The latest concept by A Phat Cat Collective boasts steampunk-inspired libations and bar bites from Chix Hot Chicken

Lifestyle and entertainment group A Phat Cat Collective, which is behind thematic bars Nineteen80 and Pinball Wizard, was supposed to open bar and dance club Rails last year. But given that the struggle with the pandemic remains, the concept had to be adapted. And after almost a year of planning, the team has launched Rails as a vibe dining and drinking spot in Tanjong Pagar.

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Rails bar
Above Rails bar
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Rails console
Above Rails console

It also takes full advantage of its historic location. Inspired by the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and Jinrikisha Station, the interiors are fashioned after a train platform with a steampunk twist. Think vintage elevator with steel scissor gates that lead to an underground enclave, its design reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Platform 9 3⁄4, that is decked out in a textured mix of leather, wood and metal. For good measure, it’s further accented with gears and cogwheels, repurposed planks and a clock tower.

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Photo 1 of 5 Apothecary
Photo 2 of 5 Midsummer Dystopia
Photo 3 of 5 Murder on the Orient Express
Photo 4 of 5 Portmanteau
Photo 5 of 5 Steamed Hammered

At the bar, the team offers a repertoire of adventurous libations that take cues from the steampunk railway theme. The Jinrikisha Spritzer is concocted with the station of the same name in mind and features a refreshing mix of gin, house-made honey-fermented lemon, preserved lime peel and coconut water.

Clockwork Sago is another original cocktail named after the nearby Sago Lane and is a boozy version of the burbur cha-cha dessert, whipped up with tequila, taro, pineapple juice and coconut water, then topped with sago pearls and peanut powder.

(Related: Jigger & Pony Group Co-Founder Gan Guoyi Shares How She Managed Her Business Amid the Pandemic)

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Soul Slider
Above Soul Slider
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Dirty Taters
Above Dirty Taters

Of course, the experience would not be complete without delectable bar bites, which are provided by Chix Hot Chicken in Jalan Pisang that’s famed for its Nashville-style fried chicken. Naturally, the menu revolves around the said poultry and includes the likes of the Soul Slider and The Pepper Jack from the "hot chicken sandwiches" section. While both feature a fried chicken “patty” encased within butter-swiped buns, the former is enhanced with a pink sauce made with paprika and mayo while the latter is stacked with peppery Monterey Jack cheese and drizzled with a yuzu-zested Chix White Sauce.

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