With a 2am license, acclaimed mixologist Adrian Besa behind the bar and a lush tunnel entrance, Jungle Ballroom is nocturnal animals’ new Duxton destination.
Jungle Ballroom is Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s verdant temple to modern Asian mixology and civilised licentiousness. Boasting a 2am license that allows — indeed, positively encourages — carousing well into the wee-small hours, this sybarite’s sanctuary is overseen by head bartender Adrian Besa.
Among the most acclaimed — and well-liked — bartenders in the region, Adrian’s former role saw him lead a team to achieve the prestigious ‘Art of Hospitality’ award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2021. Last year the same crew leapt 37 spots from their previous ranking of 45th to secure 8th position in the chart. Adrian is also among the celebrated bartenders in Singapore to have been recognised on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Working in tandem with respected hospitality consultancy Proof & Co., Adrian and his talented team have crafted a colourful and highly creative cocktail menu for Jungle Ballroom, designed to light up the senses and (in certain cases, quite literally) light up the space. “In contrast to the dark finishes and furnishings of the interiors, our drinks pop with colour,” Adrian explains. “That makes the cocktails really stand out and grab your attention.”
The themed menu takes guests on a luscious libationary journey from the Jungle Canopy (where you might enjoy a ‘View From the Treetops’), to the Understorey (here, you may discover a ‘Rose-hued Waterfall’), to the Forest Floor (be careful not to stumble on ‘The Lost Ruins’). Remarkable ingredients you’ll encounter along the way include longan, banana leaf, young mango, turmeric, black sesame, ginger and cacao.
Settle into the comfortable low seating in front of the Jungle Ballroom’s sunken bar, and beyond the standard menu, Adrian and his team will happily make something bespoke, based on your personal predilections. Perhaps they’ll fix a drink made with previously unheard-of Asian spirits and taste sensations innovated in the mixology laboratory behind the bar. (If you’re interested, they’ll be pleased to invite you back for a peek.)
Though Adrian is the frontman, he’s at pains to point out that the cocktail creativity taking place at Jungle Ballroom is a collective effort. “I’m fortunate to have the support and daily inspiration of my team. We’re constantly sharing thoughts and coming up with ideas together,” he says. “We’re like a band. I’m not a soloist.” Still, he is a bit of a rockstar. And the Jungle Ballroom is his stage.
That stage has been set by Robbyn Carter, founder and principal of California-based Studio Carter. A veteran of more than a quarter-century in the design business, in the past, Robbyn worked with leading practices including HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and Marcel Wanders Studio.
Helping provide sparkle to the space are psychedelic, kaleidoscopic artworks by Australia’s Emma Anna, whose creations are inspired by magic realist storytelling. Adorning the Jungle Ballroom’s walls, Emma’s ‘Flower Mandala’ artworks are large-scale digital collages, visual cocktails composed of photos of exotic blooms.
Whether you’re attracted by contemplative art, convivial décor or creative libations (or a combination of the three), may we officially say: Welcome to the Jungle Ballroom.
