Everton Park has something for everyone, from cool cafes and a floral bar to a gym and heritage street murals.
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, Everton Park appeared on our radar a couple of years ago, but it’s since quietly exited centre stage, with popular locales in the vicinity like Duxton Hill and Keong Saik stealing the limelight. This little enclave might not be home to boutique hotels, buzzy bars or exquisite restaurants, but we think there’s still something charming about the quiet neighbourhood. So we strolled on down to its neck of the woods on a breezy morning to see if Everton Park still has that cool factor.
Located opposite the grandest HDB in Singapore, Pinnacle @ Duxton, Everton Park’s plainer residential buildings stand humbly but strong with their suburban nostalgic charm. All the shops, from the cafes and bakeries to salons and massage parlours, are located on the ground floor of apartment blocks – a common sight in the 80s and 90s. While some of the eateries we loved have disappeared, there are new spots to check out. Heads up though: It’s easy to lose your way if you’re not careful, as some of the blocks are interconnected, forming deadends at the unlikeliest of nooks. Curious to find out more? We’ve got the insider’s guide to the ‘hood!
The Better Half
Located in the corner of Block 1, this hole-in-the-wall patisserie is run by a couple who are passionate about artisan bakes and coffee (they’re essentially each other’s better half!). Everything here is baked from scratch, including the bread. The spot is tiny but the cakes sure make up for it: Take your pick from flavours like rose raspberry, vanilla salted caramel and coconut passionfruit. You can always have them to go, and the team takes orders for custom cakes too.
The Better Half, #01-43, Block 1 Everton Park, Singapore 0810011
Ji Xiang Confectionery
Looking for something more traditional? Along the same stretch as The Better Half is this old school bakery that makes ang ku kueh from scratch. For the uninitiated, it is a Chinese pastry made of glutinous rice flour with sweet and savoury fillings like peanut, salted bean, corn and coconut. A permanent fixture of Everton Park since 1988, this local dessert is the one thing you have to buy if you’re in the area.
Ji Xiang Confectionery, #01-33, Block 1 Everton Park, Singapore 081001
Kew Organics
Decked in black and white, featuring brick walls lined with portraits of Coco Chanel, the beauty salon is a serene, sleek haven to while your day away. Using only vegan and organic ingredients with cutting-edge technology, it offers a range of treatments like Ultrareviv Booster Shots and Hydropeptide Anti-ageing Organic Facial to treat skin concerns like acne and wrinkles.
Kew Organics Facial Bar, #01-47, Block 2 Everton Park, Singapore 081002
Bethel Pottery by Studio MC
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life at this pottery studio. Award-winning potter Robert Min Chen will be your coach and with 30 years of experience, he’ll have you in good hands. Prior booking is highly encouraged and everything will be provided; all you have to do is just bring your creativity. Oh, and of course the finished artwork is yours to take home.
Bethel Pottery by Studio MC, #01-59A, Block 2 Everton Park, Singapore 081002
Little Oasis
The number of cafes in this neighbourhood has quietly dwindled down but if you look hard enough, you will stumble across this cosy cafe. Exuding calmness with its white monochrome interiors, it is always brunch o’clock over here thanks to the all-day breakfast menu. Think honest simple food sans artificial additives: We’re digging the peanut butter on toast, oatmeal porridge and avo egg bagel.
Little Oasis, #01-79, Block 3 Everton Park, Singapore 080003
Mister Moustache Barbershop & Shaving Parlour
These days, it seems a gentrified residential enclave simply isn’t complete without a vintage-styled barber in its midst. Here, grooming-savvy lads can get their fix of fresh fades and dapper undercuts. Feel like you deserve a spot of pampering? Pop in for a clean, relaxing shave and stock up on new hair styling products.
Mister Moustache Barbershop & Shaving Parlour, #01-20, Block 5, Everton Park, Singapore 080005
At The Myo
Myo means wonderful in Japanese and you’re definitely in for a delightful time at this casual joint. Grab your drinking buddies to share the Suntory beer tower; and if you’re feeling peckish, go for the Japanese garlic rice with beef.
At The Myo, #01-42, Block 4, Everton Park, Singapore 080004
Whisked
This no-frills bakery is known for its extravagant cakes that are perfect for birthday parties. They are OTT and, most importantly, customisable. Choose from flavours like vanilla speculoos, salted caramel and red velvet. The place also whisks up standard cakes, macarons, mini doughnuts and tarts – basically giving Willy Wonka a run for his money. Do take note that you’ve to make an appointment prior though.
Whisked, #01-22, Block 5 Everton Park, Singapore 080005
Walnut Tree
Though the menu is limited, the affordable prices and wholesome Korean flavours at this unassuming restaurant will have you saying daebak! Order the traditional rice cakes or kimchi fried rice, and you’ll feel as though you’re eating right off the streets of Seoul.
Walnut Tree, #01-55, Block 2 Everton Park, Singapore 081002
Nylon Coffee Roasters
One of Everton Park’s first hipster entrants, this “specialty coffee nano-roastery” is where you’d head to for a cuppa-to-go. Tiny in shop size but big on flavours, it specialises in six types of blends – all lovingly sourced from local producers from as far as Guatemala and Ethiopia. Seats are limited here, so make this your first stop of the day and cradle a cuppa as you explore the area’s grounds.
Nylon Coffee Roasters, #01-40, Block 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004
Sally’s Room
At Sally’s Room, you can get 100% hand-made pure soy wax candles, palm wax candles and candle accessories. If you’re keen on learning how to create your very own candles, Sally’s Room also provides various candle-making classes like basic sessions for beginners, candle crafting and floral soy candle cake workshops for advanced learners.
Sally’s Room, #01-44, Block 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004
Sweat!
Want to get on the fitness bandwagon but not ready to commit? You can break a sweat at this gym with its trial classes going as low as $24! It specialises in circuit training, but if you want something less aggressive, try the yoga classes to hone your balance and flexibility.
Sweat!, #01-50, Block 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004
Blossoms by Rei
This ‘hood has everything! Believing in sharing the joy and romance through flowers, Blossoms by Rei handcrafts its bouquets with premium blooms that are said to last longer. You can order the fresh petals online or head to the floral bar to handpick your favourite flowers for a personal touch.
Blossoms by Rei, #01-22A, Block 5 Everton Park, Singapore 080005
Hold up! The adventure doesn’t stop here. Further along Everton Road, look out for a row of Peranakan shophouses awash in solid colours of blue, yellow, grey and white, with a high-rise building in the background. It’s a postcard-worthy image of the old and the new co-existing together.
As you walk through the lanes, you’ll also get a glimpse of street artist Yip Yew Chong’s earlier works depicting Singapore in her kampong days, as a nod to the area’s deep-rooted attachment towards retro Singapore. So the next time you’re planning your weekend agenda, explore Everton Park and let it charm its way to your heart.
