8 Hot Bartenders In Singapore To Follow On Instagram & Maybe Meet In Real Life

Despite being able-bodied and all, I have a horribly (and shamefully) low tolerance of alcohol. Two sips of a cocktail and I’d be as red as a tomato. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy my drink though. I do make it a point to savour my tipple all while steadily soaking in the pub’s low-lit ambience.

But I digress.

Singapore’s bar scene is young, flourishing and becoming increasingly discerning. Much of which is accredited to the pros behind the counter who constantly churn out ingenious (and deadly) cocktails for the deprived and desperate souls.

I’ve collated a list of eight hot bartenders that you can stalk on Instagram and maybe meet in real life. With looks, achievements and years of experience under their belts, these bartenders are dead serious about their craft.

1. Bannie Kang (@bannie_k)

South Korean Bannie Kang is known to be reserved and shy, but you should never ever underestimate the drinks that she delivers. Currently the assistant head craftsman at Anti:dote, she has attained several notable achievements.

She was the sole female finalist at the 6th Diageo Reserve World Class 2013 competition, one of the most recognised bartending competitions in the world.

Big eyes, rosy cheeks and a smile that will melt one’s heart, Kang is sure to have you smitten as she concocts your poison of choice.

Anti:dote: Fairmont Singapore, Level 1, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178882 | Tel: +65 6431 5315 | Opening Hours: 5pm – 2am (Monday to Sunday) | Website

2. Christian Hartmann (@thechristianhartmann)

Christian Hartmann is known for his suave good looks and of course, his pearly whites. A student turned bartender, Hartmann has worked in various countries such as Copenhagen, Bangkok and now, Singapore.

I’ve often wondered if the 33-year-old, despite being the owner of Vasco, has ever thought about pursuing another career in modelling.

Vasco: 42 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059681 | Tel: +65 8799 7085 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 1am (Monday to Saturday), Closed on Sundays | Website

3. Kino Soh (@kinthecat)

Kino Soh used to work at FRESH! and co-founded Hopscotch. The Diageo World Class finalist of 2016 also brought the Japanese highball trend over to Singapore, with Highball opening in Kampong Bahru.

The Head Honcho at Highball Singapore also made a conscious decision to have an all-female bartending team. The reason? To create a valid and reliable platform for women to pursue a career in this male-dominated field.

Talk about empowering women!

Highball: 79 Kampong Bahru Road, #01-01, Singapore 169377 | Opening Hours: 4pm – 12am (Monday to Friday), 6pm – 12am (Saturday), Closed on Sunday | Tel: +65 6222 0179 | Website

4. Dario Knox (@darioknox)

While I have yet to meet him in person, award-winning bartender Dario Knox gives off an intensely cheeky and “playboyish” vibe. It could be his Italian roots, but there is definitely something in his eyes that is straight-out mesmerising.

Drop by The Other Room and say hi to the cute master bartender. Don’t forget to order a Prohibition-inspired drink while you are there – it’s one of his specialities.

The Other Room: Marriott Hotel Singapore, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865 | Tel: +65 8300 6085 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 3am (Monday to Thursday), 6pm – 4am (Friday to Sunday) | Website

5. Symphony Loo (@symphonyloo)

Never let Symphony Loo‘s petite demeanor fool you.

This mixology maestro packs as much kick in her drinks as with her cheerful personality. She has previously worked at One-Ninety Bar by Javier de Las Muelas in Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and The Cufflink Club.

Loo is currently bartending at Neon Pigeon along Keong Saik Road, where she mixes up Japanese-inspired drinks. 

Neon Pigeon: 1A Keong Saik Road, #01-03, Singapore 089109 | Tel: +65 6222 3623 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 12am (Monday to Saturday), Closed on Sunday | Website

6. Joe Schofield (@joe_schofield)

My first impression of Joe Schofield was to wonder if he doubles as Tom Fletcher of English pop rock band McFly.

Turns out the 27-year-old Brit is currently the head bartender at Tippling Club Singapore. Prior to that, he worked at some of the best bars in the world, namely The American Bar and Beaufort Bar.

Young and soft-spoken, Schofield has been in the industry for over a decade. He also made it as one of the top five finalists of Bombay Sapphire World’s Most Imaginative Bartender.

One thing’s for sure, Schofield’s smirk is bound to make you go tipsy, even before you have your tipple.

Tippling Club Singapore: 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461 | Tel: +65 6475 2217  | Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Monday to Friday), 6pm – 12am (Saturday), Closed on Sunday | Website

7. Davide Boncimino (@davide_bonci)

Also known as “The Prodigy” at The Other Room, Davide Boncimino began his bartending career back at his home city of Biella in Northern Italy. He has since travelled around the world, with stints in Milan and London.

Chiseled jawline? Check. Bushy brows? Check. Stylishly waxed hair? Check. While these may be some of his gorgeous features, it is Boncimino’s elegant way of preparing his drinks that will eventually charm you.

The Other Room: Marriott Hotel Singapore, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865 | Tel: +65 8300 6085 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 3am (Monday to Thursday), 6pm – 4am (Friday to Sunday) | Website

8. Peter Chua (@slash284)

Born and bred in Singapore, Peter Chua was a resident mixologist at 28 Hong Kong Street. Today, he can be seen hanging out as one of the head bartenders at Crackerjack. Chua’s bright and youthful smile radiates confidence stemming from an array of astounding achievements.

He won the the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail competition in 2015. Prior to that, he was one of the top six finalists in the Diageo Reserve World Class global finals (2014) and also the overall winner of Zacapa Gastronomy Challenge, where contestants compete based on their ability to match cocktails with food.

The 29-year-old also proved himself to be very creative on The Five Show, where he concocted a tipple consisting of random ingredients including Milo Powder, passion fruit, marmalade, lime and yoghurt.

Crackerjack: 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088464 | Tel: +65 8121 1462 | Opening Hours: 9am – 12am (Daily) | Website

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While today’s youth consider bartending a novelty of sorts, it is no easy task. The craft requires knowledge, time and dedication. These bartenders made it, not because of their looks, but rather through hard work and determination.

Still, a little bit of eye candy before a big night out never hurt nobody.