5 Best Old-school Pubs in Singapore for a Dose of Nostalgia

Image: Molly Malone’s

Fear not, Singaporeans! Old-school traditional spots are still in business, and are extremely popular for the ultimate authentic day/night break. Time-travel to the top 5 old-school pubs in Singapore, and engross yourself in the antiquity and traditional ambience. You’re bound to find a new Sunday favorite!

1. The Penny Black

Image: The Penny Black

Address

26-27 Boat Quay, Singapore 049817

Phone

+65 6538 2300

Opening hours

Mon to Thu: 11:30 – 01:00
Fri & Sat: 11:30 – 02:00
Sun: 11:30 - Midnight

This gorgeously antique old-school pub will send you right back to Victorian London times. Snugly located at Boat Quay overlooking the Singapore river, this bar will be your new old-school favorite! Indulge in some traditional pub-grub, or sip on the finest pinot noir for a sophisticated night out with your loved one.

Highlights:

English-inspired authentic pub overlooking the river: Enjoy the fabulous view of the Singapore river as you drink a pint of draught beer in the quayside seating area. Feeling a bit too hot? Head inside to the air-conditioned English-inspired Victorian tavern and continue your gathering there. Penny Black has it all! From the dark-brown high tables and chairs, to the walls lined with cold-beer on tap and wooden signs, you will feel like you are in the middle of Oxford Street, drinking a pint of cold Guinness with your mates. If you’re feeling like a little grub, opt for the infamous fish ‘n’ chips with mushy peas to enjoy cultural classics.
Exclusive sports events to cheer with a pint of beer: Dying to watch your game in a pub-setting? Visit Penny Black’s website for a frequently updated list of sports events hosted in their bar. Watch the Australian Open on the large screens, and cheer on with your pub-mates as your favorite team scores a goal.
Private parties and functions for reservation: Love Penny Black and would love to host an event here? Whether it’s a business lunch, birthday party or engagement, Penny Black will customize the place to suit your needs! Enjoy a personalized menu, complimentary use of audio and visual equipment, and an unbeatable atmosphere for an event no one will ever forget!

TOP TIPS
Look out for their frequent promos for the top deals on drinks and events. For this period, you can enjoy an exotic lychee cocktail for $12 per glass. Feel like bopping to some blues and country? Stop by on Wednesday nights for a live performance by Miles McLean!

2. Molly Malone’s

Image: Molly Malone’s

Address

56 Circular Rd, Singapore, 049411

Phone

+65 6536 2029

Opening hours

Mon to Wed: 11:00 – 01:00
Thu: 11:00 – 02:00
Fri: 11:00 – 03:00
Sat: 12:00 – 02:00

Irish pubs have quickly plagued the entire world, where you will certainly find more than one in every city in today’s world. Established in 1995, Molly Malone’s is the first Irish pub in Singapore, and has quickly become a cult-favorite. Is it the infectious folk music, distinctive pints of Guinness or perhaps the jovial Irish atmosphere that makes people come back for more? Stop by for a quick pint, and you will soon discover why!

Highlights:

Traditional homey Irish grub: You’ll be spoilt for choice with this incredibly delicious grub menu. Stopping by on a Monday? Enjoy the infamous daily special of Dublin coddle served with freshly baked soda bread. Coming for breakfast? Fill up on a hearty traditional Irish breakfast, and you’ll proudly carry a food-baby until dinner. Try out some of the nation’s favorite dishes, from Bangers and Mash to a classic Sunday roast. There is something for everyone on this menu.
Vivacious ambience like no other: What makes an Irish pub so popular in today’s world? Once you step into this pub, you will know why the Irish are notoriously known as the world’s biggest drinkers. Molly’s is always filled with lively and interesting characters, quickly turning into a community. You can sing your heart out, dance the night away and not feel embarrassed in the slightest. That’s the true beauty of a classic, energetic Irish pub.
Private areas for any festivity: Rent out one of their 3 floors to suit any group size and any occasion. Whether it’s a small gathering of 20, or a massive one with 100 folks, Molly’s is the place to be. Email them or give them a quick call, and they will be very happy to accommodate you!

TOP TIPS

Check out their website for everyday events, promos and parties. From Quiz Nights to hilarious Cards Against Humanity parties, you’ll definitely have the best ‘craic’ at Molly’s.
Current Promo: Every Wednesday night, enjoy a house spirit for $8 to end a long work day.

3. Starker @ Holland Village

Image: Starker

Address

25 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277684

Phone

+65 6465 8368

Opening hours

Sun to Thu: 15:00 – 01:00
Fri to Sat: 15:00 – 02:00

This German-style pub has quickly spread to multiple locations on the island. With some of the best beer around, this spot will wow you with their incredible fresh brews. The branch located in the heart of Holland Village is surely the most authentic of them all, featuring top-notch friendly staff and casual vibes to end the night with a bang. The buzzing crowd, local ambience and delicious ice-cold beer and yummy grub make this place worth the visit.

Highlights:

German beer haven and signature eats: Germans are beer artists! Quench that thirst with a fresh-brew, and try all their 5 unique beer creations: Lager, Dunkel, Charcoal, Aromatic and Lychee. Not sure which one to pick? Try them all for only $20! Feast on some classic wings, signature pork belly or traditional pork Knuckle while you’re at it!
Happy Hour Promo for unbeatable offers: Enjoy a 2L Starker Beer and 2 snacks for $60! For more promos, check out their website to never miss a deal!

4. Molly Roffey’s

Image: Molly Roffey’s

Address

51 Bras Basah Road, #01-02A Manulife Centre

Phone

+65 6238 0989

Opening hours

Daily from 12:00 – 02:00

This modernized Irish bar offers everything you need for an authentic old-school experience. Stop by after work for a well-deserved break, and enjoy nightly live music from local bands. Learn how this spot quickly became a meeting point for all Guinness and Irish cuisine lovers, since opening it’s doors in 2010.

Highlights:

Imported unique drinks for an authentic Irish night: Drink like a local Irishman, with imported Kilkenny beer, Guinness, Heineken and Bushmills Whiskey. With happy hour from 12-9, you will not want to leave this place! Enjoy 2-3 dollars off every drink during happy hour, and fill up on your favorite beer. Students can enjoy a house pour spirit for just $6.
Beautifully modern menu with a plethora of traditional Irish dishes: Hungry for some pub-grub? Make your pick from the exhaustive menu, filled with amazing flavors of the Irish. Try out the fresh Fisherman’s Stew, or Guinness and Oxtail Pie for a truly unique experience! Satisfy your sweet tooth with bread and butter pudding, freshly baked and topped with the infamous whiskey sauce.
Nightly live entertainment and broadcasts of all sports events: With nightly live music from local bands, you will never feel bored in Molly Roffey’s! Stop by and watch your favorite live soccer game with the boys, or hang out with the girls on ladie’s night.

5. McGettigan’s @ Clarke Quay

Image: McGettigan

Address

Merchant’s Court #01-01, 3A River Valley Rd, Singapore, 179020

Phone

+65 6837 0577

Opening hours

Mon to Fri: 12.00 – 03:00
Sat & Sun: 10:00 – 03:00

Experience a traditional Irish pub with a modern twist. McGettigan’s brings the best Irish music, bargain promotions and hilarious comedy to excite your Friday night. You’ll be begging for more, and will reluctantly stroll out at 3am from this Irish paradise. If you feel like taking a quick break from the mayhem inside, sit outside for an al fresco drink by the river.

Highlights:

All things comedy and contagious live music: This vibrant bar is everything but boring. With unique everyday events, you can pretty much spend every night here and experience something different every 24 hours. Dance away to some of the best local live music acts, laugh your heart out at the hilarious stand-up comedy, or catch your favorite game on the large HD screens. Check out their website to see what’s on during the week, stop by and enjoy your night. You won’t regret it!
Delicious and budget friendly dishes: Enjoy 2 juicy, mouthwatering burgers for the price of one on Mondays, or a traditional roast on Saturdays and Sundays for a homey meal. Or try out some of the classic dishes created by Chef Derek Flynn, such as the Beef & Guinness Puff Pastry Pie, Atlantic Salmon or Full Irish Breakfast to satisfy that stomach. Up for a challenge? Brace yourself, and try to finish the 32-ounce burger in 32 minutes! If you manage to stomach this monstrous burger in 32 minutes, you get it for free!
Happy-hours like no others: Their ‘Happier hours”, which is really extensive on Wed (17:00 to 00:00), Thu (17:00 to 22:00) and Sun (15:00 to 22:00) make the pub an ideal place to drink all night long without burning the wallet.