Well we said we'd be back and we did. Chapter 2 of Dempsey Hill is just as climactic as its introduction. Where do you find green beer, jackfruit trees, a darts machine and the best light display in Dempsey? Oh we know, we know. 

IDLE 

Deliberately tucked into a corner of Dempsey Hill, Idle Bar is a hideaway if you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of cars, the antics of late night inebriation, and want to be a reasonable distance away from the next live music venue. To put it simply, if Idle Bar were a song, it would be the strong and silent, power ballad.

Entertainment options: Bonus points for being the only place in Dempsey Hill with a billiard table and darts machine

Best of both worlds: Outside for resort living meets the woods, inside for plush seating and a glass of whisky

Balladeer central: We arrived to ‘She Will Be Loved’ and left with a Bon Jovi slow song

RedDot BrewHouse

It’s hard to say which one you notice first. The beautiful colonial building, the gardens leading to the place, beer brewing in a glass room, the unavailability of seats or the pretty lighted trees. Whatever it is, this place is the perfect setting for whatever cinematic fantasies you harbour.

All of the awards: Best courtyard set up so far

Keep it simple: Meal combo – pizza x beer

Not-so-simple however: They have ‘Green Monster’, a green coloured spirulina beer

Who would play here: A non-manic, watered-down-in-numbers and more mainstream Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

BACKYARD@DEMPSEY

Backyard at Dempsey is the cool, taciturn guy at the party, refusing to mingle with the rest but still attracting attention. What I am trying to say is that Backyard is located outside the golden circle of Dempsey Hill. This is not to say that they are lacking in any department – a solid menu, tasteful décor, good music – this is all happening in your backyard.

Fruit orchard: The large trees surrounding the venue? They’re jackfruit trees!

Curious culinary: Try the Spam fries with wasabi aioli and the chili con carne

General vibes: Survivor meets Balinese resort, with giant fans keeping this place at an all time cool. Plus, even a selection of books and reading material to peruse through

Crowd vibes: All types – young and old, casual and relaxed

THE STILL BAR

These sprawling grounds house more than just a couple of restaurants, but is also a private enclave in Dempsey, away from Dempsey. It’s up to you to pick from a vegetarian, or slightly carnivourous, or friendly café palate but we went for greater heights – or really, just the second floor for this place.

Entertainment options: Live music everyday, except Monday

How to be classy: Whiskey + Jazz always a good match

Going out for some fresh air: The outdoor section is spacious, it’s tree house meets beach-front patio

Savoury fare: Tom Yum pizza, duck pastilla rolls and a sake selection