstairs to the rooftop, but the views are just as good downstairs and the atmosphere is less formal. You also get the added benefit of people-watching as the public stroll past on the boardwalk.

The chat: Was minimal from the serving staff. Orders were taken and drinks delivered but beyond that there was no real chat. Our sloe gins were served with a small glass of gin jelly on the side but when we tried to ask what was in it, our queries were met with apologetic shrugs.

The Gin Parlour at Clifford Pier in Singapore.

The menu: Is gin, gin and more gin. Six pages of gin, in fact, from countries as far afield as Colombia, Finland and Italy. Plus a wide variety of tonics. We opted for a Sipsmith sloe gin from London, which was beautifully served over ice with berries and a delicate ribbon of cucumber. Delicious. And highly 'grammable.

The expectation: We really didn't have any. We had planned to watch the light show from the rooftop Lantern Bar but were turned away as we didn't have a reservation. We only stumbled upon Clifford Pier as we were leaving but as we sipped our gins in full view of the harbour, we all agreed this spot was even better - as long as you like gin.

The reality: It's hard to beat an ice-cold gin on a warm night - but add this stunning outlook and it really becomes something special.