Shirley Tan
Head Sommelier
Joining 67 Pall Mall Singapore in 2022, Shirley Tan brings operational expertise and an approach of discerning dynamism to wine service at the Club. As Head Sommelier, she oversees key elements of the Club’s wine programme: cellar management, curating by-the-glass options, guiding the sommelier team, and ensuring exceptional service for
Members.
Like a champagne lively with fine bubbles, Shirley charms with effervescence and an ebullient disposition imbued in her craft. A dedicated sommelier by trade, outdoorswoman and gem collector by passion, she is a multifaceted personality with a deep appreciation for adventure and the finer things shaped by terroir and time.
Her career had unconventional beginnings, in the field of hospitality. While completing a degree in Hospitality Management, Shirley attended lectures on oenology, which sparked an early fascination with the world of wines. This draw would continue to amplify over the two years she worked at the front desk of a Kuala Lumpur hotel—an experience which laid the foundation for service excellence, as attention to detail and cross-cultural communication became second nature. In 2016, an opportunity to pursue the profession of a sommelier saw Shirley pivoting with a bartending internship. Thrilled by experimentation with flavours, the foray inspired Shirley to further immerse herself in the trade. This led her to the Macallan Whisky Bar of integrated resort Galaxy Macau in 2017; working with over 400 labels of whisky, Shirley developed a flair for parsing flavour structures and acquired accreditation as a Whisky Ambassador.
From late 2017, Shirley rose through the ranks as Wine Captain and then Assistant Head Sommelier at leading restaurants Pak Loh Chiu Chow, Terrazza, and The Apron, steadily honing her palate, technical skill, and procurement expertise. Managing the cellar at three-Michelin-starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA further sharpened her logistical acumen. These experiences in exacting, high-volume service environments have shaped Shirley as both a proficient sommelier and a capable leader.
Certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers at the Advanced level and awarded the Gold distinction from the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale’s (ASI) diploma programme, Shirley draws upon her deep wine knowledge in her practice at 67 Pall Mall. She is known for her innovative approach to pairing, with favourites like the spicy-sour Southeast Asian Asam Pedas with orange wine—a pour that challenges and complements the dish’s intensity with its medium body and vibrant acidity. By exploring these unconventional harmonies between food and wine, she curates resonant and surprising experiences with clear character and intent. A spirited presence on the floor, Shirley finds fulfilment in building genuine connections with returning Members, which allows her to personalise service and tailor recommendations over time. She also leads private masterclasses, engaging Members through education and conversation. An enduring commitment to precision and the joys of discovery guide Shirley in delivering meaningful wine experiences at 67 Pall Mall Singapore.