Top 10 Secrets of Long Bar The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel Singapore is universally known as the birthplace of the world-famous Singapore Sling. Behind its polished timber accents, plantation-inspired motifs, and relaxed tropical atmosphere, however, lies a treasure trove of historical mysteries, cultural rebellions, and architectural anomalies.
Stepping into this legendary watering hole means stepping directly into a century of hidden stories. Uncover the top 10 secrets of the Long Bar that most patrons never notice while sipping their cocktails. 1. It Was Built as a Secret Act of Female Rebellion
In 1915, colonial societal norms dictated that women could not publically consume alcohol. To bypass this patriarchal restriction, Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon cleverly crafted the Singapore Sling. By choosing a vibrant pink hue and blending fruit juices with clear gin, he allowed ladies to enjoy a potent drink under the guise of an innocent fruit punch. 2. Littering is Actually Encouraged
In a country universally known for its strict anti-littering laws and hefty fines, the Long Bar remains the only place in Singapore where throwing trash on the floor is actively encouraged. Guests are served complimentary sacks of groundnuts and are expected to toss the peanut shells straight onto the floor. 3. The Floor Shells Pay Homage to Plantation Owners
The peanut shell tradition isn’t just a gimmick; it is a direct nod to the bar’s early 20th-century roots. The bar originally served as a gathering spot for wealthy rubber and palm oil plantation owners. Tossing shells onto the floor replicated the casual, rustic environment of the estates they managed. 4. It Was Originally Located Somewhere Else
The Long Bar has not always occupied its current home in the Raffles Arcade. In the early 1900s, it was located at Cad’s Alley, right at the main entrance of the hotel. It was structured as a long, narrow vantage point designed specifically for gentlemen to sit and watch the lively streets and arriving guests. 5. Mechanised “Punkah Wallah” Fans Run the Ceiling
Look up while sitting at the bar, and you will see a series of moving, paddle-shaped fans overhead. These are a modernized take on Punkah fans, which in colonial times were large canvas sheets manually pulled by servants (Punkah Wallahs) via a rope system to keep wealthy guests cool in the tropical heat. 6. The Original Recipe Was Lost to History
The precise measurements of Ngiam Tong Boon’s original 1915 recipe were never officially archived. In the 1930s, the recipe had to be meticulously reconstructed using written notes, staff memories, and a scribble found on a receipt from an old hotel guest. Today’s recipe relies on that approximation, featuring: Cherry Brandy Benedictine Pineapple Juice Lime Juice Angostura Bitters 7. Look Closely for the Golden Peanut
If you visit the bar during festive seasons or major historic milestones—such as the annual Singapore Sling Day celebrated every June 27th—the staff hide a “Golden Peanut” deep inside selected gunny sacks scattered across the tables. Finding it wins you a luxury prize, ranging from private cocktail masterclasses to exclusive hotel mementos. 8. The “Pineapple Exchange” Tradition
On special anniversary occasions, the Long Bar revives an old maritime barter tradition. Guests who bring a fresh pineapple to the bar can trade it directly at the counter for a complimentary, freshly shaken Singapore Sling. 9. It Inspired Rival Bars Across Asia The Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria
Hotel’s glamorous, old-fashioned tavern from 1911 with classic cocktails, oysters & live jazz.
China, Shanghai, Jing’An, Changde Rd, 1号璞丽酒店1层 邮政编码: 200041 The Long Bar, Shanghai’s Oldest Watering Hole – Bevvy
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