Merry-Go-Round

Highly recommended! Your go to place for exclusive selection of wines and whiskies from around the world. Interesting pairing menu of local fusion cuisine with wines! Host is super friendly and leaves memorable experiences!

Despite not being an Eastie, a pop-up event on rare spirits brings me all the way from the North to Merry Go Round in the East! And yes, the East side is very exciting too. Consisting mainly of low-rise shophouses and landed properties, this place has a unique character that is part nostalgia, part heartland and part idyll. And Merry Go Round embodies these qualities while adding an element of excitement from the impressive range of curated spirits and wine. The staff here is so friendly, making one feel like a friend with everyone here. Especially with the light, chill mood here. There is lots of chitchatting over the food, glasses of spirits and wine, just like how a watering hole is like. While the patrons are free to bring in our own food to enjoy with drinks here, the food here, prepared by the owner himself, is so good that I will choose this option any time of the day. The interior of this place exudes this special tavern vibes, Singaporean style, with its wooden panels and shelves, brick-red walls, lots of bottles of spirits and wine and wooden barrels. When there, I instantly feel relaxed. Excellent place to unwind. Prawns in Batter is da bomb. Served piping hot, the prawns are so succulent. And the bouncy texture of the prawn juxtapose so well with the super crispy thin batter. The accompanying specialty chilli sauce is full of umami. Fried Carrot Cake is so fluffy, bouncy and flavourful. Thoughts: Excellent place to have great time, drinks and food

If you know, you know — this place is a rare gem in the East. No fixed menu, everything is personally prepared by Chef Julius. The braised beef cheeks were incredibly tender, the grilled pork collar was perfectly done, and the dynamite spring rolls were addictive. On top of that, they have a very unique whisky and red wine selection that you don’t usually find in neighbourhood spots. This is not just another pub — it’s a place with heart, quality, and consistency. Hands down one of the best pubs in the East, and great value for what you get.

Great Wine and Whisky Bar in the East. Staff are very friendly and the owner is very knowledgable about wine and whiskies from all over the world. They also have good home-cooked style asian food. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Great place to chill.

The evening was a true showcase of Orin Swift’s artistry, each bottle revealing layers of complexity and character that kept the room engaged from the first pour to the last. **Mannequin** opened the night with elegance—a lush, full-bodied Chardonnay that unfolded with waves of ripe stone fruit, vanilla, and a touch of caramel. Its richness was perfectly tempered by vibrant acidity, offering a decadent yet refreshing start. Next, **China Doll** brought an entirely different energy. A rosé with bright red berries and subtle floral notes, its crisp minerality added a delicate precision to each sip. There was a stunning interplay between its fruit-driven core and refined finish, making it a standout in the lineup. Then came **Abstract**, a commanding presence in the glass. Deep, inky, and layered with blackberries, mocha, and spice, this bold red blend exuded confidence. Each swirl revealed something new—a whisper of dark chocolate, a hint of toasted oak—culminating in a structured, lingering finish. With the meatballs, both **Trigger Finger** and **8 Years in the Desert** made their entrance. **Trigger Finger**, a Pinot Noir, was elegant yet expressive—bright cherry and cranberry merging with earthy undertones and silky tannins. Meanwhile, **8 Years in the Desert** delivered a Zinfandel-led intensity, bursting with jammy fruit, baking spices, and a velvety richness that coated the palate effortlessly. Each glass told its own story, weaving together a tasting experience that was anything but ordinary. And while the food was truly exceptional—every bite thoughtfully prepared—it was the wine that left the deepest impression, transforming the evening into something unforgettable.