What’s the story behind The Good Beer Company?
I’d often wondered why you couldn’t find good beers in Singapore except at pricey bars and restaurants. They certainly couldn’t be found at local hawker centers, where you can drink them as you enjoy local food. When I got retrenched in 2011, I took the plunge.

Why a hawker stall?
There’s far less financial risk in setting up a hawker stall as compared to a full-service bar. The other reason is the sheer novelty factor—bars that sell beer are a dime a dozen, but a hawker stall selling some 60 beers and ciders? We’re pretty much the first. In fact, we’re still the only one, though some kopitiams offer a wider variety of beers now.

Any unusual patrons so far?
Interestingly, we attract a lot of people who work in technology start-ups (otherwise known as geeks, which I say in the most affectionate manner). We’ve hosted a casual party for Microsoft and a regular hangout for Googlers, and even had folks from Evernote drop by when they’re in town. Singapore Redditors meet here often as well.

Do the “boutique prices” of some of your beers deter patrons?
Not everyone would pay for premium beer and we accept that. We’d rather go for a demographic who’d be happy to find a Stone IPA or Rochefort 6 going for $10, which is reasonable considering the prices out there.

What does the local beer industry lack?
Beer knowledge. Many bars and bistros have begun to sell craft beer, but they don’t know enough about it to support so many specialty beer premises.

If you could invent your own beer, what would it be like?
I love my beers, but I’m not interested in being a brewer. If I really had to do one myself though, it’d be a golden ale that incorporates chrysanthemum flowers and dried winter melon sugar. It would be a session beer—something very drinkable so you can have a few each time—with flavors the local palate is familiar with. I’d call it Yellow Gold (黄金), a play on the color and style of the beer.

28 HongKong Street

One of Singapore’s best-kept secrets, 28 HongKong Street looks completely nondescript to passers-by. But walk through its doors and you’ll discover a buzzing cocktail bar serving up concoctions with cheeky names and innovative flavors.

Brewerkz

From reliable standards like golden ale and oatmeal stout to experimental seasonal and limited edition beers, they’ve got it all. Brewerkz also has great food and attractive happy hours.

Izy

Redefining the traditional Japanese-style izakaya is chef Kazumasa Yazawa, formerly of award-winning establishment Waku Ghin. Order sake, craft beer, or bespoke cocktails to go with the amazing small plates.

Kyō

Slick underground club Kyō plays host to fine DJ acts and boasts a 24 meter-long bar. Be spoilt for choice with an endless list of liquors, wines and Champagne, as well as fine Japanese whiskeys and sakes to choose from.

LeVeL33

The world’s highest urban craft brewery with stunning views of Marina Bay, LeVel33 has beers that stay true to European brewing traditions, top-class food and settings to suit any occasion.

Oxwell & Co.

This lively British gastrobar helmed by UK celebrity chef Mark Sargeant and Aussie barkeep Luke Whearty serves up beers, wines and even cocktails on tap. Expect drinks (and dishes) that contain handpicked herbs from their rooftop garden, and house-made gin crafted from cloves and nutmeg foraged locally in the vicinity.

Praelum Wine Bistro

Host to a feisty crowd of Duxton Hill regulars, Praelum (meaning “wine press” in Latin) carries a mix of Old World and New World labels. If you like the element of surprise, you’ll be glad to know the variety of wines available by the glass changes regularly.

RedDot BrewHouse

Take in scenic views of the iconic Singapore River while you sip on one-of-a-kind craft beers like Monster Green Lager and RedDot Lime Wheat at RedDot BrewHouse.  

Verre Wine Bar

Located in a refurbished warehouse on the quieter side of Robertson Quay, Verre has over 750 labels made up mostly of bottles from small, family-owned artisanal vineyards in its walk-in cellar.

Wine Connection Cheese Bar

It’s the perfect marriage of wine and cheese at this 190-seater contemporary bar. Choose from a selection of more than 40 matured farm cheeses flown in from Europe and over 250 exquisite vino labels, with plenty available by the glass.

Dining

Brussels Sprouts - Belgian Beer & Mussels

Emmanuel Stroobant Group’s third restaurant overlooks the scenic marina, making it the perfect spot to savor its famous mussels, signature seafood dishes and its extensive list of Belgian beers. Mains by Chef de Cuisine Michael di Placido,such as the braised lamb shank and grilled pork belly, are sure to be popular with meat lovers.

Cove Stadium

Sports fans are in for a treat at this bistro-bar, which serves pub grub and beverages such as beers, liquors, wines and crafted cocktails, together with the latest sports matches and events on television.

Ezoca Japanese Cuisine

New in the local restaurant scene, this intimate 40-seat Japanese establishment imports most of its offerings from Japan, including the freshest ingredients, rare sakes and artisanal tableware. Its signature charcoal-grilled Kuroge Wagyu beef, kaiseki, sashimi as well as snow crab options are not to be missed.

Grillado

Be sure to stop by this casual diner to try its Portuguese-style flat roasted chicken and grilled chicken burgers, which come basted in special legendary sauces such as the Grillado signature sauce, mustard-mayo or garlic ranch. Fresh yogurt with fruit or muesli and jalapeno poppers are must-tries as well.

Kebab House

Carnivores, this halal sandwich bar’s for you. Simply pick the meat of your choice and have it served Mediterranean style in freshly baked bread. Those craving for something exotic should tuck into its signature Doner Kebabs—a winning combination of premium meat, spices imported from Germany, and Turkish pita bread.

Kith

Simple and unpretentious, this popular all-day dining café serves locally-roasted coffee and fuss-free breakfast options in a chic, laid-back space.

Museo

This sophisticated restaurant-bar with an art studio in its premises offers contemporary fusion cusine, a dining-in-a-cup concept and high tea, complemented with alcoholic teas, dietary cocktails, wine and beer—perfect for a weekend bevvy or unwinding after work.

Note di Sicilia

Those with a sweet tooth should drop in at Italian gelateria-bar Note di Sicilia, which makes its traditional low fat gelato with fresh milk from Italy, and sorbetto from seasonal fruits and Italian spring water. Delicious cocktails and frozen shooters are also available on the menu for a post-work tipple (or two).

Paradiso Restaurant & Bar

From the folks behind Cuba Libre and Nueva Cuba comes this joint—its name means ‘heaven’ in Latin—that features a charming, rustic-chic vibe and a Latin American menu and drinks.

Picotin Express

The well-loved European bistro at Bukit Timah expands to Sentosa with this second outlet, which delivers the same wholesome fare created by chef-owner Steve Kaye, like the delicious pan fried sea bass and mustang pizza.

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro

Expect only the freshest catches at this gastro-bar, which has seafood flown in the same day. There’s also a fine selection of wines and cocktails to complement your seafood options. Got a great recipe for a particular fish? Have it freshly packed for your own home-cooked meal.

Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill

The sister of Duxton’s busiest Spanish restaurant continues to impress with its striking and fashionable décor, glorious waterfront views, a new menu of grilled fare, traditional tapas and Spanish wines and beers. If you haven’t already, try the jamón ibérico de bellota (black pig ham) and pair it with delicious sangria.

Solepomodoro Trattoria-Pizzeria

Pizzas baked in a custom-built traditional wood-fired oven are the order of the day for this casual upbeat spot, which also has a variety of homemade pastas, ravioli and desserts to tantalize your taste buds. As you’d expect, there’s also an extensive wine list to accompany your meal.

Retail

Hera Beauty Salon

This beauty salon is dedicated to provide excellent customer service with its quality hair, nail and spa sessions, along with reputable beauty products amidst an enjoyable atmosphere. Wedding consultancy services are also available for couples preparing for their big day.

Jasons The Gourmet Grocer

An exquisite gourmet shopping paradise for luxury aficionados, this marketplace carries niche, epicurean brands from around the world to satisfy discerning palates.

Little Provence

If you love Provence’s specialties, this retail store will delight you with its wide selection of olive oils, truffle delicacies, tapenades, artisanal jams, chocolates and excellent wines.

Nikei Fine Art

Founder Hiroshi Kato replicates the successful formula of his first gallery at Raffles Hotel in this new art space, which showcases works by renowned and emerging artists from Japan, Europe and other Asian countries.

The Straits Wine Company

You’ll find a wide range of fine wines from around the world at this prominent wine distribution chain, whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur. Enjoy special off-the-shelf prices when you pick a label to drink on the spot.

Getting to Quayside Isle

By car

Admission charges into Sentosa vary according to time of entry, but if you’re driving in during lunch (noon-2pm) and dinner (after 5pm) on weekdays, admission is just $2 flat for all passengers. Parking at Quayside Isle from 7am-12:59am is $3.50 per entry.

By public transport

Take the Sentosa Express train from VivoCity to Beach Station Bus Interchange and board the complimentary Sentosa Bus 3 to Sentosa Cove Village. Shuttle  buses are available every 30 minutes from 8am to 10:30pm daily. If you’re taking a cab, the same weekday lunch or dinner time admission charges for cars apply.