There is plenty new happening along the Singapore River, including a soul/funk club and a craft beer bar at Boat Quay, a pizza joint from New York at Clarke Quay and a brand new menu at Robertson Quay's resident Thai restaurant. Here is the lowdown.

Refuge

Circular Road is heating up again

The wildly popular The Vault moved out, but the people behind it have opened Refuge, a soul and hip hop club-bar occupying a three-story shophouse. There are weekly themed nights and DJs spinning a bevy of funky music. Get your feet wet on Saturday nights at Represent, featuring DJs Titus and Big Mike for old and new school hip hop beats. Ladies also get a special night, Respect, with free flow vodka drinks from 10pm-1:30am on Wednesdays.

Down the road is Gong, a music-heavy lounge. Here, you'll find tapas and a wide selection of standard drinks. There's also new craft beer bar and Southern Californian comfort food joint, Draft & Craft. With a rotating list of craft beers on tap and by the bottle, look out for breweries like Anderson Valley, Stone and Rogue. The place also serves up comfort food like tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches.

McGettigans

Clarke Quay is no longer just for night owls

This notorious party zone is no longer all about after-hours fun. Adding to the mix is New York pizza joint, Motorino, serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas with gourmet ingredients like clams and oreganata butter. The casual space also does happy hour from 4-7pm with beers starting at $10. 

Taking over the space of Royal Selangor and Vintry Wine Bar is a new Irish bar, McGettigans. It deviates from traditional Irish pubs with a bright and modern space with traditional touches. You still get to do sports screenings and live bands, all while downing some pints. Plus, we've heard that Harry's is opening an outlet at Clarke Quay, with an all-new menu and a chic look. More on that soon.

Soi 60

Robertson Quay's chill new digs

Mexican restaurant Lucha Loco has expanded with Super Loco, a more casual and street food version of their Duxton flagship. You'll find plenty of tacos and light bites on the menu, as well as a sizable list of drinks that are twists on Mexican classics like margaritas.

Across the patio is Thai restaurant Soi 60, which has just revamped its menu. On offer are Thai street food-inspired dishes like prawn pad thai, caramelized pork belly and coconut chicken salad. The interiors of the restaurant also got a vibrant dose of color with new artwork lining the walls.