Drinks giant Suntory to debut Barrel in Cecil Street

Japanese beverage giant Suntory, famed for its whisky brands Hibiki and Yamazaki under its spirits division House of Suntory, will open its first Hibiki concept restaurant at 19 Cecil Street on Dec 6.

- Eunice Quek

(From left) Hibiki Champaign Style Highball, Matcha Coco, Japanese Crane Sour and Sui Botanical Soda.

(PHOTO: BARREL)

It takes over the space that previously housed American grill restaurant Rosemead and rum bar Sugarhall, both of which shuttered on July 26.

Called Barrel, the 83-seat main dining hall — clad in wood, stone and metal - includes two eight-seat private rooms and a 10-seat counter facing a wood-fire grill on the first floor.

Outside, the casual 50-seat outdoor Terrace is for kicking back with highballs, cocktails and small plates during happy hour from 3 to 7pm.

The Vault in the basement - a reminder of the venue’s history as a bank — has become an eight-seat whisky salon. Its original steel vault door remains intact, while reclaimed cask wood from the House of Suntory’s Japan distilleries line the walls.

Prior to these areas opening, Pop City x Pony, a cocktail bar by the Jigger & Pony Group on the second floor, will launch on Nov 26. It is also in collaboration with the House of Suntory.