[Straits Times] Cheers to the heartland: Neighbourhood bars rock, from Sengkang to Clementi
In the heart of Clementi, the neon sign of cafe-restaurant Get Some beckons residents to what might be the buzziest block in the area. Flanked by Housing Board buildings, this establishment is best known for its extensive selection of craft beers on tap.
Mr Sathya Prakash, a 28-year-old Clementi resident who was enjoying a glass of the Lavender Earl Grey Blonde Ale here, says: “I was surprised to find a craft beer bar with reasonable prices and a good selection of all these different types of beers on tap beside an HDB block, of all places.”
Get Some features a rotation of craft beers on tap – the majority from local breweries – instead of the usual Heineken and Tiger. Most of the craft beers on tap cost between $10 and $25 a pint, with the upper range reserved for special brews.
“Does it affect our overall sales? Definitely,” Get Some co-owner Mr Hendrik Kiew says, conceding that some residents will always prefer a glass of Heineken. “Some people say that craft beer is too artisanal, too atas, too niche. But we think it’s important to promote and share our local brands and produce.”
Founded in January 2022, the restaurant opened its doors as Singaporeans were still coming to terms with evolving pandemic norms such as remote work and limited travel, which saw residents spending more time in their local neighbourhoods.
Mr Kiew says: “As individuals who enjoy craft beers, we noticed that many like ourselves were working from home and had no other options apart from what existed nearby. What were once convenient options below our offices simply became too far away.”
With that in mind, Mr Kiew set out to create a space with a homely and nostalgic atmosphere.
The bar’s decor has a lived-in feel, with many of its ornaments being gifts and memories from customers. A doodle poster on the wall was made by a friend, while a replica of a rifle range’s paper shooting target is covered in signatures from a half-dozen customers.
These customers were among Get Some’s first regulars, a group of foreign oil riggers who were building an oil rig out of Jurong and lived in a condominium across the road from the restaurant.
“This became their watering hole and we started seeing them every night. There was a point when they started having gumbo and taco nights here. We became friends and before they left, I made a couple of them sign it,” says Mr Kiew.
Running his heartland establishment means building strong bonds with Clementi residents, says Mr Kiew. “We aim to be a residents’ corner of this neighbourhood.”
Building off the success of its Clementi outlet, Get Some opened its second outlet in Ang Mo Kio in May 2023. A third outlet will open its doors in Guillemard Road on May 4.
While he speaks with ST over a glass of Flower Fruit Mountain West Coast DIPA, he is interrupted by three different pairs of regulars striking up conversation as they pop in for an evening drink.
After greeting another regular, Mr Kiew sums up the philosophy behind his growing chain of heartland-focused craft beer eateries: “Ultimately, we’re always reminiscing about the good old days.”
“As life progresses, your responsibilities and your stress increase, and we retreat into a little enclave called home. While that’s not a bad thing, I think that sometimes you need an avenue to let loose and enjoy a drink.”
Where: 727 Clementi West Street 2
When: 5 to 11.30pm (Monday) 10.30am to 11.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Info: getsome.sg
Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/cheers-to-the-heartland-neighbourhood-bars-rock-from-sengkang-to-clementi