"No Strangers Here" shines in neon lights from the headboard above the gleaming tap system at newbie craftbeer joint Freehouse. Here, there is not such a thing as "VIP" treatment., the mandatory greetings and introductions with the friendly staff on deck, the only rite of passage to access the incandescent streams of cold beer flowing through their glycol cooled beer dispensers.
Freehouse, as the name states is a pub that isn't tied to just one brewery. A sight not so prevalent overseas but more predominant on local shores given Singaporean's thirst for variety. Located a flight of stairs up from Cheek by Jowl on Boon Tat street, this craft beer and cider haven is a labor of love from the same folks of The Mad Tapper, Singapore's first craft cider distributor to rally up the sweet-carbonated-alcohol loving crowds since early 2015. With a distribution representation throughout several breweries in NZ, Australia, United states and UK; it's not surprising to see them diversifying and fitting in the role of a tap-house with 16 beers on demand.
With the weather in Singapore taking on an almost sauna-esque stance, Freehouse has quickly become my favourite bar to hangout for nightcaps. Oh, don't get me wrong; Smith Street Taps with its intriguing list ot rotating taps backed by excellent curation maintained by Daniel and Brewers Craft will always have me braving the sweltering heats for a pint or two; but Freehouse with its laidback vibes and attractive food menu does give Craft Beer geeks something to talk about.
The draft list at Freehouse is varied and appeals to both novice drinkers as well as hardcore beer fans. Prices are affordable (for now) with the Brown ale from Morington Peninsula brewery going for $10 for 10oz and $15 for 13oz. Other neat stuff to have graced the tap system are the Yeastie Boys PKB remix 2015 Dark Matta (a floral earl grey porter), Lervig Sawa Yuzu (a tangy Berliner Weisse), Dugges Coconut Grove (a wild ale) and the 8 Wired iStout (a coffee inflicted imperial stout). If there's nothing on the tap list that tickles your fancy, venture right of the bar to the cold fridge where you'll be met with a stunning display of bottled beers that changes seasonal. We would strongly recommend the Hardtail Henry, an oaked stout ($15) for a rogue experience of epic proportions. But if you're looking for something a tad lighter to deal with the dessert void, there's the dry, slightly bubbly and amicable Gosnells London Mead to quench your thirst.
All told, I love Freehouse for their variation, a class act over the usual Rogue and Lost Coast variants you see at bars around the Central Business District region. On the subject of food, bar bites are an attractive option here with items such as Cereal Frog legs ($17) and Bacon Tempura ($9) fulfilling the role of lining the stomachs. You should get the Nacho Dumplings ($13) or the Fish Bites($9) while you're scuffing down those beers; the former, an innovative take on the usual nachos uses meat-filled wantons as chips.
Aside from the uber comfy furniture on the 2nd level, money certainly hasn't been frittered away on fancy decor. The Freehouse is basic and to the point, with almost nothing to distract you from the business in hand: sensational beer.
Freehouse
21A Boon Tat Street
S(069620)
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sat: 5pm - 12am
chicken bun with cheap sake singapore is such a good combination. Like to have it at hone
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