In the crowded landscape of Singapore’s cocktail scene, Bartenders of Pony (BOP) arrives less as a new menu and more as a design manifesto. The bar is the first solo venture from Uno Jang, a veteran of the celebrated Jigger & Pony Group, who has traded the scale of a major hospitality collective for a more intimate, precise exploration of Korean social culture. Located in a narrow Chinatown shophouse, the space rejects the literal tropes of "themed" bars in favor of a rigorous architectural translation of cultural values.
Designed by Gabriel Tan of Studio Antimatter, the interior is organized around three core Korean concepts: *Kki* (craft), *Jeong* (heart), and *Heung* (energy). Rather than relying on visual shorthand, Tan uses spatial intelligence to guide the guest's emotional flow. The narrow floor plan is divided into four distinct zones, each calibrated to support different social behaviors—from the high-energy performance of the bar counter to quieter, timber-clad alcoves designed for lingering conversation.
The aesthetic palette is a study in restrained heritage. Tan draws from the *obangsaek* color system and traditional *dancheong* palettes, utilizing earthy terracotta, deep reds, and soft beiges to create a sense of warmth and permanence. Custom joinery and bespoke lighting are paired with careful acoustic treatments, ensuring the environment feels "lived-in" rather than staged. It is an exercise in social choreography, where the architecture serves as both a stage for the bartender and a sanctuary for the patron.
With reporting from The Cool Hunter.
Source · The Cool Hunter
