If you’re looking for cafes that offer more than just brunch and coffee, these multiconcept hangouts are for you.
Reluctantly said yes to spending a day with an over-enthusiastic shopaholic or worked out an appetite after a gruelling day of shopping? Fret not as we’ve got you covered. From fusion fare at a museum shop to artisanal toasts, a lifestyle boutique and manicures at a social enterprise, these brands are working together to bring a fresh and innovative experience to the table.
Have a look at our top multi-concept shop-and-dine boutiques and and maybe you’ll be persuaded to add a couple more hours to your shopping spree…
Working Title
Hearty burgers and amazing coffee creations in a chill location with an unpretentious vibe – if this doesn’t compel you to make a reservation at Working Title, we don’t know what will. Presented by The Black Hole Group, the cafe (pictured top) also sells quirkily printed shirts and the famous Black Hole Coffee Blend that is served at the cafe. Do not leave without trying the Perfect Baconator burger and Dirty Bandung latte.
Working Title, 48 Arab Street, Singapore 199745, p. 6291 4529
The Social Space
Equipped with a cafe, lifestyle store and nail salon, there are loads to do at this socially conscious lifestyle boutique. Home to a curated list of social enterprises – tea bar, cafe, florist, refillery and nail salon included – the Social Space is quite a gem. After losing yourself between the handcrafted jewellery by Boheme Style Nomads, beautiful terrariums from Fayy Terrariums & Gifts and handwoven batik clutches by Frankitas, fill your tummies with delish smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruit from the nearby market or an aromatic cup of chamomile lavender tea latte.
The Social Space, #01-14, 333 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 080333
Swee Lee Social Club
Swee Lee has a pretty storied past. It’s a homegrown brand that started supplying brass and woodwind instruments to the British military in 1948. Fast forward to today, it has branches across the country and its flagship outlet boasts a hybrid cafe comprising a coffee joint, music studios, an apparel boutique and of course, a music instrument store.
The cafe’s brews are made with beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters’, known for being specialty beans that even a coffee snob would approve of. Non-coffee drinkers can go for their selection of aromatic teas that are served in generous glass pots; or their hot cocoa, for chocolatey goodness that is rich but not overwhelmingly thick. If you’re in the mood for dessert, the Island Creamery ice creams or an indulgent plate of buttermilk waffles should do the trick.
Swee Lee Social Club, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 01-07/10, Singapore 138617
Gallery & Co.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a cultural experience at Gallery & Co. Possessing a global perspective with a distinct Asian slant, this museum shop provides a unique platform spanning art, design, culture, dining and retail, to inspire curiosity and a sense of discovery. And it’s also one of our fave boutiques here at Honeycombers. Browse through designer collectables and prints, homewares, fashion, and cool children’s products, or hop over to the cafe for fusion fare like otah tacos, ginger soy salmon and beef bulgogi tacos.
Gallery & Co., #01-17, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, p. 6385 6683
Old Habits
Old Habits is a hidden gem within the Telok Blangah neighbourhood, a hybrid cafe that also houses an antique shop. Step in and you’ll be instantly transported to decades past. Vintage clocks and posters cover the wall, overlooking the old typewriters and various knick knacks that have stood the test of time. Wooden display cabinets stand in the corner, with glass panels through which nostalgia-inducing ceramic crockery can be seen.
The menu is up-to-date where the interior isn’t. It features trendy, or dare we say, cliché cafe fare (eggs ben, anyone?), alongside other decidedly less clichéd dishes, including comfort food like the hearty Lamb Rack that would satiate meat-lovers. And breakfast lovers, don’t miss the Old Habits Brekky – they’ll whip up creamy scrambled eggs that complement the savoury chicken Frankfurter, served with multigrain toast, mushrooms and garden greens.
Old Habits, 38 Telok Blangah Rise, #01-315, Singapore 090038
Our Second Nature
This cafe-boutique hybrid scores top marks for aesthetics, ambience and a subtle aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Focusing on comfortable everyday wears, Our Second Nature’s collection comprises a splash of mustard, red, navy and purple palettes together with a distinct original print from a London-based designer. The menu at the cafe is as minimal as the decor but sufficient for a quick pick-me-up. What we absolutely adore is the fact that almost everything – right down to the ceramic coffee mugs – is locally created.
Our Second Nature, #01-66, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
Lumine
Lumine drew a massive crowd when it first graced our shores in late 2017. The hype has since died down a little, but this multiconcept store is still worth checking out – if not for their sizeable range of offerings, then for their beautifully Instagrammable decor. (We love the pink wall with Lumine’s guiding philosophy “I Am Who I Am” artfully scrawled across it!)
This hybrid cafe has a compact menu, with smoothies, coffee and tea lattes, as well as decadent fruit parfaits. For a dose of retail therapy, browse through products from 20 Japanese brands at the store. Here are just a few to whet your shopping appetite: Spick & Span’s collections are recognised for their clean lines and classic silhouettes, while Moussy and Sly put their own spins on street style.
Lumine, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #02-20, The Central Singapore 059817
Brunches Cafe
Step inside Brunches and encounter a dining experience unlike any other. This eclectically designed cafe features unique vintage collectables sourced from all around the globe. Notice something you like that has a price tag attached to it? Go ahead and make a purchase. The large menu offers a variety of dishes like mains, all-day breakfast, nibbles, high tea with freshly baked bread, and dessert.
Brunches Cafe, 96 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218381, p. 8685 8488
In Good Company
This is undoubtedly one of our favourite local collaborations. Located at Ion Orchard, In Good Company (IGC) and Plain Vanilla Bakery come together to bring us the best of both worlds – shopping and dining of course – in a modern setting. You can even turn it into a family affair as IGC also carries a kid’s and menswear line. Treat yourselves to aromatic organic coffee and tea, fresh salads, savoury tarts, deli-style sandwiches and signature cupcakes from Plain Vanilla.
In Good Company, #B1-06, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6358 2018
Knots Cafe and Living
Part cafe, part furniture store, and part flower shop, Knots Cafe and Living is one sprawling hole-in-the-wall. With exposed concrete walls and earthy wooden furniture (all of which you can purchase), this is where the industrial-chic vibe of a New York City loft meets the laid-back charm of an old-school Melbourne coffee shop.
We appreciate how the menu is more extensive than at your average cafe, with everything from coffee and tea, to beer and cider; from buttermilk waffles and salmon benedict, to pizza and truffle fries. And another thing we love: the flowers and succulents all around. #interiorsgoals!
Knots Cafe and Living, 160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07, Singapore 409022
Kapok
With over 50 local and international brands in store, it’s safe to say that Kapok is a hub for independent labels. After discovering the new rules of cool from the likes of A.P.C, Commune De Paris, Saint James and Paraboot, hop on over to Café Kapok for speciality coffee or a hearty bowl of Truffle Yakiniku from Tanuki Raw.
Kapok, #01-05, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969, p. 9060 9107
Monument Lifestyle
If your idea of a good time tends towards coffee, the beach and quality goods, this is the right place for you. Relax, unwind and refuel at Monument Lifestyle, a concept space that highlights men’s casual and beachwear as well as accessories and grooming essentials from sought-after brands like S’well. Imperial, Happy Socks and P.F Candle Co. The café at the back serves Four Barrel Coffee, Samovar Tea and Chai, artisanal toasts, croissants and scrumptious sandwiches.
Monument Lifestyle, 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534, p. 63048077
Looksee Looksee
This aesthetically-pleasing cafe prompts curious passers-by to head in for a looksee, but you can do more than that at this cosy reading room and tea salon. Looksee Looksee has some serious charm, decked out with the gentle hues of pastel pink and muted teal.
Unlike some cafes that may nudge you out the door if you overstay your welcome during peak timings, Looksee Looksee is where you can read the afternoon away in peaceful solitude, or spend hours people-watching with your friends while sipping (or spilling) tea. They operate on tips, so you can decide how much you want to pay. Plus, we love the support of local names – Singaporean authors’ works adorn the wall of books, and the selection of teas are procured from the homegrown A.muse Project.
Looksee Looksee, 267 Beach Rd, Singapore 199545; 5 Straits View, #01-03 (Garden Tower) Marina One Residences Singapore 018935
Bonus: The Screening Room
No, there’s no shopping here but The Screening Room at 12 Ann Siang entices with a boutique film theatre accompanied with delectable signature cocktails and bar bites. After Hours, The Shawshank Redemption, Eddie The Eagle, Hidden Figures and Good Will Hunting are just some of the amazing flicks that have been screened here. That’s not all: The Screening Room will also hold live screenings of The World Cup football matches, so add this to your hit list to mix up your sports bar sessions…
The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6221 1694
Reporting by Amelia Ang and Nicole Nithiyah.
