When it comes to top-notch quality with top-notch quirkiness, few pubs can match Heart of Darkness, probably the trendiest gastropub in Singapore’s Keong Saik Road, a place long known for its trendy F & B outlets.

With a slew of original beers brewed in its distilleries in Saigon, this funky establishment has quickly established itself as one of Singapore’s top hot spots for beer consumers and connoisseurs alike. The pub, that at first resembles a forbidding dark den of iniquity from a Halloween horror film, sets the tone for an out-of-the ordinary experience.

The pub’s friendly staff make you feel right at home as you step in tentatively feeling your way around and settle you down with a chilled glass of “Change Captain Pale Ale” before you can say “land ahoy!”.  That is one of the curiously named but bracing brews I tasted with my dining companions.

The other beers that we quaffed with undiluted pleasure were The River India Pale Ale, Kurtz’ Insane IPA and Excited Magpie Dry Irish. Each one of them had a distinctive taste and punch but the best, to my mind, was the last – the Dry Irish one with its rich dark flavour. Talk about the luck of the Irish, you can never beat them in this department can you?

Heart of Darkness is an amazing rest and relax place with its smorgasbord of excellent local, international and regional beers on 25 different taps and delicious food. It has revamped the traditional craft brewery set up not only giving its customers a brilliant range of beers but also adding an exciting touch of fusion cuisine to keep you coming back for more.

From thirst quenching beers we were treated to a mouth-watering dishes which were brilliantly executed. The Nachos are not your regular Tex-Mex snacks. The restaurant turns them into haute cuisine with a delicious portion of pico de gallo, jalapenos and cilantro, the flavours bringing out the taste of the beer.

Then came the Tacos where we were spoilt for choice. Options ranged from vegetarian, fish, pork and lamb, all with varying degrees of spiciness, but never over-the-top.

And how can one come to a craft beer joint and not tuck into a sharing portion of wings? Heart of Darkness have outdone themselves on this front. They come tender and juicy in such flavours as Banana Mango Jalapeno Sause, Curry Tomato to Ginger Teriyaki Sauce.

Of course, if you’re really crying out for a proper meal, like any good pub, you can look at their selection of top notch burgers and chargrilled char siew short rib to satisfy your hunger.

 I can definitely see myself coming back for a tipple and a hearty meal.

Address: Heart of Darkness, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109. Tel: 62087940