Step away from that jug of sugar syrup – you won’t be needing it at The New Black, the city’s newest, slickest, coolest coffee joint to date.
Sitting pretty on Upper Circular Road, The New Black is a java specialist unlike any other. The place looks very much like a futuristic science lab with lots of steel, glass, and the occasional splash of bold colours – a breath of fresh air from the countless industrial-chic cafes in the city.
The idea behind this sophisticated takeaway outlet is to feature top-notch beans by renowned roasters from all over the world. Tim Wendelboe (Tim Wendelboe, Oslo), George Howell (George Howell Coffee, Massachusetts), and James Bailey (Workshop Coffee Co., London) are just some legends that make The New Black what it is – a no-nonsense, purist coffee bar that takes its artisan products very seriously.
The menu’s pretty much seasonal; it depends on what beans are available for a particular period of time. The roasters will remain the same, though. Highlights here are not the heavy, strong, slightly bitter choices we’re all used to, but the strangely addictive light, floral roasts.
Prices start at $5.50 and can go up to a whopping $18 per cup. But trust us, it’s worth every cent. If you’re peckish, there are (only) croissants by Christophe Grillo’s B.A.O.. Oddly (but sensibly) enough, The New Black doesn’t accept cash payments for the sake of hygiene, so break out the plastic.
The New Black, 1 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058400, p. 6443 0332. **There is now another outlet of The New Black at Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, Singapore 048619