Amara Singapore has launched Lobby Bar and Cafe Oriental, a new lifestyle destination designed by local consultancy Studio HBA. The space offers a versatile work and lounge dining experience, featuring traditional dishes inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures and cuisines. The restaurant also offers a variety of wine selections from its partners at Grand Vin. The aim is to foster warmth, intimacy, and the creation of cherished memories, making it an ideal space for meaningful conversations and celebrations.
Shares Dawn Teo, Senior Vice President of Amara Hotels and Resorts, “The communal beating heart of Amara Singapore, which houses Lobby Bar and Cafe Oriental, has undergone a transformative journey to exude an inviting, sophisticated, yet playful energy. Collaborating with esteemed partners such as Studio HBA, Main Green, and Grand Vin, we have once more established Amara Singapore as the core of the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood; a vision that is intricately reflected in the design elements. The launch and newly revitalised spaces provide a first glimpse into the future of Amara Singapore. We eagerly anticipate welcoming a fresh generation of guests while extending a warm invitation back to our regulars.”
Amara Singapore’s Lobby Bar offers a dynamic, dynamic experience for guests. The space, bathed in natural light, exudes vibrant energy during the day and transforms into a lively setting at night with its amber glow and curated wine collection. The minimalist design aesthetic pays homage to the heritage of Tanjong Pagar, where the hotel first opened in 1986. The solid granite steps leading to the bar resemble covered walkways, while terracotta elements in the bar’s backdrop reference the roofs of historic shophouses. The Lobby Bar offers a contemporary, considered, and elegant ambience.
The Lobby Bar features a timeless design with leather, marble, and wood accents, blending seamlessly with champagne-tinted steel panelling inspired by corrugated steel panels in alleyways behind shophouses. The perforations mimic curtain pleats, creating a theatrical backdrop. The timber ceiling, inspired by rafters and beams, creates a lofted space that feels intimate. Studio HBA’s careful selection of materials and attention to detail create a visually stunning and functionally versatile environment, catering to various experiences and special occasions. The Lobby Bar is the perfect backdrop for both serendipitous moments and special occasions.
Collaborating with Grand Vin, Lobby Bar is poised to build a strong community of oenophiles, with a discerning variety of renowned wines. Top curations from renowned winemakers include Champagne Louis Roederer, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Domaine Faiveley. Additionally, Lobby Bar will also have the privilege of housing Singapore’s most extensive collection of Champagne Louis Roederer. Founded in 1776, the Louis Roederer House is one of the last great Champagne houses to have remained family-run and independent in the region.
A space to foster connection and exploration, Lobby Bar and Grand Vin will also host engaging wine-tasting masterclasses to further cultivate knowledge and passion amongst wine lovers, both new and seasoned. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to connect with visiting winemakers from around the world as well
Mr Chua Pin, Managing Director of Grand Vin, shared his excitement about the recently forged partnership with Amara Singapore, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both businesses, promising an exceptional fusion of top-tier wines at the newly renovated lobby of Amara Singapore. Grand Vin remains committed to delivering an unparalleled experience to wine enthusiasts and patrons alike. We hope this will be the go-to destination for all wine lovers.”
“We are thrilled to partner Grand Vin, as part of our vision to continually evolve and offer the modern traveller an unforgettable stay experience at Amara Singapore,” said Richard Chan, General Manager of Amara Singapore. “We believe in sharing with our guests only the best product offerings, paired with bespoke experiences that will make their time with Amara Singapore a memorable one for all guests, including business travellers and residents of the surrounding community alike.”
The Lobby Bar welcomes guests from 7 a.m. onwards, offering a grab-and-go option for artisanal coffee and pastries, with wine experience starting from 4 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
In addition to the debut of Lobby Bar, the adjacent Cafe Oriental has now reopened after undergoing interior refurbishment. Using the nearby Tanjong Pagar Plaza Food Centre as the design anchor for the space, Cafe Oriental reimagines the modern-day hawker stall, incorporating details such as the tiled floor pattern to the stainless steel counters commonly found in hawker stalls. Landscape designer, Lee Han Yang of Main Green, envelops the thoughtfully detailed interiors with lush, verdant foliage, creating a sense of natural tranquillity. The biophilic design makes the cafe a welcoming spot for both food lovers and travellers to enjoy the lush greenery found within Singapore’s city in a garden.
“Central to our design philosophy was honouring the significance of Amara Hotel’s rich history within the community. It has and always will serve as a cornerstone in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood,” explained Joris Angevaare, Partner at Studio HBA. “Our aim was to create a space that embodies comfort and engagement yet also exudes vitality, highlighted by the interactions between guests and locals. This design ethos aligns with Amara Singapore’s brand commitment to authentic service and creating meaningful moments for guests.”
Hearty dishes serve as fuel for piquant conversations. Inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultural mosaic honed by time-honoured recipes passed down through the generations, Cafe Oriental transforms memories into soulful dishes presented in its inaugural reopening menu, specially curated by Chef Danny Bong.
Open daily, from 11.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Cafe Oriental is designed to bring together timeless heritage charm with refreshing elements of a modern atmosphere.
