Cat Bite Club's Jesse Vida says indie bars are in

He believes the rise of bartender-owned establishments is a sign of a shift in drinking culture

- Teo Kai Xiang

In Singapore's bar scene, few establishments have made as swift an impact as Cat Bite Club, which debuted at No. 56 on the World's 50 Best Bars list for 2024, one year after opening its doors.

Founded in 2023 by veteran bartenders Jesse Vida, 37, and Gabriel Lowe, 38, this speakeasy-style bar is hidden behind a cafe in Duxton Hill.

To find it, look for the telltale sign of its glowing cat signboard or the blink-and-you-will-miss-it Cheshire Cat grin of its logo.

According to Mr Vida, the two set out to open a place with warm and cosy neighbourhood bar vibes, with a focus on agave and Asian rice spirits.

For those new to Cat Bite Club, he recommends trying its two signature cocktails.

The Cat Bite Margarita ($27) is a modern take on the classic margarita, featuring tequila and mezcal. "It's our best-selling drink by far," he says.

For a taste of the Asian spirit category, the Soju Sprint ($25) is its take on the Korean spirit, and features a mix of soju, peach, honey, absinthe and soda.

Prior to founding Cat Bite Club, Mr Vida was head bartender at Atlas for over three years, while Mr Lowe did stints at bars in San Francisco, Bogota and Bangkok.

Discussing the bar's newfound recognition, Mr Vida believes Cat Bite Club's success is indicative of a broader trend in the food and beverage industry.