After winning one of the world’s most prestigious bar awards, Uno Jang has announced the upcoming opening of B.O.P. (Bartenders of Pony), a cocktail bar that aims to further cement Singapore’s status as one of the global capitals of great drinking. The venue is scheduled to open to the public within the first four months of 2026.
Uno Jang, the World’s Best Bartender According to 50 Best
Born in South Korea, Uno Jang spent his teenage years dreaming of joining a Formula 1 team. He later realised his place was behind the bar, and began working his way into the cocktail world. The turning point came in 2017, when he joined the team at Jigger & Pony in Singapore. There he gained experience, grew professionally and made a name for himself, all while staying true to his roots and using his drinks to tell the story of his home country.
In 2025 he was named the world’s best bartender by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Crucially, it is an accolade voted on by his peers, which makes it all the more meaningful.
B.O.P., Uno Jang’s New Bar
B.O.P. is the result of Uno Jang’s experience and enthusiasm, supported by Jigger & Pony Group. It is, in every sense, his first solo venture.
The bar speaks directly to a younger crowd – people in their twenties and thirties – who feel a connection with South Korea, whether through personal ties or simple fascination. The idea is to offer them a menu that pairs Jang’s cocktails with dishes created by chef Jason Oh. The goal is to explore South Korean culture, craftsmanship and tradition through both drinks and food.
Cocktails sit at the centre of the experience: B.O.P. will not be a traditional restaurant, even though there will be a strong dialogue between bar and kitchen. The format is that of a place you primarily visit for a drink, with the option to stretch the evening into dinner if you feel like staying longer.
The Three Pillars of B.O.P.
To give B.O.P. a clear identity, Uno has defined three guiding principles. The first is Kki (끼), meaning skill and the relentless pursuit of mastery and detail. Then there is Jeong (정), the heart: deep hospitality and the emotional bond that makes visitors want to stay. Finally, Heung (흥), the energy – the joyful vitality and spontaneity that animate the night. Every aspect of the bar is designed to reflect these three concepts, from the music to the service, from the atmosphere to the cocktails and the food.
Where Technique Meets Soul
“At B.O.P., I want to put more of myself into the cocktails – my home, my memories, my experiences and even my journey,” says Uno. “Every drink will represent a piece of who I am and where I come from, and that is exactly what B.O.P. stands for. It’s a meeting of craft and well-being, bringing technique together with soul so that every cocktail feels both familiar and new.”
Speaking about his new project, Jang jokes: “Sometimes I feel like Jennie from Blackpink. I’m still part of the group, but this is like my debut solo album. I hope B.O.P. can become a place where you feel at home, where you know we’ll take care of you the way friends do.”
Images courtesy of B.O.P.
