Long before Marina was a Bay and a monstrous trilithic resort dominated the skyline, Singapore was... Well, pretty much the same as it is today. Well groomed dudes and classy ladies would travel from near and far to chill on our trendy island for the necessary business and the inevitable pleasure.

Even in those days, the Fullerton Boathouse would have been a choice spot to sip afterwork Pimms as one watched sampans and schooners go past. Most likely they'd have discussed what the future held for our tiny citystate, but it's less clear that they'd have envisioned a modern restro-bar would occupy their offices a century later. If so, they might have discussed the impressive list of craft beers and muddled drinks it would offer, and how a gentlemen could purchase said beverage for a ha'penny ("try half price pints before 8pm, sire"). They might have remarked that it would have the best the view of the MBS laser show, the F1 circuit and National Day fireworks in all the land, and then wondered what those words meant. The more imaginative of them might have commented that it would be a good place for deep and funky house music until 3am on weekends.

Or, they may just have said that too much talking never did anyone much good, undone a button on their coat vests, ordered a drink from the attentive staff and soaked in the most historic and grand view on the Singapura waterfront. Here's to simpler times, and stronger drinks! (May 2012)

"The bar makes for an appealing destination in its own right. Not least because of the view, which is stunning – and, you’d reckon, impossible to trump. But Prelude manages it with its soft, easy white lighting, a pleasing mix of furnishings – white, skeletal Konstantin Grcic-style bar stools, dark wood and canvas deck chairs – complementing the lush potted foliage and happily subdued playlist." -Time Out Singapore

"Prelude (an apt name indeed) is just the spot for pre-party drinks or a quiet night out. The non-descript roof deck is exactly what makes it so attractive. Chilled-out imbibers seek out this space (sleek Miura stools from Konstantin Grcic, canvas deck chairs), to escape the madness below. Come nightfall, it morphs into a seductive venue where you can come togged in your latest Louis Vuitton resort threads while taking in breathtaking views of Marina Bay. For a romantic night out, be sure to get there early to snag a cozy nook." -I-S Asia-City

"A recently revamped drinks list and food menu are equally interesting. If you like shochu, try the first cocktail on the list ($15 each): Afternoon Delight – it packs a decent punch. The Cucumber GT is another winner for those who prefer something dryer. Beer-wise, there’s Stella Artois and Hoegaarden on tap, but more exotic is a selection of eight varieties from the artisanal Baird Brewing from Japan. We like the hoppiness of the Numazu lager ($13)." -ExpatLiving

Baird Brewing is a specialty Japan artisinal, craft beer. Not to be confused with mainstream counterparts, imaginative brews like Suruga Bay Imperial IPA and Numazu Lager can only be found at Prelude. We suggest you rotate the selection until you find one you love, some of these pack a unique oomph. Oh, and buy 5 and get 1 free. Arigato, Baird-san!

The new bar bite menu is also worth the visit, as the Chope team rarely indulges in the tipple on an empty stomach. Tuck into family-sized 21-inch Capricciosa (shiitake, ham, artichokes, black olives) or Boathouse Pepperoni (lots of pepperoni). Or if you don't sport a Chope-sized appetite, go for the Calfornia Garlic Fries (salt, pepper, garlic and more garlic) or Boathouse Chicken Fingers (skinless chicken, bread crumbs, special dipping sauce). (May 2012)

"Far from the braying crowd of Boat Quay, this elegant but unstuffy rooftop bar-restaurant has been humming along quietly in its own hushed, lo-fi lilt since its soft opening in January. Set up at the rebooted Waterboat House on the lip of the Singapore River, it’s been a kind of badly kept secret between CBD sophisticates.

The bar was originally embraced solely as an alfresco ante-room for the lower-level Boathouse – the promising- looking downstairs restaurant is also enjoying a slow-burning, culty following for its eccentric interior and modern European fare. But now, the bar makes for an appealing destination in its own right. Not least because of the view, which is stunning – and, you’d reckon, impossible to trump. But Prelude manages it with its soft, easy white lighting, a pleasing mix of furnishings – white, skeletal Konstantin Grcic-style bar stools, dark wood and canvas deck chairs – complementing the lush potted foliage and happily subdued playlist.

The interior also serves to contain a comfortable, low-key vibe and succeeds at diffusing the bold, encroaching pomp of its overhanging neighbour, the Fullerton Hotel. The bar occupies a heritage building, but thankfully wears it lightly: this is not the stifling, snooty colonial nostalgia trip of, say, the Raffles Hotel. Even the prices are relatively affordable." -Time Out Singapore (for full article, click here)