Three places, one address -- Home sweet House
The green facade of Dempsey's House hides a veritable den of eating, drinking and relaxation joints.What's a House without food and drinks? There’s plenty to make the rounds here.
The distinct green block tucked at the end of Dempsey Hill has become a red hot spot in less than three years. Having brunch or supper, pre- and post-dinner drinks here have become a modus operandi for many. And with the opening of its new Beauty Emporium, this cavernous two-storey 35,000 square feet space belonging to the popular Spa Esprit group is where you can gorge then get gorgeous.
House first made waves for its post-industrial chic interiors spiked with a large dose of whimsy. Exposed beams, painted murals, hanging light bulbs and vintage furniture ... the place is fantastically theatrical and painfully edgy all at once. Function rooms are even decorated after their namesakes such as the sci-fi-esque "Kubrick."
Call it an upscale community center of sorts. Spa Esprit's managing director Cynthia Chua and creative director Jerry de Souza envision House as a buzzy, liberated and communal hub. There's always something happening: Flea markets, civil society groups gatherings such as a high tea organized by the Cats Welfare Society, DJ gigs, and art exhibitions.
Here's three reasons why House should be on your must-do list.
Barracks cafe serves up a mish-mash of dishes self-styled as "nouvelle comfort food." The nouvelle part we get, with funky offerings such as the One Metre Long Sausage (no kidding) and Skinny Pizzas inspired by local Indian dish paper prata. Let's just say you'll crack up at how the Skinny Pizzas take thin crust pizzas to a whole new level. Comforting favorites include Thai Crispy Beef Salad and Mushroom Risotto. Don't miss desserts. Traditional Nyonya kueh kuehs (cakes) come in the form of Pandan Lamingtons and Panna Cotta Agar Agar that are as tasty as they are colorful.
Best spot: Ask for The Table Under The Table. It’ll makes you feel positively Lilliputian dining under a gigantic table-shaped shed.
Must-try: Truffle fries. These golden strands perfectly cooked with truffle oil and salt are absolutely addictive.
Like Barracks, the name is a nod to the history of the building which was once a British military barrack. Forget beer. Camp hired award-winning mixologist Matthew Bax of Melbourne's Der Raum fame to concoct its moonshine. Using premium spirits and hand-pressed juices, classic cocktails are reinterpreted with a local twist. Packed with five different berries, the Mint Berry Fizz is a sparkling update of the Tom Collins. Meanwhile, the Prohibition Long Island Iced Tea Party is charmingly presented in a Chinese teapot and dainty porcelain cups.
Best spot: At the bar counter. Watch bartenders whiz through muddling the fruits, shaking up your order and sneaking you a taste of what they're dreaming up on the side.
Must-try: Tiffin Punch. Served in a Tiffin carrier, this lychee martini is given a refined, refreshing lift with pressed grapefruit, ginger and a splash of Mumm champagne.
Bright yellow mini trolleys are parked at the entrance while organic products are displayed in chillers. But make no mistake, you're more likely to spend a leisurely afternoon browsing through cult beauty brands such as New York's Malin + Goetz, UK's Ren and France's La Compaigne De provence than picking out meat. Pampering services ranging from organic facials to body massages are options for the city-ravaged. Those looking for a bit of grooming can book an appointment for waxing or a manicure. The Beauty Emporium wants to recharge both body and soul, so check out the carefully edited selection of local and international music albums. Books and stationery from independent bookshop Books Actually are also sold here.
Best spot: Sink into the plush armchairs at the pedicure area overlooking Dempsey Hill's greenery. And since you're already there, a foot scrub isn't a bad idea.
Must-try: Spa Esprit's Wheat Gerrefic Massage. The 80-minute treatment detoxes as it restores the balance in your body.
