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Tanjong Pagar bars Nineteen80 and Rails close, as businesses affected by COVID-19

Tanjong Pagar sister bars Nineteen80 and Rails were closed in September 2021 as lifestyle group A Phat Cat Collective said business had been affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photos: Nineteen80, Rails)
Tanjong Pagar sister bars Nineteen80 and Rails were closed in September 2021 as lifestyle group A Phat Cat Collective said business had been affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photos: Nineteen80, Rails)

SINGAPORE — Tanjong Pagar sister bars Nineteen80 and Rails have closed for good, due to business disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nightlife operator A Phat Cat Collective announced the closures on Wednesday (15 September), while thanking customers who continued supporting them through trying times.

Nineteen80 was a retro snack and arcade bar paying homage to all things '80s, while Rails, located just next to Nineteen80 along Tanjong Pagar Road, was a restaurant and cocktail bar that played House and Disco music.

A Phat Cat Collective said in a statement:

"Thank you so much for supporting us during these challenging times, and your support has kept NINETEEN80 and Rails afloat for that much longer. We cannot thank you enough and your belief in us means the world to us.

Unfortunately due to even more unforeseen disruptions and even more mounting COVID restrictions for pivoted nightlife, it seems less and less viable and even harder for us to continue further. It is with great sadness that we have decided to close NINETEEN80 and Rails.

Take heart that your contributions have ensured our team members’ livelihoods are intact for a while longer until they are able to find another source of income. Many of our Phat Cat team members have been with us for years and they have helped build our brands to what it is today. They’ve been like family for us and their well-being during this difficult time is our priority."

Nineteen80 itself said in a separate statement:

"It is with heavy hearts that due to the ongoing challenges and constant disruptions of operating a pivoted nightspot in this COVID pandemic, this will be the end of the road for us here at NINETEEN80 and Rails.

We've had the time of our lives over the last three years, and we are so grateful that you never stopped believing in us. Throughout the difficult times, temporary closures and dining restrictions, we know that like us, you’ve been looking forward to the happy times of dancing all night long and singing along to throwback favourites from Take On Me to Bohemian Rhapsody. With every visit, order or word of support, just know that you kept us going for that much longer."