Nutmeg & Clove’s Shelley Tai shares her top bars around the world

After cutting her teeth on the bar scene in Hong Kong, Shelley Tai moved to Singapore in 2019 to join Nutmeg & Clove and the Nutmeg Collective, where she now serves as its Operations Director. It’s here that the mixologist made her name, steering the venue to claim seventh on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list .

This year, Nutmeg & Clove underwent a rebranding to embrace a more contemporary approach to telling Singapore’s story through spirits. The new menu features cocktails inspired by the city-state’s unique culture, like Don’t Chicken Out, which uses Hainanese chilli sauce in its recipe, and the Slinging Lion, a twist on the classic Singapore Sling.

“To me, the essence of crafting excellent drinks lies in the balance of flavours,” says Tai of her cocktail philosophy. “My approach is to limit the number of ingredients but ensure that the texture, temperature and dilution are optimal.” Though minimalist, her approach is far from simple – a trait shared by some of her favourite bars from around the world. 

1. Moonrock, Tainan

I’m fond of this unique bar . The character of founder Yiche Liao is reflected in every aspect. Its decor and lighting are artistic, stylish and light-hearted – an aesthetic I appreciate. Cocktails are simple and balanced, but Liao’s flavour combinations are bold and experimental. Savoury and vegetal notes are common in his drinks, and the overall presentation is clean and classic.

2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong

This bar has become very popular in Hong Kong. I appreciate its casual and comfortable atmosphere. Owner Lorenzo Antinori’s sense of humour is reflected in its friendly and playful interior. The drinks are also spot on – I especially like the frozen cappuccino, while the dirty martini is a great example of the bar’s take on classic cocktails – simple yet executed superbly, particularly in terms of temperature and texture control. 

3. BKK Social Club, Bangkok

Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, this bar offers fantastic hospitality and a fun atmosphere. The bartenders are also very welcoming. In terms of cocktails, the style is largely classic. I particularly enjoy their martini and negroni – those who love the latter must try the negroni flight cocktail set, featuring three different renditions of the drink, each made with a different base spirit. 

4. Wu, Taipei

This relatively new bar , founded by the talented Kae Yin, stands for nothingness, a representation of the concept of “a bar without a name”. In his establishment, Yin has meticulously curated a tasteful collection of music and art and established strict rules, such as walk-ins only and no menus. He primarily does classics, and my personal favourites are his vesper and last word cocktails. 

5. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou

Hope & Sesame is a pioneer of the Chinese cocktail scene. This speakeasy is hidden behind a traditional Cantonese store. I did a guest shift there last year, which was a truly special experience. This bar is all about innovation, and their food and drinks are remarkable. I’m especially impressed by their latest signatures, created with condiments from around the world, like gochujang, soy sauce and even MSG. 

6. Shin Gi Tai, Singapore

Though it flies under the radar, Shin Gi Tai is one of my usual haunts. Run by Tokyo-trained barman Anthony Zhong, the bar’s interior and drinks programme are heavily influenced by Japanese bar culture. Zhong has an extensive variety of cocktails in his arsenal, ranging from takes on classics like the martini to seasonal fruit cocktails. His brooklyn and negroni, both made with house-blend vermouth, are particularly noteworthy.

7. Scarfes Bar, London

This artful bar in Rosewood London is a tribute to British artist Gerald Scarfe. I was especially taken by a creative cocktail infused with palo santo essence, a rather rare ingredient to see in a London bar. Beyond the drinks, Scarfes Bar boasts an extensive collection of more than 1,000 rare and vintage spirits and offers live music performances that make for an amazing atmosphere.