New Champagne bar opens in Singapore as fizz booms

Sommelier Xi Yang Yeo is close to completing renovations on new bubbles-only bar Convivial, tapping into Singapore’s rocketing demand for Champagne.

Singapore’s appetite for Champagne is rising exponentially. According to Comité Champagne figures shared with the drinks business, 2022 exports to Singapore were up 52.69% year on year to 1,444,403 bottles. This equated to more than €37 million, up 47.01% versus 2021.

Picking up on the trend, seasoned sommelier Xi Yang Yeo is launching a new Champagne bar — Convivial.

Launching in late-August, Convivial is set to offer a range of Champagne styles from single-varietal to multi-vintage and vintage Champagnes including the likes of Salon and Krug.

Besides 200 curated champagnes, Yeo’s wine list includes a host of sparkling and still wines. “Every wine has a story with bubbles,” says Yeo. He has also added some ciders and craft beers in the mix.

Previously of Park 90, a renowned wine bar in Singapore and winner of the Singapore National Sommelier Competition 2022, Yeo always aspired to open his own bar. He is setting out on his first business venture with the support of two silent investors.

The new 32-seater venue is situated in the dining district of Clarke Quay. The renovations are almost complete and include walls inspired by Champagne’s crayères.

Taking a leaf from the vibrant bar industry, Yeo ran a two-week successful pop-up at renowned bar Stay Gold Flamingo and was heartened by the response.

He says he has his eye on a diverse clientele of young, modern wine lovers to C-suite executives in Singapore.

He adds: “The goal is for every champagne producer who visits Singapore to come by and say hello and for the industry to use this space for master classes.”