Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Photography: Hopscotch (Gillman Barracks)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Hopscotch (Gillman Barracks)

Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, Hopscotch offers a laid-back yet stylish retreat for those seeking good food, craft cocktails, and a welcoming vibe.

Hopscotch

With both indoor and outdoor seating options, it caters perfectly to different moods. Whether you're looking to unwind in air-conditioned comfort or soak in the evening air under ambient string lights. Our recent visit to Hopscotch was a refreshing escape, and we were eager to see if the buzz surrounding this spot lived up to the experience.

A view from the outdoors

Hopscotch at Gillman Barracks is a craft cocktail bar that seamlessly blends Singaporean identity with bold creativity—right from its drinks to its industrial-chic interior. The location in Gillman Barracks, a contemporary arts cluster housed in a former military barracks, gives Hopscotch a unique edge: it's a little off the beaten path, but full of character.

Hopscotch

We had the option to choose between outdoor and indoor seating. Given the hot and humid weather, we opted for the air-conditioned indoor area, which we felt would be more comfortable.

Outdoor Seats

That said, both seating areas offered a relaxing and calm ambience.

Indoor Seats

Hopscotch is known for its locally inspired cocktails, many of which pay homage to Singapore’s culture, history, and flavors. Drinks like the Lion City Tiki, Wishing Lantern, and A Decade in Time aren't just cocktails, they're storytelling experiences served in imaginative vessels, from metal tin cups to hourglass-shaped glassware.

Inside Hopscotch

I honestly can't find more reasons to love Hopscotch—it’s already won me over! Right from the start, I was completely drawn in by their fanciful signature cocktails. Each one is a visual treat, with stunning presentations that truly wow and elevate the entire experience.

Inspired by the tradition of Chinese lanterns where wishes are written and released into the sky in a moment of fleeting magic, this cocktail captures that sense of wonder in every sip.

Wish Upon A Lantern - $26

A vibrant blend of gin, mangosteen juice, lime, Thai basil, and palm sugar cordial is elevated with Kyoho Murasaki grape liqueur and a whisper of kewra water. Bright, aromatic, and subtly floral, it’s a drink that feels like a wish come true.

Drink in the Lantern

This cocktail is a bold tribute to the Merlion, Singapore’s mythical guardian. It draws inspiration from the legend of Prince Sang Nila Utama, who, after weathering a fierce storm, encountered a lion on a distant island and named it Singapura, meaning "Lion City" in Sanskrit.

Crafted with a rum blend, orchid cordial, kumquat, sugarcane juice, Cocchi Americano, citrus, and Elemakule Tiki bitters, it’s finished with refreshing water chestnut jelly. Tropical, vibrant, and unapologetically local, it feels almost patriotic to order.

Lion City Tiki - $24

Created for Hopscotch’s 10th anniversary, this cocktail is a multisensory experience that blends apple flower and kumquat gin, sakura Mancino, soursop, blue pea vanilla, hops tincture, and a hint of chocolate and mint. Served in an hourglass-shaped glass within a glowing infinity mirror, it symbolizes the passage of time and Hopscotch’s journey. Guests can scan a QR code on the display to explore the bar’s story, making each sip part of a larger narrative.

'A Decade in Time'

A nostalgic twist on a local favorite, this creamy cocktail channels the beloved pandan waffle with flavors of kaya, Nutella, and sweet corn. Featuring brown butter–washed dark rum, Advocaat, Gula Melaka, coconut ice cream, pandan shortbread bitters, crème de cacao white, and milk, it's topped with kaya foam for that classic touch. Served in a retro metal tin cup with a quarter slice of pandan waffle on its cover, this Heartland Signature is a sip of sweet memories that made us go wow.

Heartland Signature -$23

Here’s something to snack on while sipping drinks and enjoying conversation before the mains arrive. We had the Chicken Nacho Carnitas, a messy, satisfying bar bite that hits all the right notes. Thin crispy nachos loaded with pulled basil chicken salsa, nacho cheese, sour cream, and a refreshing lemongrass & kaffir lime guacamole that adds a zesty twist.

Chicken Nacho Carnitas - $16

The gourmet sausage platter was a great choice for sharing, featuring four varieties: veal sausage, chicken bockwurst, pork bratwurst, and beef frankfurter. Each bite paired beautifully with honey mustard and BBQ sauce, all served atop a bed of velvety garlic mashed potatoes and zesty cornichons for that extra pop of flavour.

Gourmet Sausage Platter - $28

The Teriyaki Wagyu Pizza instantly brought to mind the comforting flavors of okonomiyaki, but with a modern, indulgent twist. Served on a rustic wooden board, this fusion masterpiece featured melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu cubes that stole the spotlight. Each bite was layered with sweet teriyaki glaze, soft slices of onion, umami-rich nori, and a gentle kick of togarashi spice. What truly tied everything together were the delicate shreds of white cabbage, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that left me craving more. It’s a creative and satisfying take that bridges the best of Japanese comfort and gourmet indulgence.

Teriyaki Wagyu Pizza - $34

Saying yes to beef cheeks is easy when it's one of my ultimate comfort foods and this dish absolutely delivered. These tender cheeks were slow-simmered to perfection in a luxurious blend of Buah Keluak paste, Guinness, Port wine, butter, rich veal jus, and a medley of herbs and spices. The result? Deep, complex flavors that were both earthy and indulgent. Each bite was melt-in-your-mouth tender and incredibly satisfying. Served on a bed of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this dish was a soulful, hearty main that you simply shouldn't miss.

Pangium Beef Bourguignon - $26

These spice-rubbed St. Louis ribs boast a flavourful crust and "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness after 16 hours of slow cooking and oven roasting. They're finished with a Chinese-style sweet and sour medley of stewed summer vegetables, and served with roasted baby potatoes, prawn crackers, and tangy Peranakan achar.

Sweet & Sour Sticky Pork Ribs - $27

One of the finest cuts you can savour, the ribeye steak promises rich flavour and succulent juiciness.

Black Garlic Ribeye Steak with Bone Marrow Butter - $36

This 250g Australian ribeye is elevated with bone marrow butter and served alongside sesame-roasted Brussels sprouts, black garlic mash, caramelised onions, and a luscious brandy sauce.