Right from the moment you step into its premises, it quickly becomes abundantly clear, this is not the BBC we are familiar with. Located in the throbbing heart of one of Singapore’s entertainment districts, Beats Bites & Cocktails is the island’s hottest watering hole. And with a clever abbreviation, the bar and restaurant also offers diners quite the alternative for celebrating the end of a work week along that iconic stretch of road.

With colourful vinyl records and sleeves tiling the feature wall, the interiors of the joint exude a decidedly welcoming and familiar setting. The accents of polished brass punctuated by emerald green sound absorbing panels also add to BBC’s appeal and gives all to seek respite in this hole in the wall an indication of its unique selling point: the music.

The brainchild of Caroline Tan and Douglas Williams, the BBC also has a third collaborator; with Shigeki Ito as their resident music director who is raring to spin live once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted for live music.

Offering a comprehensive menu of Japanese binchōtan-grilled nosh and a progressive cocktail service, the dishes and drinks that BBC serve are decidedly casual. Their Bertha Cloudy Bay Tua Tua Clam Soup that is made with fino en rama sherry, yuzu ponzu and arduino cold pressed Taggiasche extra virgin olive oil is a must-try; along with the Bertha Ash Biscuits. And a night out at BBC is never complete without experiencing the delicious tipples that cater to every kind of drinker – whatever their poison and tolerance. Our favourite is the picture-perfect Prince-inspired Purple Rain – a theatrical Widges Gin and Sūpāsawā Sour drink that is topped with a bubble of berry and citrus-infused smoke that would make even doves cry.

Beats Bites & Cocktails is located at 8 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089822. Opening hours are from 4:30pm to 10:30pm on Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit beatsbitescocktails.com