With Phase 3 underway and access to the Covid-19 vaccine on the horizon, many are looking forward with cautious optimism to a fresh start in 2021. In the meantime, local businesses continue to do the hard work of keeping us engaged and entertained in Singapore. Here, we’ve rounded up a variety of brands and services that give you something to look forward to in the coming months. Whether you’re planning an extra special date night or are looking to splash out on a new bespoke suit, we have something in store for you.
Happy New Year, and a high-five to our homegrown brands for their resilience.
The Macallan Experience
While you can’t travel to the Scottish Highlands (just yet), you can still enjoy a heady encounter with one of Scotland’s finest whisky labels – Macallan – at this unique multi-sensorial experience. Held at Raffles Hotel Arcade from now till 10 February 2021, this journey starts in the cask room where you’ll discover the painstaking process that goes into making the legendary Macallan oak casks. From there, you’re guided into a small cinema where you are given two drams of whisky to accompany the “whisky-worthy” stories that play out on the big screen. As you sip your scotch, ambient scents from the respective whisky notes will be released into the room as an added treat for your senses. Round off your evening at the stylish whisky lounge and try one of the many exquisite single malts available.
Golden Gourmet Bak Kwa
Get a head start on your Lunar New Year preparations and place an order for some delectable bak kwa from Golden Gourmet. This family-run business has been using the same recipe for over 40 years, fine-tuning it to suit modern palates while still remaining true to its roots – here, the savoury-sweet dried meat is handmade and charcoal grilled over a bamboo plate for that unique fragrance and smoky flavour. While the brand continues to deliver familiar favourites, they have also flexed their creative muscles by producing new flavours such as mala (spicy and numbing), rosemary and tea-infusion, with more in the pipeline. As a nod to consumers’ growing health consciousness, they have also come up with the Organic Chicken Bak Kwa, which is made with probiotic-fed chicken meat and includes the gut-friendly lactobacillus.
goldengourmet.com.sg; admin@goldengourmet.com.sg; +65 6969 1531
Roy’s Master Tailoring
After more than 30 years in the business, Roy Sabnani has come full circle. When he first started out as a tailor, Roy went door to door to customers’ houses, eventually travelling all over the world to do fittings for his regular clients. While he has recently moved out of his long-time Holland Village shop space, Roy continues to bring tailoring to your doorstep in Singapore. This home service not only provides added convenience for customers, it also offers them extra value – with less overheads, Roy is able to pass on the cost savings to his customers. Whether you’re looking to alter your existing clothing or custom-make a dapper suit or tuxedo for a special occasion, Roy’s high-quality tailoring services will be sure to impress.
roysabnani.com; roysabnani1@gmail.com; +65 9677 6140
Cars & Coffee Gem
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a flashy set of wheels this year, look no further than this newly opened luxury car showroom. Setting the gold standard, Cars & Coffee Gem offers a wholly unique experience for car enthusiasts. For starters, the showroom displays no more than 10 vehicles at one time, with each car carrying a minimum price tag of S$1 million. With such high-end options, you can expect only the most premium service here. There is a pool table on site, as well as a full-fledged whiskey bar, for those who want to consider their choices with a dram in hand. Customers are welcomed by appointment only, with no more than two parties browsing at any given time.
Millimeters Studio
A new year brings about new beginnings. Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking to renovate your existing abode, this boutique interior design firm can help you create your dream home. Founded in 2009, Millimeters Studio offers a personalised approach. Recognising that everybody has a distinctive personality and set of expectations, the studio takes on a limited number of projects each year to ensure that each client gets the time and conscientious effort they deserve for a job well done. From monochromatic minimalism to tropical maximalism, founder Sherlynn Low and her team is able to bring your vision to life.
Lemongrass & Aubergine
Shopping for a gift is made easy at this whimsical and cheerful homeware boutique situated in upmarket Cluny Court. Opened in 2008 by Frenchwoman Sonia Greig, the store stocks a wide variety of home accessories and home décor items imported from Europe. From eco-friendly rugs from Swedish brand Pappelina and scented candles made in France to specially curated gourmet boxes, you’ll find something to suit every personality here. Lemongrass & Aubergine also carries a special collection inspired by the Lion City, including kitchen accessories and champagne flutes bearing motifs from Singapore’s different neighbourhoods.
lemongrass-aubergine.com; sonialemon0226@gmail.com; +65 6463 0752
