Dining/Drinking

Unsurprisingly, there are many venues titled ‘lobby lounge’, but here is The Lobby Lounge review – of an opulent hotel venue situated in the Bugis area, and “where heritage meets modernity.” First and foremost, the visit was about exploring and trying out its local, heritage-driven cocktail menu. And as a pleasant bonus this dining and drinking destination also turned out to be a serious contender also in terms of the food!

The absolutely majestic setting of The Lobby Lounge has a configuration so that the hotel’s check-in and concierge services discreetly and quietly can take place in separate side rooms, while the majestic lounge can then also offer live entertainment without disturbing other procedures.

The grand venue – like the entire hotel – is inspired by the Peranakan culture (unique to the former Straits area), paired with classic European architecture. Its historic architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary design. Crystal chandeliers hang high up closer to the ceiling in the pillar-supported all-white hall. There are also mezzanine walkways with stairs higher up along the walls

Over all, there is a living room feel to it; with various armchairs: mint green high-back velvet,
chocolate-brown velvet (also sofas), as well as in comfy padded dark brown leather; paired with quartz and marble tables. Peranakan details come in the form of latticework (as partitions and also forming table legs), drink coasters and tiles. Tables come in quartz or grey-white marbles, while other tables are decorated with lamps. Carpets are decorated with intricate patterns and vivid colours.

The sophistication sets the stage for any celebration! It’s a captivating ambience where one can impress on guests, wives, girlfriends, mothers, fathers and elevate all kinds celebrations in splendour.

Aside breakfast and all-day dining it also serves afternoon high tea, bespoke cocktails as well as a wide collection of wines.

The Lobby Lounge review: inspired by local landmarks

The Lobby Lounge offers a menu of handcrafted cocktails meticulously crafted to engage all five senses – taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound. Each drink narrates its own captivating story, drawing inspiration from iconic landmarks, local culture, and cuisine. The menu is a continuation of its original concept, comprising day and night cocktails (available from directly after breakfast, and with last order at 11:00pm). That setup complements how the bar evolves from dawn to dusk.

The discerning cocktails (also crafted in collaboration with consulting award-winning mixologist Jesse Vida) are created hands-on by Head Mixologist Rhodora Amurao and her bar team. Each handcrafted drink narrates its own captivating story, drawing inspiration from iconic landmarks, local culture, and cuisine.

The ‘Lobby Lounge Cocktail Selection’ is a journey indeed, to which one can discover historic Singapore through these handcrafted libations that pays homage to the spirit of its district.

To kick things off properly, and as a cleanser before having any food, it feels so appropriate to opt for the ‘InterContinental Singapore Negroni’ (Nikka Coffey Gin, Campari, Vermouth Bianco,
Vermouth Rosso, Olive Brine, Jasmine Tea, Coffee, Orange, Chocolate Bitters) – a reimaged classic that introduces a deeper, more intricate taste that celebrates the timeless elegance of the classic drink.

While sipping slowly on this awesome drink there is also time to browse the food menu, which offers light bites, soups & salads, gourmet burgers & sandwiches, main courses, local favourites, signature premium local favourites, and desserts & cheese.

But back to the cocktails – before highlighting the food tasting further; where the journey begins with Sultan Gate Garden, where two cocktails draw inspiration from the majestic Gelam Trees.

The ‘Royal Rosales‘ is served in a coupe glass, decorated with a strawberry and some tiny shavings – probably the pink pepper ingredient, along with Kyrö gin, Nardini Bitter (Traditional Italian aperitif), strawberry grapefruit, lemon, Absinthe and sea salt. With that strawberry grapefruit the cocktail’s rose-pink colour makes sense and the taste has light sweetness, combined with zest. The Royal Rosales reflects the grandeur of Sultan Gate, the historic path leading to Istana Kampong Glam, the former palace of Malaya’s royalty in Singapore.

The second drink, ‘Reverie’, is a refined digestif – with a distinct transparent golden colour and an ice cube block – that resembles an ‘Old-fashioned’ but is lighter, containing Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Fair Kumquat Liqueur (from Malaysia), hibiscus bitters, orange bitters and lemon twist.

Nearby Chijmes is next – a historic building complex which began life as a Catholic convent, and now a beautifully restored complex featuring Gothic-style architecture framed by elegant spires and arched windows – today occupied by bars and restaurants. Chijmes has inspired the creation of the ‘Abbey Gardens Punch’, which looks very similar to the Reverie, although it is something quite different.

But our attention moves on to the National Library – a modern architectural marvel with a sleek glass façade. This cultural landmark offers a spacious, naturally lit interior, creating a serene and enriching destination for all – informs the cocktail menu. For this landmark the Lobby Lounge has created ‘Kopi Colada’, with Veritas rum, pineapple juice, lemon, coconut cream, milk wash, Nikka Coffey, vodka – Kopi Foam, Gula Melaka palm sugar and dried pineapple.

The Kopi Colada is a take on an Espresso martini, or Pina colada. Served in a upside-down cone-like porcelain cup the cocktail surface is closed with a fluffy top layer. Hidden underneath is a clear liquid, and the pineapple flavour shining through. This concoction is great with desserts and very unique!

Moving on Haji Lane, this lane holds the distinction of being Singapore’s reputed narrowest street. In the 60s and 70s, it provided shelter to travellers on their sacred annual pilgrimage to Mecca! Poetically, the area’s nightlife revival was spearheaded by a Middle Eastern-style café,
setting the tone for its transformation.

Today, Haji Lane thrives with an array of independent artists and a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike. “The vibrant alleyway teems with life as people revel in the sights
and sounds of this bustling cultural hotspot.”

One of the cocktails the Lobby Lounge has come up with is a refreshing ‘Narrow Lane’, containing Tequila Ocho Plata, Silvermoon tea, Agave nectar, KOCH Elemental Mezcal, black lemon bitters, yuzu, soda, cardamom bitters and lemon twist. With the Tequila it’s quite punchy and has a clear lemon flavour as well as colour.

The Lobby Lounge review: nation with rich culinary tapestry

Plates with dishes and light bites arrives to the table and perhaps one should not be surprised that the cuisine meets the same standard as the cocktails. But it’s even more than that; with all the food just being so exciting and flavourful! And this experience also offers an opportunity to try some of Singapore’s most iconic dishes and discover Asian food traditions.

For those with a penchant for the local flavours, indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of, each paying homage to the nation’s rich culinary tapestry. Part of this, Chef de Cuisine Charles Nguyen offers a ‘Signature Premium Local Favourites’ selection aiming to elevate familiar flavours while honouring traditional roots.

The Satay Panggang (choice of chicken or beef skewers) skewers, served with sweet pineapple, rice Lontong, cucumber, red onion and peanut sauce are elevated to a taste out of this world!

Truffle fries, meanwhile, (Grated seasonal black or white truffle, parmesan cheese and truffle mayonnaise) can represent the international fare on the menu.

From the ‘Local Favourite’ selectin ‘Nonya chicken curry’ (marinated chicken leg, homemade
curry, fingerling potato and crispy papadum) is served. Nonya dishes are typically covered by a curry gravy and the rich taste will surprise many.

Bold and aromatic this dish comes with succulent marinated chicken leg is gently simmered in a homemade curry, enriched with fingerling potatoes indeed offers a “perfect balance of spice and indulgence.”

As main course ‘Traditional beef bourguignon‘ (6-hours braised Westholme wagyu beef cheek is the ultimate dish where to totally surrender! The melt-in-the-mouth beef and flavour combinations is just heavenly.

No doubt, this meticulously curated menu offers a world of flavours, and that reinforces The Lobby Lounge’s reputation as an exceptional dining destination. Chef Charles’ creations deserve much praise, large portions and fantastic taste and quality, offering a superb opportunity for visitors,

Finally, the InterContinental Singapore itself stands as inspiration for a couple of cocktails. ‘Heritage Martini’ served in Margarita glass is made with Jaisalmer Gin (an Indian craft gin), Nikka Coffey Vodka (Japanese vodka with flavour and texture), Baba-Nonya spices, Mulassano Vermouth Bianco, ginger bitters, umami bitters, pickled onion and carrot.

It’s described as a sophisticated nightcap that brings together warmth and the complexity of Baba Nyonya spices. The digestif creation is elegant and alluring, and something that keeps the conversation going late into the night. On Friday and Saturday nights The Lobby Lounge also presents live music.

Saying good night, Happy Hour Asia harbours high hopes that this dining and drinking attraction will get to keep its legacy also in 2026, as the hotel then will be rebranded. Stay tuned…