Swanky speakeasy lounge Avenue opens this month in Marina Bay Sands

Secret clubs with nondescript alley entrances, fake bookcases, unmarked doors and house cocktails were the need of the hour in the 1920s. Today, even though alcohol prohibition is long dead, thankfully, the speakeasy culture isn’t. The trend is still as fashionable and alive as ever around the world. And, the latest spot to come to life is Avenue Singapore at the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
Opening 23 May, the swanky speakeasy-style lounge in Singapore will serve as the right kind of alternative to crowded lobby lounges and busy clubs. Avenue is the second of three debuts resulting out of the joint venture between Marina Bay Sands and leading nightlife and restaurant company TAO Group.  

At the announcement of the partnership, Noah Tepperberg, co-founder, TAO Group said: “We are excited and humbled to play a part in shaping the future of Singapore’s entertainment and dining landscape, and to bring about a thrilling integration of concepts for guests from Singapore and beyond.”

Avenue is on the ground floor of the same complex as the recently opened, ultra-niche nightclub, Marquee. The extravagant 2,300sqm nightlife venue was the first to come out of the collaboration between Marina Bay Sands and TAO Group. It is the biggest party hub on the island, replete with a Ferris wheel and a giant slide.  

The immersive ambience of Avenue draws inspiration from its original locations in New York and Los Angeles. Like them, Singapore is also guaranteed to attract a high-profile clientele. Avenue New York is known to have hosted private gatherings by Marc Jacobs, Kim Kardashian and Derek Jeter.  

Avenue was designed by iCrave, a New York-based architectural firm, as a cool place with many fun activities. The eye-catching elements inside include a mini bowling alley, a pool table and arcade games with vintage pinball machines. The speakeasy atmosphere is put down perfectly here with plush custom banquets that lend elegance.   

But that’s not all. As is true with any speakeasy around the world, the experience is incomplete without a creative alcohol list or, at least, a daring house concoction. At Avenue, relish the latest in craft cocktail technology and bespoke menu offerings. Once inside, get your proverbial drink on with ease.  

Avenue Singapore will also play host to a distinct blend of hip-hop and open format mash-ups. And while you relax here with your favourite tipple in hand, watch out for TAO Group and Marina Bay Sands’ third instalment — Koma, soon-to-be the coolest Japanese eatery and sushi bar in town.

AVENUE Singapore opens on 23 May at Marina Bay Sands. It is accessible via its Level 1 entrance, every Wednesday to Friday from 7pm, and every Saturday from 9pm.