Richard Li has taken over the reins at PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s Club 5 as Head Bartender where he will oversee bar operations, cocktail programmes and events at the cocktail bar.
Li started at New Asia Bar in Swissôtel The Stamford where he was mentored by world-class bartender Richard Gillam. Gillam taught Li the art of mixology. After that, he spent a few years at bespoke bars including Mitzo and Smoke & Mirrors before landing in BeGin. At BeGin, Li was involved in menu and concept development as well as spirits curation.
Li spent his childhood in the Philippines and Taiwan. He focuses on flavours that are heavy and savoury, as well as dabbles and experiments with spices and teas throughout his years as a globetrotter. He aims to bring out his flair and experience through craft cocktails at Club 5.
A finalist in the 2019 Mixology Asia by Woodford Reserve, Li has had an illustrious eight-year career and was first to introduce the smoke bubble gun to Singapore’s cocktail scene.
The drinks here are inspired by the historically and culturally rich neighbourhood of Kampong Glam, Bugis Junction, Arab Street and Beach Road. The Asian inspired menu, categorised under 3 signature collections – Beach Road, Arab Street and Bugis Junction, includes delectable bites and unique concoctions that each tell a tale of its own.
For a nostalgic kick, the 20 Houses Tonic from Beach Road – one of Singapore’s earliest roads refreshes tastebuds with aromatic gin, hints of sweet-spicy and cardamom. Coconut enthusiasts can indulge in
tropical flavours with Nasi Lema’rgarita from Arab Street, for a bold, well rounded and uniquely Singaporean cocktail. Guests with a curious palette can take a trip down memory lane with craft cocktails from the Bugis Junction selection with the Merchant’s Old Fashion, a warming house-made spiced infused rum cocktail inspired by the spices of Singapore.
Club 5 is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5 pm to 12 am.