Long Bar
3.5
About
The historic Long Bar returns fully restored and continues its proud tradition as the Home of the Singapore Sling. The famous counter shines like new amidst decor that marries architecture and contemporary plantation-inspired motifs. Long Bar was located at Cad’s Alley in the early 1900s. At a time when improved rail and road systems brought rubber and palm oil plantation owners over to Singapore from Malaya every weekend, it was known as the ‘Rendezvous of Planters’. The earthy decor of the two-storey Long Bar is inspired by Malayan life in the 1920s. The deep, rich colours and lush greenery transport patrons to the edge of a tropical plantation. In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere, guests are invited to brush peanut shells off the table and bar counter to the floor. This is quite possibly the only place in Singapore where littering is encouraged.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
3,074 reviews
Excellent
954
Very good
973
Average
608
Poor
308
Terrible
231
Sarah L
London, UK2,831 contributions
Oct 2022
This bar, nestled in the Raffles Hotel is a great experience, though it is pricey. One Singapore Sling and one non-alcoholic cocktail plus service set us back about £50. It is mesmerising just how many Singapore Slings the bartenders can make in an hour. The complimentary nuts, whose shells you can casually litter the floor with, are great - unless you have a nut allergy!
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tofurry
Renton, WA835 contributions
Jan 2022
I have never been in the Long Bar so I can't write about the renovation. It is a very classy looking bar like the rest of Raffles Hotel. We came here to try the Singapore Sling which at $35 is quite expensive for a drink. The last time I tried a Singapore Sling was over a decade ago and back then, it was so sweet, it was quite an awful drink. Now, it has improved with fresh fruit juice, higher end liquor, and less syrup. It has very much improved. The peanuts comes in a small bowl and you aren't allowed to throw the shells on the floor as I've heard you used to be able to.
The Long Bar is still a must visit if you are a tourist in Singapore though!
The Long Bar is still a must visit if you are a tourist in Singapore though!
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cosmopolitan554457
7 contributions
Jun 2022
Long Bar is part of the iconic Raffles conglomerate. The interest hook here is that they provide a bowl of unshelled peanuts on your table and, when you've shelled your peanuts, you through said shells on the floor. I just saw a great slip hazard waiting to happen. We (three of us) sat at our table for 15 minutes before almost tripping up a waiting to get a menu - and they weren't busy at the time. After another ten minutes we got our drinks but one drink was completely wrong. Another ten minute wait. Only to justify the time we had already spent there we had another round. At average $28 a cocktail it wasn't cheap but now we can say we've been there and don't need to go again.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neale S
17 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Dreadful service well overpriced £24.00 for their Singapore Sling. Left after being ignored for 40 minutes. Would have had a second drink despite the price had we we not been ignored.
Upon arrival made to wait 50 minutes to get in. Its a ruse. Once in, you'll see there are tables that are free. The staff intentionally make you queue up to create a sense of grandeur.
The bar and decor are lovely but the service is appalling. When given the bill with 10% service charge we refused to pay the service due to the complete lack of service. This took three staff to run up the chain to decide finally we would not be charged. Received a very lack luster apology from a bar manager.
Ultimately people will go here for the history but regret their choice. Far better bars nearby at a fraction of the price. What a shame. Left a poor impression but clearly they don't care...
Upon arrival made to wait 50 minutes to get in. Its a ruse. Once in, you'll see there are tables that are free. The staff intentionally make you queue up to create a sense of grandeur.
The bar and decor are lovely but the service is appalling. When given the bill with 10% service charge we refused to pay the service due to the complete lack of service. This took three staff to run up the chain to decide finally we would not be charged. Received a very lack luster apology from a bar manager.
Ultimately people will go here for the history but regret their choice. Far better bars nearby at a fraction of the price. What a shame. Left a poor impression but clearly they don't care...
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark
Nottinghamshire, UK348 contributions
Nov 2022
The Long Bar is one of those places that keep appearing on all the must do tourist lists when visiting Singapore. When I was working in Singapore a few years ago, the hotel was closed for refurbishment so I never got the opportunity and on other occasions, as somebody who hates queues, I had given it a wide berth
But I was already in the hotel for dinner (where I enjoyed an amazing curry) and by the time I had finished my meal it was getting late so I thought I would wander up to the Long Bar just to see how long the queue actually was. It turned out there were only a handful of people in front of me and soon enough I was seated in the bar (not at the bar) with a large bag of peanuts on my table and an extensive cocktail menu
Now I could comment on the cost of the drinks etc but this is Singapore where everything is expensive so whilst it is expensive, it is not really any more so than any other bar you might find yourself in in the city.
I had the obligatory Singapore Sling (again something you just have to do) before following up with a couple more drinks whilst soaking in the atmosphere.
I was half expecting some sort of tourist packed disneyland experience but the vibe was super chilled and all rather civilised. As a result I stayed a lot longer than planned
If I am in Singapore again, I would return. The queue moves quickly and the drinks are very good.
But I was already in the hotel for dinner (where I enjoyed an amazing curry) and by the time I had finished my meal it was getting late so I thought I would wander up to the Long Bar just to see how long the queue actually was. It turned out there were only a handful of people in front of me and soon enough I was seated in the bar (not at the bar) with a large bag of peanuts on my table and an extensive cocktail menu
Now I could comment on the cost of the drinks etc but this is Singapore where everything is expensive so whilst it is expensive, it is not really any more so than any other bar you might find yourself in in the city.
I had the obligatory Singapore Sling (again something you just have to do) before following up with a couple more drinks whilst soaking in the atmosphere.
I was half expecting some sort of tourist packed disneyland experience but the vibe was super chilled and all rather civilised. As a result I stayed a lot longer than planned
If I am in Singapore again, I would return. The queue moves quickly and the drinks are very good.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jojo60713
San Francisco, CA203 contributions
Dec 2022
Love this place but it is expensive. Very relaxed once you get in but the line does move pretty quickly as most people stay for one drink and leave just to say that they have done it. We stayed much longer and for more drinks. The staff are very efficient and welcoming - we will definitely return!
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Norbu
Singapore, Singapore45 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The bar is located on the 2nd floor of the beautiful, colonial style Raffles Hotel complex.
There was a easily 20m long queue of groups waiting to enter on a Monday afternoon 3pm. And the queue seems not to move at all. There was no staff at the welcome desk to ask, but my uneducated guess was a 1h+ waiting time.
I briefly looked into the bar and it looked decent, but not worth that much of a wait. It was full with what looked like tourists all sipping their Singapore Sling. There seemed to be not much of a dress code (unless you decide to show up in your speedos, I guess).
For me personally, swinging by and having a look from the outside was enough to see this famous place. After having a look at it, I'd rather go into one of the plenty other bars in Singapore with better views and/or superb drinks.
There was a easily 20m long queue of groups waiting to enter on a Monday afternoon 3pm. And the queue seems not to move at all. There was no staff at the welcome desk to ask, but my uneducated guess was a 1h+ waiting time.
I briefly looked into the bar and it looked decent, but not worth that much of a wait. It was full with what looked like tourists all sipping their Singapore Sling. There seemed to be not much of a dress code (unless you decide to show up in your speedos, I guess).
For me personally, swinging by and having a look from the outside was enough to see this famous place. After having a look at it, I'd rather go into one of the plenty other bars in Singapore with better views and/or superb drinks.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kingyd2017
Haworth, UK186 contributions
Feb 2022
I really enjoy visiting the Long Bar when in Singapore, and I still enjoyed this visit in difficult circumstances. The entry and ordering was well organized and with limited seating our order was taken promptly. I always recommend a visit here and personally I order the half yard of Tiger beer.
I can't recommend a Singapore Sling because its mass produced and poured from plastic containers and at $28++ its expensive.
Go here and enjoy.
I can't recommend a Singapore Sling because its mass produced and poured from plastic containers and at $28++ its expensive.
Go here and enjoy.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mali886
Singapore, Singapore149 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Let me start by saying this is the one place you can litter in Singapore by throwing peanut shells on the beautiful tile floor.
The iconic Singapore Sling at $35 is pricy. However it is definitely worth the mark up given that this is where it originated and despite having to make so many it is definitely the best made sling on the red dot.
There are other versions one can try including one for $155.
The ambience is very 20s with the twist of the Malayan influence including the fans swaying on the ceiling.
There is no food. Just peanuts. And bags of them to boot.
The lines do get long as the night grows old so get there before 10pm or you will be “queuing” on the stairs.
I found the wait staff not attentive and slow. When we got there, no one was manning the door so we just sat down at an empty table which caused them a little panic later. After we were relocated upstairs you would think they would have been more attentive but that was not the case.
The iconic Singapore Sling at $35 is pricy. However it is definitely worth the mark up given that this is where it originated and despite having to make so many it is definitely the best made sling on the red dot.
There are other versions one can try including one for $155.
The ambience is very 20s with the twist of the Malayan influence including the fans swaying on the ceiling.
There is no food. Just peanuts. And bags of them to boot.
The lines do get long as the night grows old so get there before 10pm or you will be “queuing” on the stairs.
I found the wait staff not attentive and slow. When we got there, no one was manning the door so we just sat down at an empty table which caused them a little panic later. After we were relocated upstairs you would think they would have been more attentive but that was not the case.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muriel D
2 contributions
Feb 2020
People were made to queue outside in the mid day sun while there were plenty of empty tables inside. We had to ask for an empty table where we were able to see the room (not stuck behind the stair case). The senior bar tender seemed to running everything - the queue outside, where you sit, the ordering of drinks etc. Service was extremely slow, the Singapore sling I ordered was the second most expensive and they were expensive, and I have had better Singapore Slings in our own hotel for free! There was very little alcohol in it, and it had no flavour. When you are ready to leave and want to pay your bill, you have to ask several times before anything happens. I had been really looking forward to this event, but in my opinion save your money, it really is not worth going. Buy yourself a drink someone else and enjoy it. I have been there, done that, never again.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are visiting Singapore in the New year, are shorts permitted for men in raffles long bar?
Ray SJ
San Jose, CA222 contributions
They don’t allow shorts during dinner hours so after around 5pm
cara f
Essex, UK32 contributions
Hi, visiting Singapore in January and am looking forward to visiting The Long Bar, is there a better time of day to visit to avoid queues? Once seated do you feel rushed to leave or could we spend a couple of hours there?
oi_mark
Bradford, UK14 contributions
I didn’t feel at all rushed, so I think you could stay as long as you wished. 🙂
Annalisacl
Paris, France2 contributions
Hi. When is the best time to visit the long bar? I don’t want to queue for ages but have heard the queues can be quite bad. Thanks
Pauline
Leeds, UK71 contributions
We found later in the evening on off peak days like Monday!
ken
Japan200 contributions
Is this bar accept credit cards VISA? Thanks
voidoid_gen
Guildford65 contributions
I paid with Amex which has limited acceptance so Visa should be accepted.
Coffeequeen123
United Kingdom77 contributions
Hello. Are shorts permitted in the Long Bar and are there restrictions on footwear? We’ve read different things but people in the pics look pretty casual. Thanks
Lee
Newark-on-Trent, UK3 contributions
When we visited I was in shorts trainers and tee shirt so I don’t think you’ll be turned away wearing shorts
Coffeequeen123
United Kingdom77 contributions
Hello. Are shorts permitted in the Long Bar and are there restrictions on footwear? We’ve read different things but people in the pics look pretty casual. Thanks
John M
Sarasota, FL340 contributions
I wore shorts on two separate evenings. The Long Bar is very nice, beautiful, expensive, offers great service, delicious cocktails, and yet it is still okay to throw the peanut shells on the floor and wear shorts and flip-flops.
Jody C
Houston, TX
Do you need a reservation before coming?
lorraineck
Krakow, Poland49 contributions
No, we had to wait in a short queue but no problem
How much is a Singapore Sling nowadays?
voidoid_gen
Guildford65 contributions
In April 2019, 4 slings cost about S$150
Alice C
Newcastle, Australia40 contributions
Can children go into the bar at the Raffles hotel?
Raffles Singapore
Singapore1 contribution
Dear Helen K,
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Long Bar.
Yes we welcome families and children are allowed in the Long Bar with the supervision of adults.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Yours sincerely,
Christian Westbeld
General Manager
Raffles Singapore
Long Bar (Singapore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Long Bar
- Long Bar is open:
- Thu - Fri 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- We recommend booking Long Bar tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Long Bar tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Long Bar:
- (0.09 mi) Raffles Hotel Singapore
- (0.09 mi) Fairmont Singapore
- (0.05 mi) Carlton Hotel Singapore
- (0.13 mi) Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore
- (0.14 mi) Naumi Hotel Singapore
- Restaurants near Long Bar:
- (0.01 mi) Gather
- (0.01 mi) Marche Movenpick
- (0.02 mi) Brotzeit (Raffles City)
- (0.02 mi) Shinji by Kanesaka
- (0.02 mi) Renga-ya