The Blackbird
“May I request the location of the establishment?”
“I don’t know, I grabbed it over here.”
“Could you perhaps send me your location?”
Despite coming to Gillman Barracks numerous times, I’d never seen Blackbird before; perhaps only Creamier, Hopscotch, Naked Fin, and Handle Bar. But tonight we’re actually here to catch the live band performance by Shirley + the Unexpected.
I’d known about the band after their raving emo performance that struck a chord in my heartstrings and I’d been following them ever since.
So after checking out the map and location, I’d finally come to the conclusion that The Blackbird is located at Block 8.
It was a part of Gillman that I’d never really ventured to; mostly I go into the main building, and I’d never turned left there. So it felt really fresh to me to explore the area. I’d actually seen the Blackbird signboard hiding in the dark, only to realize that it’s at the back when I waded through the beaten path, bringing me to a back door or kitchen of sorts. Part of me did wonder if it’s like a hidden bar or something.
It felt like a brand new world, as I had never been to Gillman in the dark other than Art after Dark. The whole place seemed so different; brimming with life with a whole other demographic of people. The working class, hanging out after office hours with their sleeves rolled up, and the young adults who aren’t tied down by parenthood.
Warm lights adorned the place; it was a soothing and cozy hangout, but it was… really crowded. It’s a good thing for the business, of course! However, we are glad to have found that they have some spots away from the live band area, so this way we can enjoy the music and converse. The double-edged sword, however, would be… having to run in when we want to rave to certain songs and finding ourselves awkwardly standing by some random spots or by the door. (User problem.)
I was in between the fish or Angus burger when J said, “OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO GO FOR THE BLACKBIRD’S ANGUS BURGER,” so why am I even considering when they have already prided their name on only one of them? We also ordered a couple of wings to chill with.
The burger is AMAZING. I love how juicy it is, having coined yet another burger under my belt. The patty is thick; I like how it felt just right. The fries are great as well, and I really like how I don't feel too full or bloated even though I'm going with beer. I also like how well the cheese blends in together with the burger. It's a great combination; all of them! The greens are fresh as well, and it made me crave for more!
Then Shirley + the Unexpected started playing! We... had a blast; sorta! Perhaps we felt a little out of the target market for the playlist this time around. I’m more into the 90s-00s emo rock from Baybeats the other time, so we're actually here fingers crossed for the likes of Avril, Paramore, Simple Plan, so Dancing Queen doesn't really cut it for us. 21 Guns was the saving grace, though.
Nevertheless, The Blackbird felt like a perfect go-to after a day of gallery hopping in Gillman; a good place to switch up for some live music, food, and beers!
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Details
Name: The Blackbird
Address: 8 Lock Rd, Singapore 108936
Opening Hours: 5 pm–12 am (Closed on Mon)
(Instagram)
Rochor Original Beancurd
Big Fish Small Fish (Bugis Junction)
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