Lede
A new bar called Hi Stranger has opened opposite Exit 3 of Maxwell MRT on Neil Road, joining established neighbors like The Store and Side Door. This 26-seat venue, which describes itself as an immersive “cocktail playground,” rotates its concept every few months and incorporates interactive elements to engage guests. Founders Bastien Renard and Roomi Luo have designed the space to change entirely with each new theme—starting with a volcanic-inspired debut concept titled “A World Aglow.”
Vibe: From Sunlit Café to Lava-Lit Lounge
By day, Hi Stranger feels more like an airy café, thanks to an open skylight that floods the dining area with natural light. Semi-private booths line the sides, while the main bar counter near the entrance encourages a communal, lively atmosphere. As evening falls, the room shifts to a warm, reddish glow that mirrors its opening theme.
That debut concept draws inspiration from the acclaimed 2022 documentary “Fire of Love,” which follows two French volcanologists. Lava-like visuals illuminate the space at night, the playlist matches the mood, and both the food and drink menus follow suit. In a few months, the entire bar will transform again with a fresh look and new menu, reflecting whatever has captured Renard and Luo’s imagination.
Interactive Touches: Scent Wall and Flavor Tool
Near the back, a small “scent wall” reminiscent of fragrance stores lets visitors sample the bar’s spirits before ordering. Patrons can sniff options ranging from St. Germain elderflower liqueur to Savanna Rum from Réunion Island—a rare spirit exclusive to Hi Stranger. This setup aims to demystify the ordering process for newcomers, giving them a sense of each spirit’s profile before committing to a full cocktail.
For those still undecided, the bar offers a wooden flavor tool—a hand-carved block created by Renard’s father—that helps guests narrow down their preferences. It’s another thoughtful touch designed to make the experience approachable for cocktail beginners.
Drinks: Minimalist, Boozy, and Expertly Crafted
Hi Stranger’s menu features 29 cocktails, including 20 classics and nine seasonal signatures tied to the current concept. Drinks emphasize simplicity, typically using no more than six components so the base spirit shines. The Funky Daiquiri ($26) highlights Jamaican rum with lime juice, syrup, and a hint of chili—enough for complexity but not for heat. The basil martini ($26), served on the dirtier side with olive brine and three olives, carries a gentle basil aroma that keeps it sippable.
Martini lovers have options: the kaffir martini ($26) is a stiff, dry blend of gin infused with kaffir lime leaves and dry vermouth. The bar’s headliner, The Naughty Martini ($28), combines Savanna rum, Jamaican rum, and gin, with the Savanna carrying the bulk of the flavor. The Krafft Negroni ($25) reimagines the classic with a mezcal float for a smoky, volcanic character inspired by documentary subject Moris Krafft.
Food: Michelin-Starred Chef Elevates the Menu
Chef Edwin Tay, previously of Michelin-starred restaurants Nouri and Rhubarb, oversees the food menu, which goes beyond typical bar fare. Must-tries include the prawn toast ($12), layered with sesame and mayo, and miso cabbage with chopped cashews and garlic purée ($16). Small plates like fried mushrooms with soy emulsion ($12) and Brazilian cheese bread (pao de queijo, $12) round out the selection.
For heartier appetites, larger sharing plates shine: Korean wheat noodles with stir-fried clams ($22) and Spanish octopus ($48)—the latter featuring succulent chunks atop romesco sauce with baby potatoes, though at a premium price.
Rating: 4/5
Hi Stranger ticks many boxes for a fun night out, from interactive touches that keep things interesting and beginner-friendly to a food menu that avoids predictability. Tip: Visit between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily for a complimentary prawn toast with each cocktail. And for late-night adventurers, look for the “Catch The Ramos” sign—when it lights up, patrons have moments to order the day’s only Ramos Gin Fizz (an off-menu cocktail) before it’s claimed.
Broader Impact
Hi Stranger joins a growing wave of Singapore bars prioritizing evolving concepts and guest interaction, signaling a shift away from static cocktail lounges toward more dynamic, experiential venues. For those planning a bar hop along Neil Road, this newcomer offers a fresh reason to linger.
Related Reading
- 5 new cocktail bars in Singapore to visit in 2026
- Four Singapore bars make Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, led by Jigger & Pony
- Hot stuff: Decker Barbecue fires up at Old Bukit Timah Fire Station