After the closure of popular rum bar Sugarhall in July, parent company Jigger & Pony, in collaboration with House of Suntory, has unveiled its highly anticipated successor: Pop City X Pony. Situated in the former speakeasy space on Cecil Street, this new cocktail bar seamlessly blends the expertise of Jigger & Pony’s celebrated mixology with a deep dive into modern and traditional Japanese culture, offering patrons an immersive, multifaceted drinking and dining experience.
Finding the Hidden Entrance
The establishment takes over the second floor of 19 Cecil Street, promising an engaging journey even before the first sip. Regulars familiar with the previous venue will navigate easily, but newcomers should look for the subtle cues. Access requires walking around the back of the ground-floor establishment, Barrel: Story of Hibiki, into a narrow back alley. A neon-pink sign marks the spot, leading guests upstairs to an unmarked black door—a fittingly discreet entry for what feels like a hidden gem.
Stepping inside reveals a meticulous design that pays homage to Japanese aesthetics. Design aficionados will appreciate details like the textured kimono fabric used on seating, and walls and ceilings decorated with the iconic ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern. The space is cleverly divided into four distinct zones, subtly shifting the atmosphere depending on where guests settle.
The central bar counter offers an intimate view of the mixologists at work, framed by an intricate, hand-stitched byōbu (Japanese folding screen). For larger gatherings, the Tasting Commons and After Hours Salon are equipped with modular furniture, allowing for flexible group seating. Adding to the exclusivity is Bar Mixtape, a secluded ‘bar within a bar’ section featuring its own mini-bar, rare Hibiki whiskies, and a nostalgic listening corner furnished with CD players and records, available for private bookings.
Japan-Inspired Cocktails: Pop, City, and Seasons
Consistent with the Jigger & Pony brand—known for deceptively simple yet impeccably balanced cocktails—Pop City X Pony’s offerings are sophisticated and focused. The 16-drink menu is organized into three conceptual sections:
- POP: Drawing inspiration from Japanese pop music and culture.
- CITY: Referencing Japanese fashion and metropolitan aesthetics.
- Seasons In Motion: Offering two new creations monthly, inspired by Japan’s intricate microseasons.
Under the ‘POP’ banner, the HØJ1CHA €SPR€$$Ø MART1N1 ($25) reinvents the ubiquitous classic with a smoky, roasted profile derived from hojicha, coffee, and mezcal, finished with a bright dusting of raspberry powder. Other highlights include a zestier take on the Yuzu Whisky Sour ($27) and a fruit-forward Sake Martini ($24).
The ‘CITY’ section presents inventive twists on familiar formats. The Matcha Ramos Fizz ($27) combines the creamy nostalgia of kissaten soda with matcha and a glorious, whisky-infused foam crown. More adventurous palates might opt for the savoury Harajuku Mary ($27), a complex vodka and tomato base lifted with unexpected umami from dashi, tonkotsu, and a kick of wasabi.
The bar’s signature, the dangerously potable Pop City Sour ($26), stands out as an outstanding whisky sour. It incorporates savory elements of purple shiso and sour plum, adding depth and structure beneath a frothy egg-white layer.
Seasonal Exploration and Elevated Bar Bites
The rotational Seasonal In Motion menu promises continual novelty. The Fuji Apple & Oyster Leaf Fizz ($26) is a prime example of its ingenuity, blending honeyed sweetness of Fuji apple with the subtle oceanic notes achieved not by mollusc, but by a remarkably similar-tasting oyster leaf.
The food menu is crafted to complement the cocktails without overshadowing them. Complimentary banana chips are offered, alongside shared plates like Truffle Edamame ($15) and Wagyu Fat Fries ($15), both seasoned with shio kombu. For heartier fare, patrons can enjoy elevated izakaya classics such as Chicken Karaage ($18), Teba-Gyoza ($18), or the substantial Pork Katsu Sando ($18) served with shiso coleslaw, or even a warming bowl of Tonkatsu Ramen ($18).
Pop City X Pony operates Mondays through Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. to midnight, at 19 Cecil St, Level 2, Singapore 049704. Happy hour runs daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with attractive deals on drinks starting at $14. Reservations are strongly recommended.