Uniqlo
The flagship Uniqlo outlet here spans an impressive 20,000 sq. ft. over two floors, with an in-house escalator. It’s another great place to go wild over thousands of styles available, including special edition UT tees featuring graphic prints of winning designs chosen worldwide two months back ($24.90).

Shana
Not quite H&M, but this high street Spanish giant carries a smorgasbord of tops, dresses, tees, shorts and jeans in hundreds of styles, with every items priced below $59.90 (how’s that for a bargain). Choice buys include a printed floral dress and a sexy bustier (both $29.90).

Bershka
Covering 3,400 sq. ft., this second outlet carries at least twice the collection its previous first outlet at ION Orchard ever did. That explains the variety of styles found here, from basic tees ($11.90) to an edgy black leather jacket ($229). The spacious layout and thumping indie-rock soundtrack make shopping here a lot of fun.

Shadori
This womenswear specialist carries some seriously cool finds such as slouchy, oversized printed tops and slacks in neutral colors ($35.90 upwards) that’s absolutely great for the weather here. Or try the more flirty pieces like laced tank tops ($29.90) and short, short dresses ($49.90) that will have you party-ready in no time.

Lowrys Farm
A proud successor to Uniqlo, this Japanese high street label is a must if you’re looking for a huge selection of trendy affordable finds for both men and women. With brick pillars and whitewashed wooden walls, the décor is also reminiscent of its competitor, although prices are a little less competitive. T-shirts are $29 upwards, bottoms $59 upwards and shoes $79 upwards.

Elisa Litz
Let’s hope the London Swing-themed phone booth and gramophones don’t catch your attention before the shoes do. The main draws here are lined with pig leather on the inside and crafted from a variety of materials on the outside—they even use pony hair for lining. They have a variety of styles spanning sandals, flats, wedges and heels that are meticulously laid out. Look out for the bejeweled heels in gold ($59.90) which had us completely floored.

Dear Laura
Unlike most blogshops which carry ready-to-wear pieces only in one size, this one comes equipped with three standard sizes of S, M and L to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. Owner Michelle Loon also makes it a point to curate the selections of mostly cheery, bright-colored pieces priced between $20-30. Grab a hat or a tee here before you head out to the beach.

FurrMUSE
Still one of the better local menswear labels specializing in cool casuals and preppy shirts, this is their second standalone boutique after Orchard Cineleisure. Their collection of slacks and long-sleeved shirts ($69 upwards) targeted at working adults boasts a variety of fabrics including linen, chambray and paplin. Also, check out the wide range of accessories including newsboy caps ($39) and funky shades ($59).

Archery
For those who’ve always wanted skills like Legolas or Robin Hood, here’s your chance. The Archery Club of Singapore offers lessons from fun shooting and basic archery to advanced sessions (no apples on the head, mind). Both private and group sessions are available. A basic course starts at $80 for three group sessions (1.5 hours per lesson), where you’ll learn fundamental skills like the proper way to hold a bow, as well as aiming and shooting on target. Price includes equipment and range rental, and a one-time membership of $80 is applicable.
The Archery Club of Singapore, Punggol South Archery Centre

Athletics
Let’s face it: Singapore’s never going to win marathon gold. Not unless we figure out how to grow ourselves some serious hills. Yet at times it seems like every other person walking past you is moving at pace. The beauty of running is that you can just head out your door and go, but if you’re looking to improve your performance, turn professional or make some like-minded friends there’s a vibrant scene here for you to tap into. A good start would be to team up with Ben Swee—a local running coach certified by the Road Runners Club of America. Serious athletes may opt for an ongoing program where you will train on improving your running while leisure runners can choose a single session to learn some tips. Prices start at $5 per group session and $70 per individual session—each session lasts an hour.
Running Guild

Badminton
One of the easiest games to pick up here but also one of the toughest activities to arrange as booking a court at any community center is an Olympic challenge by itself. So why not save yourself the agony and train with Singapore’s very own former Olympian Ronald Susilo at his badminton academy instead (see our interview with the man himself in Last Word, page 37). The basic training program ($200 per month) focuses on developing foundation skills—suitable for those looking to take badminton up as a hobby. Intermediate ($250 per month), advanced and elite ($350 per month) programs are more intense as professional coaches will help you take your game to the next level. Who knows—if our bid to host the prestigious Thomas Cup in 2014 is successful, maybe the selectors will come knocking at your door.
Ronald Susilo Badminton Academy

BMX
If like us, you were impressed by the debut appearance of the fast and furious BMX competition at the Beijing 2008 Games, here’s your chance to have a go at this intense sport. Classes range from BMX 101 (fundamentals) to personal coaching for competitive racers. Each basic lesson costs $50 for a group session (of four to eight students) during which a certified instructor will teach the basic skills and foundation of riding a BMX bike. When you receive your certificate ($30), you get to ride for free at Tampines Bike Park. Safety gear is available for rent from $5.
Singapore Bike School

Equestrian
Forget all the F1 hoo-ha and try some real horsepower at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club, which has the widest range of equestrian facilities in Singapore. With five dressage arenas and a separate jumping arena totaling 13,000 sq. m. that accommodates courses built to international standards, you can learn to ride like a pro. Or you can just use the excellent tracks and trails for casual riding. A group session (of four to six people) lasts 45 minutes and prices start at $360 per person for a block of four lessons.
Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Sailing
Just last week, Singapore again showed its sailing pedigree, cleaning up at the World Optimist Championships in the Dominican Republic. Small wonder when we have such great conditions on our doorstep. Why not explore the high seas and feel the salty (50 km/h) breeze against your face? At Water-Venture, a basic Pico dinghy course costs $280 while the Olympic class laser dinghy course costs $330. Both courses last three days and sailboat rental costs $60 and $70 per day respectively.
Water-Venture (East Coast Park)

Swimming
Everyone knows swimmers have the best bodies. So what better excuse do you need to hit the pool? From learning the basics to perfecting a swimming stroke, LearnToSwim offers both private and group swimming lessons. Group sessions start from $180 for three months (weekly classes) and are held at various public swimming complexes. Alternatively, you can opt for private sessions at your own pool for $220 per month.
LearnToSwim

Table Tennis
Try your hand at the sport that kept the entire nation riveted to the Beijing Games in 2008 as we watched Li Jiawei thrash her opponents and win our first Olympic medal since independence in 1965. Pick up this fast racket game with a Learn-to-play program ($267.50 for 10 lessons) at The Singapore Table Tennis Association. The sessions will teach you the rules and fundamentals of playing table tennis, as well as simple techniques on attacking, blocking or defending a serve.
The Singapore Table Tennis Association

Tennis
Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal may not be defending his Olympic title at the London Games, but that doesn’t mean you can carry on with that sloppy backhand of yours. Sign up for some tennis lessons with Savitar whose internationally certified instructors will customize training to fit your goals and personal style. There are novice courses and skills enhancement workshops (from $190 for six group sessions). Private lessons are also available from $75 an hour. Practice takes place at the Fairmont Hotel Willow Stream Spa, Savitar and Grand Hyatt tennis facilities.

Wrestling
Pro wrestling might have nothing to do with the amateur theatrics of Hulk Hogan and John Cena, but it is a great workout. It has surged in popularity here, with many mixed martial art gyms featuring wrestling classes. Put your strength to the test with the Wrestling Federation of Singapore. They offer an all skill level practice from Mondays to Thursdays while beginner classes take place on Fridays—both run from 7:30-9pm. Membership starts at $120 per month, or opt for a single session ($25).
Wrestling Federation of Singapore

Singapore's Best Staycations for National Day 2012

The Bank Bar + Bistro

This plush Shenton Way bar has an interior made for bankers and well-to-do types. Be greeted by polished maroon wood tables, sleek parquet flooring and walls decked with blown-up bank notes. Signature cocktails (all $16) here include Offshore Account, Financial Squeeze, and our personal favorite, Liquidated Damages, a whiskey sour with a splash of spicy Shiraz. There’s even a private 20-seater cigar lounge for that added glitz.

Bikini Bar

Helmed by bikini-clad babes, this brightly colored bar on the sandy beachfront has a chill-out summer ambiance. Take your pick of mojitos and margaritas (both from $14) or popular cocktails like Blue Lagoon ($13), Long Island iced tea ($15) and Pina Colada ($14). Enjoy mains like the Beachy prawn pizza ($22) and margarita pizza ($19) while sitting on wooden benches under giant umbrellas.

Handle Bar

Step inside this place and you’ll have a sudden urge to ride a bike. From photos of real-life renegades and bike parts donning the walls to furniture made out of motorbikes, this bar oozes a rebel-on-the-road vibe. Check out the signature motorized margaritas ($12)—concocted by a special gas blender that looks just like a bike’s engine—and pad your stomach with Sudden Death Wings ($16) and Bad Attitude stuffed jalapenos ($10).

Arbite
Yes, it’s a bit of a trek all the way out to Serangoon, but this hidden gem is wholly worth the trip. A cozy restaurant helmed by chef-owner Marc Wee, breakfast items include good ole standby Eggs Ben ($10.90), as well as Smoked Salmon Smorgasbord ($12.90) of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and capers atop a foccacia base. For those after something sweet, give the Gardener French Toast ($16.90) a shot—ciabatta French toast stuffed with dark chocolate-almond ganache, accompanied by candied bacon, maple syrup and fresh berries.

Good for: Those times when you’re after a liberal dose of peace and quiet with your eggs.

Dean & Deluca Singapre | Orchard area

Dean & Deluca
Undoubtedly one of the hottest openings on the Singapore dining front of late is gourmet grocery giant/café Dean & Deluca that’s just under a month old. Head straight to the 50-seater bistro, replete with parquet flooring, where you’ll find an array of freshly baked treats like danishes (from $3.50) and azuki bean-green tea muffins ($3.50). After something more filling? Then order up a la minute breakfast dishes such as oatmeal flapjacks with berries ($18), eggs ibérico ($25) and delish cornflake-crusted brioche French toast alongside salted caramelized bananas ($22). Don’t pass on the NYC fave dirty chai latte (from $6)—the combo of chai latte spiked with a shot of espresso is a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine.

Good for: Greedy foodies who fancy picking up some gourmet goods for the road.

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar
This three-month-old Australian restaurant is casual and minimal—think industrial chic with white brick walls and black furniture. Thanks to executive chef Roland Graham who hails from Down Under, breakfast here translates to pancakes with caramelized apples, crispy pork belly and rhubarb-cinnamon ice cream ($22), corned beef hash ($22) and namesake The Kookaburra ($22). If you’re on a health kick, down some fresh-squeezed juices such as Detox (cucumber, green apple and celery; $10) or Ayurvedic (carrot, orange, mango and ginger; $10). We suggest grabbing a table outside overlooking the courtyard when the weather’s nice.

Good for: Grabbing a substantial, satisfying bite in laidback digs.

Le Jardin d’Antoinette
The latest (and biggest) of chef-owner Pang Kok Keong’s offerings, this ten-week-old establishment is a beautifully-designed space housed in the basement of Palais Renaissance. Like the other Antoinette outlets at Penhas Road and in Mandarin Gallery, it’s fashioned after an old world French salon du thé and makes for the ideal backdrop for your latest IT bag. Forget the no-carb diet temporarily and have some pain perdu (French toast) with caramelized bananas ($11.50) or blinis (pancakes; from $12). Also available is an assortment of sweet and savory crêpes ($14.50 upwards); our top pick is the Florentine ($17), adorned with Serrano ham, Emmental cheese, a sunny side up and hollandaise sauce. Awesome pastries, too.

Good for: Tai tais who want to brunch anytime and those with a serious weakness for sweets.

Le Jardin d'Antoinette Singapore | Orchard area

Wild Honey
There’s a reason why they won themselves I-S Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 for Best Brunch, and it has everything to do with their yummy breakfasts. Their second, swankier outlet at Scotts Square might lack the homey touch of the original Mandarin Gallery location, but at least you get to skip the ridiculous wait since the former takes reservations. The menu sports items such as Carribean ($20), coconut waffles with passion fruit crème pâtissière, the Breakfast Hangover ($18), a sarnie of scrambled eggs, smoked speck and Swiss cheese, and our top pick, their signature Tunisian ($19), a spicy shakshouka with chorizo.

Good for: Shopaholics who need to fuel up during a serious session of retail therapy.

Acer Iconia Tab A200

Specs: 10.1” LCM screen | 710g | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Tegra 250 Dual cortex A9, 1GHz processor | Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

What’s hot: This Android tablet is priced lower than other 10-inch sized ones in the market. Its USB 2.0 port allows you to transfer data quickly, while its expandable memory space and competent dual-core processor ensures a smoother performance. We also like its reliability in battery life—lasts a good eight hours as stated.

What’s not: While there’s a front-facing camera, it has only two megapixels so don’t expect high quality pictures. It also weighs 710g, making it heavier and bulkier than most tablets. Plus, you can’t charge the Iconia Tab through the USB port. So remember to bring the charger along when you’re on the go.

Verdict: The features are modest, but its price makes it well worth considering.
$499 from 3.Mobile, #B3-34 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8083.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7

Specs: 7.7” Super AMOLED Plus | 340g | 1.4GHz dual-core processor | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | 1GB RAM | Android 3.2 Honeycomb

What’s hot: This 7.7-inch screen has a vivid display due to its 1,280x800 pixel resolution and SUPER AMOLED Plus technology. Its slimness (7.89mm) and light weight mean this handy gadget fits easily into any bag (or large pocket). The dual-core processor allows faster loading of content so you don’t get frustrated when surfing. It’s surprisingly energy-efficient; battery life is said to last 10 hours but it can last up to 14 hours with normal usage.

What’s not: Its 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash and 2.0-megapixel front-facing one will give you lower resolution images, compared to other tablet cameras. It’s far better to use your smartphone to snap pix instead. Performance also slows down when you have more than nine apps running concurrently. The rich screen display can be a little too bright for some users.

Verdict: The long battery life and the fact that this Galaxy Tab supports Adobe Flash Player make it a worthwhile buy for power users.
$898 from Samsung, #02-28/29 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9150.

Sony Tablet S (with 3G)

Specs: 9.4” TFT LCD | 598g | 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor | 16GB, 32GB | 2GB RAM | Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)

What’s hot: Its 3G capability and user-friendly interface allows you to toggle between desktop and mobile rendering so you can view pages offline—saving you from hitting your monthly data ceiling (no thanks to the recently lowered cap by network providers). The infrared universal remote control function and PlayStation certification means you’ll be able to play a handful of games unavailable on other Android devices—an added bonus.

What’s not: The 1GHz processor isn’t as fast as the competition, and price edges more toward the expensive range. It isn’t the lightest and most portable tablet around as the tapered end can be bulky.

Verdict: Its unique “folded magazine” look makes it stand out from the crowded tablet market. This tablet also showcases what Sony is good at—its rich gaming legacy.
$698 from Sony Store, Isetan Orchard, #04-01 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6733-1876.

The New Apple iPad 

Specs: 9.7” LED backlit screen | 652g | 16, 32, 64GB flash storage | Apple A5x CPU | iOS

What’s hot: The breathtaking 2048x1536 retina display on the 9.7-inch screen means it’s a joy looking at photos or simply consuming media content. The five-megapixel camera and high definition video recording function are superior to the others in the market so you will get decent quality images even if the tablet’s response time is slightly slower than its predecessor. It also has the world’s largest app store for all your games and media needs.

What’s not: This new iPad is slightly thicker (by 0.6mm) than the iPad 2 and it’s almost imperceptible but the extra weight can be felt when you carry it for long periods. The front-facing camera lacks the HD function. Battery life is capped at nine hours on casual usage—slightly shorter than Android tablets’ battery performance.

Verdict: Upgrades are modest but this is still the finest tablet around, especially with its rich graphic display. Just remember to take the charger wherever you go.
$658-$1,088 from Multimedia Integrated @ Ion Orchard, #B3-14 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-9378.

The imminent death of print may have been exaggerated but the rise of media consumption on tablet devices over the last year has been truly stunning. And in few places more so than right here.

A global study released by Ericsson last month revealed that Singapore has the second highest rate of tablet ownership in the world after Hong Kong (boo), though we came out tops in smartphones (yay). Some 31 percent of internet users between the age of 16 and 60 in Singapore now own a tablet, with that number expected to grow to a staggering 60% by the end of this year, as more and more people trade in or up from their laptops.

And with good reason. Have you seen how good everything looks behind a Retina screen? Any sentimental media industry arguments about the sanctity of print go out the window when you realize the added value you can deliver in an app, the new readers you can engage and how stunning your content looks.

So it’s time. We’ve spent the last few months huddled beneath our antiquated printing presses, writing incomprehensible notes in shorthand and somehow coming up with a killer app. It’s everything you love about I-S and a whole lot more. Here’s just five reasons to download it right now.

1. Vini, Video, Vici
Exciting rich media content is the bedrock of the new app. Videos, audio clips and other interactive features bring our stories about Singapore to life in a whole new, thrillingly dynamic way. And they’re embedded in the app, meaning you won’t be caught out by pesky data charges when you’re out and about (hi Singtel!).

2. Exclusive! Read all about it!
We’ve never yet had space to put everything we wanted into the magazine (blame it on our over-efficient ad sales team). But now we do. Expect more stories, uncut interviews, extra news items and even bonus issues from time to time. And that’s all before we start talking about exclusive giveaways just for app subscribers.

3. See the Bigger Picture
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. (It also looks way more exciting on a screen.) The app is packed with stunning, full-screen visuals, close-ups, slideshows and pictures that didn’t make it into print. No more straining to see that shot of the latest restaurant arrival squeezed into the top corner of the page.

4. Easy Does It

We’ve designed the app to be intuitive to use and super easy to navigate. Best of all, it puts the content you want in your hands when you want it. No longer will you need to keep back issues of the magazine stacked up in your kitchen (though we’re not judging, we do that too) or struggle to find a story on our website.

Once you’re subscribed you’ll have access to an ever-growing archive of content (there’s a few issues in there already, and we only launched this week) and the latest issue will automatically download to your device.

5. Talk is Cheap, The App is Cheaper
It’s free. C’mon... Argue against that.

DOWNLOAD NOW FOR IPAD AND ANDROID.

You know guys here take fashion very seriously when they don jackets to the clubs (or even hawker centers). Fad or otherwise, the preppy look most recently inspired by Mad Men has never been more popular, with two new bespoke men’s boutiques opening at Ann Siang Hill in the past six months.

Enter the newly minted Swagger which just opened last month, although the store took two years to set up. “We wanted to get the formula right before we opened,” says its marketing manager Bryant Tang. “We spent as much time traveling and researching, sourcing the globe to bring unique brands and products that are rare or produced in limited quantities, but are incredibly well made and affordably priced.”

What you will find in the store is a carefully curated selection of apparel, leather goods, accessories, literature, vintage collectibles and grooming products that are “distinctive or have a deep heritage,” says Tang.

Highlights include the Raleigh Denim Workshop jeans imported from the US, bearing a hand-stamped edition number on each pair and customized details on the inside pockets ($369), and the handmade leather Wood & Faulk bags and belts ($329 upwards) by American founder-designer Matt Pierce.

But men come here primarily to make a suit (made from Italian wool fabrics, available from $1,200) or shoes. A pair of made-to-measure leather shoes is priced from $650 and you can customize it from a range of leathers and finishing, with four lasts to choose from.

Just across from Swagger is Finespun Clothiers, another one-stop destination for men seeking bespoke tailoring services, shoe customization and readymade prêt-à-porter labels. The four-month-old establishment founded by Caroline Yak uses only fabrics from renowned English and European mills for its bespoke pieces. It also just launched a new range of one-off shirts ($220 each) that make great statement pieces.

After soaking up different experiences overseas, Yak returned to Singapore to embark on this bespoke boutique journey. “I’ve been surrounded with textiles since young. Our family business begun with trading suiting fabric, evolved into shirting fabric and eventually in sourcing and manufacturing,” says Yak. “I’ve always been fascinated with the finer details in menswear: Creating and redefining traditions with an edgier flair, sealed with artisanal tailored finishing.”

The result: Affordable shirts off the rack from $220 and an exclusive range of shirts that bears Yak’s care and attention to detail with variation in texture, weight and cut (from $1,800). On top of an array of ties, bow-ties and pocket squares ($65 upwards), you can also get bespoke loafers ($800 upwards) made from fine European leather by experienced European craftsmen, which take about three to four weeks to complete.

Yak sums up our fascination with all things bespoke best: “Individualism is the dress of thoughts as it allows the clients to reveal their innate [taste]. Le style c’est l’homme même (The style is the man himself).”

Other boutiques offering bespoke clothes:

Kevin Seah
Apart from handcrafted tailored menswear, the boutique also carries a small selection of vintage Cazal and Nackymade eyewear and Lodger shoes.

CYC The Custom Shop
Customize a shirt from just $109 here. Regular ones are also available from $89.

Boon Tong Kiat

440/5 in front of Thonglor Soi 16, Bangkok, 02-390-2508. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Who couldn’t love this place, and not just because it offers a pocket friendly meal in a pricey neighborhood. It’s more that their khao mun gai (B65) comes with lovely, fatty rice and no less than three different types of sauce to choose from (sour sauce made with garlic and lime, shredded ginger and salt, and soy bean curd). Plus, for added authenticity, the owner claims that the recipe was taught to him by a Singaporean chef. Note: their khao na ped (rice topped with roasted duck, B79) is also a tasty option.

Jae Aoun

Bangkaen Market, Sena Soi 1, Bangkok, 089-771-2145. Open daily 23 hrs (closed 4-5pm).
One of the most talked about khao mun gai spots in town due to more than just the ten big fat chickens lining the glass display cabinet and its almost all-day opening hours. Jae Aoun offers some decent khao mun gai—think tender chicken (their fried chicken is also lovely), well-steamed rice and perhaps the most succulent and aromatic sauce in town.

Kuan Ah

884/9 Rama 3 Rd., Bangkok, 02-682-7747-8. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Kuan Ah has been in the chicken business for more than 60 years, starting out as a food stall in Bangrak Market. After all that time, their chicken (B700 for a whole bird, B350 for a half) remains top-notch. The meat is tender and a far cry from the grainy, texture-less mass-produced chicken that is the norm these days. It has flavor, a taste that is satisfying and is perfectly cooked the old-fashioned way: slowly. And you get a good view of the river, too.

Khao Mun Gai 888

588/41, in front of Pattanakarn Soi 50, Bangkok, 02-722-7286, 081-722-6486. Open daily 7am-11pm.
The khao mun gai (B40) at this simple shop-house is wonderfully silky and really melts in the mouth, while the chicken offal that comes with it has a pleasant aroma and is perfectly cooked. The owners tell us that they take the accompanying soy bean sauce very seriously and claim it’s more full-flavored than most. They also do a lovely, moist fried chicken rice (B40).

Mongkhon Wattana

Near Paolo Memorial Hospital, 670/6 Phahonyothin Rd., Bangkok, 02-270-1107. BTS Saphan Khwai. Open daily 8am-7pm, except for the last Wed of every month.
This restaurant has been around for more than 30 years and in that time its walls have been completely covered over with certificates singing the praises of their khao mun gai (B40)—all well-deserved in our humble opinion. Well-steamed rice and a tasty yellow soybean sauce with chili and ginger are the major highlights here, though the beef and fried chicken noodles (B40) are pretty good, too.

Nai-Thong

983/20, Soi Sathupradit 58, Sathupradit Rd., Yannawa, Bangkok, 02-682-4253. Open daily 7am-2:30pm, except for the second and fourth Mon of every month.
This eatery is extremely popular, with crowds regularly packing out its two floors. Besides the aromatic rice in the khao mun gai (B30), we also love the tender chicken liver (B40) and the fragrant soup, which is a nice change from the usual peppery broth—made with fermented lemon, it goes perfectly with the chicken and is also a great throat soother during the current rainy season.

Beer Market
This spacious setting can fill 300 spectators—no worries about overcrowding here. Its multiple LCD screens also mean that you won’t have to worry about conflicting sport schedules.

Boomarang Bistro & Bar
One of the few bars here that open in the morning, this laid-back spot lets you watch Olympic hockey and shooting games as early as 3:30pm while knocking back Aussie favorites like Victoria Bitter and Pure Blonde.

Muddy Murphy’s
Cheer your favorites on with ale while tucking into the hearty Irish stew or Guinness pie.

The Dugout Sports Bar
Knock back affordable pints (from $10) while watching the Olympics at this cozy bar in the eastside heartland. Bonus: There’s no service charge here.

Zouk Winebar
Watch the Games at this established hot spot, one of the best places to hang out after dinner and before the night of dancing begins.

53A
Sound: Energetic pop-rock tunes featuring original compositions and cover versions of John Mayer, Beatles and Foo Fighters.
When: Every Tue, 8:30pm onwards at Timbre @ The Arts House; every Fri, 10:30pm onwards at Timbre @ The Substation; every Sat, 9pm onwards at Skyloft.

Aya Sekine
Sound: Improvisational jazz with leanings on bebop, soul, blues and gospel, plus a little hardcore punk and noise thrown in for good measure by this singer-keyboardist.
When: Every Fri-Sat, 8pm onwards at Blu Jaz Café.

Heritage
Sound: Eclectic blues-rock songs which fuse violins with thumping drum, bass and guitar. This veteran band is certainly one of the most original acts here.
When: Mon-Sat, 11pm onwards at JJ Atlante Pub.

Raw Earth
Sound: Blues, rock and roll, funk and soul with unusual 10-minute guitar riffs that will set your pulse racing.
When: Every Wed, 9pm onwards at Timbre @ The Substation; every Sun, 4:30pm onwards at Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub.

Tay Ke Xin
Sound: Acoustic soul-rock—think Brian McKnight meets Jason Mraz and India Arie, but with a Mando twist.
When: Every Thu, 9pm onwards at Switch; every Fri, 9pm onwards at Quaruba’r.

Tim O’Dwyer
Sound: Experimental and improvisational jazz saxophonist influenced by the likes of Brit musicians Evan Parker and John Butcher.
When: Every first Mon of the month, 9pm onwards at Blu Jaz Café.