Cover Zana Mohlmann, head bartender of Manhattan, making a drink in East47 with an original 1962 Gold Marilyn Monroe silkscreen painting by Andy Warhol in the background

Tatler Singapore got an exclusive first look at East47, located inside Manhattan, the coolest progressive cocktail bar you’ll want to be seen in

Nestled in the vibrant Manhattan bar is East47, a progressive cocktail bar that pays tribute to the iconic American artist Andy Warhol. The by-invite-only space—which will open its doors in early April as part of Manhattan’s tenth anniversary celebrations—recreates the legendary ambience of Warhol’s Silver Factory on East 47th Street, which immortalised the era of extravagant parties and revelry in the 1960s.

Before its official opening, Tatler Singapore caught up with Rusty Cerven, the beverage director of Conrad Singapore Orchard who realised the bar concept, to find out what we can expect from their latest private bar, and how we can snag those coveted invites.

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Above The East47 cocktail menu promises thought-provoking creations

“East47 is about breaking barriers, providing an intimate setting where each drink showcases unparalleled craftsmanship. It’s an experience defined by quiet luxury and meticulous attention to detail,” shares Cerven,  who spent the past two years dreaming up the concept and working with Zana Mohlmann, the head bartender of Manhattan, to come up with the beverage programme. The covert quarters, designed by Matthew Shang Design Office, also pay homage to New York’s vibrant art and fashion scene from the late 60s to the early 80s.

Behind the midnight blue drapes, the atmosphere is both reflective and intimate, thanks to elements such as the silver foil-like wallpaper, undulating stainless steel details, and Barovier and Toso Opera Venetian crystal lights. Embellishing the 12-seater bar facade is a tasteful display made up of exquisite glassware—from Baccarat crystal and Kimura Glass—that you’ll soon be sipping from while an original 1962 Gold Marilyn Monroe silkscreen painting by Andy Warhol stares right back at you.

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Above East47’s Andy’s Manhattan
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Above East47’s Tux and Cherry

If the Silver Factory is Warhol’s literal manifestation of the future he imagined, East47 is an artistic rebellion against Manhattan’s philosophy with classic cocktails. “[Our] cocktail programme is about pushing the limits of creativity, exploring new methods like distillation, fermentation, and complex flavour extractions. We’re not just experimenting for the sake of it; each cocktail is refined yet approachable, crafted with care at every step,” explains Mohlmann.

Some creations we had the pleasure of enjoying were a lively riff on a pink-hued French 75, featuring red cabbage reminiscent of sauerkraut; an anise-scented, citrus and matcha-based tipple that blends elements of a gibson and martini; and a suave take on a classic tuxedo, sporting a painstakingly redistilled cherry brandy. There’s even a toothsome vintage hanky panky from 2019, one that remained untouched inside a barrel in the Manhattan rickhouse for almost half a decade.

Read more: Veteran bartender Colin Chia reflects on Nutmeg & Clove’s most memorable stories ahead of its 10th anniversary

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Above Tomato, inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic work, which features local tomatoes in three textures

“It’s a place where imagination leads the way, embodying my belief in embracing originality and intuition in crafting unforgettable cocktails,” says Mohlmann, when expounding on her cocktail vision for East47. Of course, a tailor-made drink only matches the allure of such confines, and discerning tipplers are almost certain to find a rare spirit that is worthy of a splurge. Think the Tatumi Yes Dog, a sansho-infused Japanese craft gin distilled with over 80 botanicals; the Plantation Cut & Dry, a creamy and intense coconut-infused Barbadian rum; the Los Siete Misterios Pechuga, a sweet-savoury small-batch mezcal. The list goes on.

The gastronomy programme is equally as progressive as it is diverse, capturing the very spirit of the cultural melting pot of New York despite committing to sourcing the freshest products closer to Singapore.

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Above Uni in the form of a chawanmushi

“It’s a menu that not only emphasises technique but also tells a story, mirroring the inventive and exploratory spirit of East47," reveals Carolyn Or, the newly appointed chef de cuisine of Manhattan.

Expect highlights such as the Tomato, inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell Soup piece, which features meaty local tomatoes expressed in three textures; The Eggplant, spruced up with Michter’s rye whiskey and a tangy bulgogi infusion; and The Silver, an apple compote stuffed cheesecake crowned with a quenelle of rum and raisin ice cream.

Like any party filled with A-listers, strict invitation-only policies are a norm and East47 is no different. To see Marilyn, one has to first score an invite. At least for the time being. However, being the dynamic playground that it is within Manhattan, it is a space that also serves the bartending community, hosting residencies and exclusive experiences.

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Above Zana Mohlmann, head bartender of Manhattan, putting on the finishing touches for a drink in East47

In that exact spirit, Manhattan will unite all four of Singapore’s finest bartenders—each commemorating a significant decade of influential presence—on April 10. The evening will be graced by esteemed bartending luminaries Aki Eguchi from Jigger & Pony, Lucas Kaufmann from 28 HongKong Street, alongside Colin Chia and Shelley Tai from Nutmeg and Clove, who will join Manhattan’s Mohlmann to unveil a curated selection of three signature cocktails from each bar. 

Cerven reflects: “Celebrating a decade at Manhattan has been about setting the bar high, and we’re proud to have a legacy of a generation of bartenders who're shaping some of Asia’s finest establishments today.” Cocktail fans, you ought to save the date.

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