Zouk and Around

Any review of the Singapore club scene should begin with Zouk (17, Jiak Kim Street, 7382988). This hugely popular club, which has been compared with some of the best in Europe, plays mainly House music to a mostly young crowd. Zouk's music is spun by its seven resident DJs, while regular live acts from visiting artistes - such as Galliano, Chemical Brothers, Heart and Kylie Minogue -- are an added draw. Wednesday is Mambo Jambo night, when the club shakes off its techno garb and plays a mix of 70s to 90s pop.

For those with an aversion to heavy Techno, the Zouk establishment also houses Velvet Underground, where the crowd is slightly older and the music is mainly Soul and Garage. The mood here is sophisticated and futuristic: the walls are adorned in velvet and hung with original modern art works, and the furniture has a Bauhaus feel.

Adjoining the Zouk main building is Phuture, where the music is a more eclectic mixture of Trip Hop, Drum 'n' Bass and Down Tempo. The décor is a futuristic, space-agey blend of steel, liquids-in-glass-vials and state-of-the-art lighting.

As the real action at Zouk and its sister discos doesn't begin until midnight, the popular place to hang out in the meantime between dinner and dance is Zouk Wine Bar. This stylish bar is a great place for people-watching.