Anti:dote
This swanky new watering hole at Fairmont Singapore is one classy bar. We love the ambience—the decor is sleek, with unexpected Peranakan touches like batik motifs. There's also a 26,000-piece crystal chandelier, which adds a touch of glamour to the room. The handcrafted cocktails ($23 each) are the stars of the show though—they're made with herbs from the bar’s own garden, and combine classic recipes with contemporary finesse. Try The Blood of Dillinger, a fusion of beet, rosemary, honey, lemon and tequila. As for nibbles, the menu features tapas such as yellow fin tuna with green apple, kaffir lime, Jalapeno ponzu and Kaluga caviar ($16). A great antidote to your office blues.

One-Ninety Bar
This newly opened bar is the first Asian outpost of world-famous cocktail master Javier de las Muelas. It’s a capacious and elegant space, infused with warm lighting. There’s also an outdoor Terraza, where you can enjoy your drinks amid lush greenery.  Muelas is a dry martini specialist, so expect many variations of the tipple here, such as the Bamboo ($22), comprising martini extra dry, dry sherry and a lemon twist. The food is also noteworthy, with gourmet plates such as Wagyu mini sliders with onion marmalade and horseradish mayo ($28). The Spanish master likens his craft to a ritual, and compares bars to churches; “I hope that One-Ninety will one day become a Vatican of sorts,” he says. Make your pilgrimage now.

Cook & Brew
Located on level 33 of The Westin, this spacious new gastrobar boasts panoramic views of the city and South coast. The bar’s interior is luxe, and the drinks menu extensive—choose from a range of signature cocktails, or go for classic whiskeys like Macallan (from $195/bottle). There's also a list of international beers, like Hitachino White ($14/bottle), plus a high-tech Enomatic system for wine. The bar bites here are decent—expect comfort grub like corn chips with tomato salsa and chunky guacamole ($9). But if you’re hankering for something more substantial, order from the a la carte menu instead, with plates like chilli crab ($29). In short, it’s a great spot for Marina Bay office types to chill over post-work drinks.

Cruiser CT2.0
Cruise the streets in style with this single-speed bike, made from sand-blasted titanium. Key features include full carbon wheelsets, a super-strong polyurethane belt drive, and a vintage leather pannier bag.
$5,698 from The Urban Bike

Bisou
This unisex bike is perfect for leisure riders, featuring seven speeds, as well as a grip-shifter system that makes switching between speeds a breeze. Available in ten colors, including Peacock Blue and Saffron.
$975-$1,025 from Tokyobike

Ladies’ Bike
This urban bike, which is specially manufactured for Wheeler’s Yard, will appeal to ladies, with its clean lines and elegant frame. Choose between wooden and aluminium mudguards. Available in five colors.
$1,900 from Wheeler’s Yard

Bixby
We love the nimble geometry of this classic model. The bike features custom Shinola dropouts, fork crown, internal cable routing and rack and fender mounts, making for a smooth and efficient ride. Available in Green and Charcoal.
$3,100 from Shinola

Fuji Feather
This ultra-light, single-gear street bike is definitely a good looker, with its classic lines and sleek finish. There aren’t any extra touches like mudguards and panniers, but it’s a simple and reliable ride. Available in Black, Red and Orange.
$849 from Byx

Trek Allant
Specially designed ergonomic grips and a plush Bontrager saddle make this classic city bike a comfortable ride. The bike also features a 21-speed drivetrain and performance-engineered Alpha aluminium frame.
$785 from Treknology 3

Check out the best places to rent a bike in Singapore!

For a seaside cycle
Rent a no-frills pair of wheels from SDK Recreation from as low as $5/hour, and race down East Coast Park with the sea breeze in your hair. Admittedly, the bikes can be run-down, but you get what you pay for.
Carpark C, 1000 East Coast Parkway, 6445-3489.

For a city tour
Hop onto a rental bike from Druthers and explore the city on one of their popular bicycle tours (from $98). The tour will take you past hidden alleys, as well as prominent landmarks—you’ll definitely see the city with fresh eyes.
20 Upper Pickering st., 9224-6265, www.druthers.sg.

For photoshoots
Looking for chic, vintage bikes to spruce up your photoshoot? Local startup One Day Wheels enables customers to rent their stylish bikes for an hourly fee ($10 upwards). Add a touch of whimsy to your photos with their pearl-white Dutch bike, or their turquoise Bisou.
www.oneday-wheels.com.

 How do you think the local arts scene has changed over the past ten years?

It has definitely become more vibrant and exciting. The cultural calendar is now crowded with performances and exhibitions all year round. Artists are also more ready to take risks, both artistically and thematically. Plus, locals are being exposed to the arts at a younger age now, especially in schools. It’s an exciting time for the arts in Singapore.

 How do you think the scene will be ten years from now?

The social and cultural fabric of Singapore is always changing. Artists will respond to these changes and create works that reflect, critique or interrogate these changes. I hope there’ll be an even greater multiplicity of voices, and more intercultural and inter-lingual practices. 

 How exactly did the “disappearing” theme for this year’s anniversary bash materialize?

We didn't want to do the usual celebrations with pomp and flair—instead, we wanted something contemplative, but not too serious. Chong Tze Chien, the artistic director for our anchor show The Next Stage, came up with the idea of "absence"—specifically, a tongue-in-cheek tribute of an alternate universe in which The Arts House does not exist. The concept plays on our memories, and hopefully the show will make people think more deeply about the role and achievements of The Arts House. 

What books, local or otherwise, would you recommend?

The Chinese novel Art Studio by Cultural Medallion winner Yeng Pway Ngon is a monumental achievement. Confrontation by Mohamed Latiff Mohamed and The Inlet by Claire Tham are quite amazing too. Malay Sketches by Alfian Sa'at seems ripe for adaptation, while Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is such a fun romp.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Meeting the different artists and working with them. Their passion and unwavering faith in the importance of art is always inspiring. 

What is the greatest challenge that you’ve faced so far?

Pulling off our 10^th anniversary celebrations!

The Arts House kicks off its 10^th anniversary celebrations with its anchor show, The Next Page, from March 27-29, 8pm. 1, Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.com.sg. $8-$10.