EDITION announces its newest outpost of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION, the brand’s signature bar concept poised to make its mark on Singapore’s internationally renowned and constantly evolving beverage landscape. The first bar in Singapore focused exclusively on punch. Punch Room is an intimate space set in the exciting new Cuscaden Road enclave in upper Orchard Road. Punch Room Singapore is a haven for discerning guests seeking an extraordinary fusion of innovative cocktails and culinary artistry with an elevated and personalized hospitality experience.
The Punch Room concept first debuted at The London EDITION in 2013, awakening the global mixology scene to a forgotten punch lifestyle. Punch Room Singapore is the first in Southeast Asia and sits within a global portfolio of eight venues across EDITION Hotels in London, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Tampa, Shanghai and Tokyo. Each Punch Room pays homage to the culture of its location, incorporating spices, teas, and spirits unique to the region in its menus, balanced with the craftsmanship and creative experimentation of expert mixologists.
“Punch Room Singapore brings to life the traditions and stories of the drink’s origins along the Asian trade routes in the 17 century, presenting a menu dedicated to the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia,” says Gates Otsuji, Global Director of Bars for EDITION Hotels. He continues, “The richness of maritime and trade history in Southeast Asia is fertile ground to explore as we create exciting punches and exceptional experiences at Punch Room Singapore.”
It is believed that punch originates from the 17th century – sailors for the British East India Company adapted the name from the Sanskrit word “pañc”, meaning five, as the drink was typically made with five traditional ingredients: spirits from Europe and the colonies, spices and citrus from Africa and the East, teas from China and India, and sugar from the Indies. One could say that punch was the first truly modern drink and the ancestor of cocktails, incorporating ingredients from around the world.
Recipes passed through the hands of sailors and traders throughout the century, infusing native spices and teas newly discovered and available along their trade routes. Apart from serving as a welcome refreshment, punch helped the seafarers survive the long journeys as the citrus in the drink protected them from scurvy. By the 18th century, punch travelled back to Europe and became a symbol of conviviality, gracing aristocratic gatherings and colonial celebrations alike.
