HOST

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ At this stage, I should probably start paying rent at HOST, considering the ridiculous number of hours I've spent there. And judging by the frequency of my visits, I clearly have no intention of changing that anytime soon. Whether it's happy hour, a few drinks after work, or continuing the evening after an industry event (because apparently going straight home is an utterly unreasonable suggestion), HOST has become one of my absolute favourite spots in Singapore. The place is cosy, welcoming, and has just the right amount of character. The music is wonderfully eclectic, with something for pretty much everyone, and, praise the heavens, played at a volume that actually allows you to have a conversation without screaming your lungs out. A small miracle in Singapore's bar scene, and an increasingly important consideration for the distinguished old gentleman I'm apparently becoming. ;) But what truly makes HOST special isn't just the space, the drinks or the music. **It's the fabulous humans behind the bar and behind the scenes.** A genuinely wonderful bunch who bring warmth, humour, personality and just the right dose of mischief to the place. They have this rather brilliant ability to make everyone feel welcome, comfortable and free to be themselves. No judgment, no pretence, no attitude. Just a genuinely safe and inclusive space where everyone can relax and have a bloody good time. There's always something happening, with a fantastic variety of events that keep things interesting. I've met some genuinely lovely people here, made new friends, and spent countless evenings catching up with my favourite partners in crime. Some of those evenings are more memorable than others, naturally. The drinks may occasionally have something to do with that. What I particularly love is that HOST never feels like it's trying too hard to be the coolest place in town. It doesn't need to. **It has something far better: a genuine soul, a fantastic community, and people who actually care about the place and those who walk through its doors.** It's also dangerously easy to walk in on your own for a supposedly quick drink, get caught up in a conversation with someone you've just met, bump into half your social circle, and suddenly discover that your carefully planned early night has been postponed indefinitely. Again. At this point, I've stopped pretending to be surprised. Five stars, without the slightest hesitation. To the wonderful HOST crew, thank you for the laughter, the friendships, the questionable number of drinks and the countless brilliant evenings. And for the record, I still maintain that I'm only ever stopping by for one. Nobody believes me anymore, but I admire my own optimism. 🥂

The atmosphere was amazing & welcoming. With it being a gay bar, the diversity really shows what a safe space truly is. & the music was the right match to the atmosphere, truly an amazing playlist. The food & drinks match everything around, & the vibes were 100. 10/10 would recommend.

Queer with a refreshing hipster twist === The first and most important thing to me about HOST is that it is not "just" gay or lesbian - it's one of the few places where you get good representation of every queer sexuality and identity, including our androgynous and non-binary citizens. The menu is relatively simple, with a focus more on straightforward finger-food and housepours; the in-house cocktail selection is small but distinct and well-balanced in their subtlety (the hibiscus spritz is light but not too sweet, and contained an unexpected touch of salt that rounded it out nicely). Special props to the music selection, too - I've never really connected with the typical "Gay Anthem" stuff, so imagine my surprise when a place like this has Tame Impala on their playlist, and to add to my delight, some of my favourites from the French Indie scene also make an appearence (think L'Imperatrice, Corine, and Polo & Pan). There is also a good scattering of ethnic and other niche numbers, rounding out a very rich multi-genre experience. The bar also hosts international DJs from the techno and electro scenes on some night, so the dancier guests also have something to look forward to. Having said all that, the place is not in any way pretentious or uppity; the staff are friendly, down-to-earth and obliging. Meamwhile, the ambience is lush and cozy - it could almost feel like you are over at friend's place for an apéro, but obviously more polished and well-kept.