A new cocktail destination has arrived at The House of Tan Yeok Nee with the opening of BAR KAP, an intimate concept that reimagines one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage homes through cocktails, cuisine, and immersive storytelling.
Located within the last remaining of Singapore’s famed Four Grand Mansions, BAR KAP transforms the historic residence into a contemporary hospitality space where each room, drink, and design detail reflects different chapters of the building’s past. Conceived in partnership with Studio Ryecroft, the bar unfolds through a series of chambers that function as a living archive, blending heritage with modern craft.
The cocktail menu is organised into eras inspired by the history of the House of Tan Yeok Nee, beginning with the Kapitan Era, which pays tribute to the mansion’s original owner, Tan Yeok Nee. Reflecting the life and travels of the Teochew merchant, cocktails in this section draw inspiration from spices, trade goods, and regional influences. Pepper Peddler combines baijiu, gin, and makgeolli in a bright highball layered with citrus, pepper, and tropical notes, while Mǎi Bàn presents a dessert-style sour featuring raspberry, vodka, coconut, and a housemade lollipop garnish.
The Station Master Era references the period after Tan Yeok Nee’s departure, when the residence was occupied by a British station master. Tank Road, named after the nearby former railway hub, combines roasted orange and bay syrup with grapefruit, bitters, and scotch in a whisky sour-style serve paired with rosemary-infused chocolate. Another highlight is Dynamo, a spirit-forward cocktail made with Irish whiskey, amaro, sherry, and Drambuie, enhanced with soy, chocolate, and cardamom. The drink is part of BAR KAP’s clay-ageing programme, where cocktails mature in purple clay vessels to soften texture and deepen flavour. The bar describes itself as the first in Singapore to revive the ancient clay-ageing technique, with plans to expand its collection of aged beverages over time.
The Order Era draws inspiration from the building’s chapter as St Mary’s Home and School for Eurasian Girls. Lights Out reimagines the martini with gin, secco vermouth, mandarin, and pandan oil in a tableside serve, while Censer combines mezcal, Campari, pineapple, and lime, finished with a torched pineapple ring.
The final section, known as the Dynasty Era, reflects the building’s more recent role as a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. TCM No. 3 is a creamy zero-proof cocktail featuring soy milk, ginger, honeydew, and gula melaka served in ceramicware, while Black Lacquer combines coconut rum, cherry wine, cold-brew kopi, molasses, and shortbread in a nod to themes of preservation and reinvention.
Complementing the drinks programme is a menu of contemporary dishes rooted in familiar Southeast Asian flavours. Starters include Savoury Granita with salmon roe and cabbage, alongside the HTYN Salad with black fungus and cordyceps. Larger plates include Mee Kapitan with minced pork and shrimp paste, as well as the BAR KAP Bao filled with beef and house-special achar. Dessert takes a nostalgic turn with a rainbow Ice Cream Sandwich inspired by the local classic.
The interiors preserve much of the mansion’s original architectural details while introducing contemporary hospitality elements. Original timber beams and intricate carvings are highlighted with mirrors and reflective surfaces, while a Y-shaped bar console encourages interaction between guests and bartenders. Elevated booths inspired by traditional Chinese teahouses create more intimate spaces for groups, while private rooms extend the immersive experience further.
Among these spaces is the Carriage Room, designed to resemble a private train carriage with layered fabrics, timber, and brass accents. Another room, known as The Chamber, takes inspiration from a traditional Chinese medicine apothecary and houses the venue’s clay-ageing vessels within mid-century cabinetry.
Also opening within the property is Jing Studio, a contemporary tea concept led by a Tea Master. The studio offers single-origin teas, herbal infusions, refined blends, and a selection of pastries designed to pair with the beverages.
Jing Studio operates daily from 10am to 7pm, while BAR KAP welcomes guests daily from 5pm to midnight.
