June 23rd, 2012
Loof has been one of the more enduring, and popular bars on the Singapore nightlife landscape. When it first opened back in 2005, it was the first standalone rooftop bar in Singapore, a category of venue which in recent years has become wildly popular, spawning a plethora of rooftops bars across the city’s skyline. The low-rise rooftop on which Loof stands provides a tree-top level view across the road to the historic Raffles Hotel- and panoramic vistas of the Singapore skyline from the Marina Bay precinct to the CBD office towers. Loof was conceived as a relaxed, playful bar that draws inspiration from the local Singaporean culture and lifestyle. The name “Loof” was derived, “tongue in cheek”, from of the local vernacular for “roof’.
Last month (May 2012), Loof re-opened after a brief closure to enable a major refurbishment that refreshed the venue whilst maintaining the appeal of its original quirkiness and garden rooftop setting.
Loof was the original venue to be created by the highly regarded local hospitality group- the Lo & Behold Group. They have subsequently established a number of venues with innovative concepts that draw inspiration from the locations of each premise- including The White Rabbit; Overeasy; and Tanjong Beach Club.
The open deck space of Loof overlooks Raffles Hotel across the road, and in the background the Marina Bay environs
The rooftop space that is the home for Loof is on the low-rise extension of the Odeon Towers building in central Singapore. The space features an expansive timber decked area that is completely open air, and the main bar structure which features a long bar counter and service area and a section of undercover high bar tables and chairs. The open deck area features extensive plantings of tropical vegetation to create an urban garden environment in which guests can relax with friends and enjoy their drinks. The long frontage onto the main road has full length timber counter where guests can perch on bar stools and take in the close-up views of Raffles Hotel opposite, with the skyline of the CBD and Marina Bay in the background.
Furnishings are an eclectic mixture of colorfully coated metal high tables and stools, casual cane chairs, and padded timber bar stools. A long, curving banquette, backed by timber trellis and plants defines one section of the rooftop space.
The design motif of Loof – a pattern of shingle roof tiles- is featured in a variety of materials and finishes, on wall segments behind the bar, and other external wall sections.
The main bar area of the rooftop deck – with undercover seating at high tables and chairs
The open air rooftop deck evokes a casual urban garden setting with tropical plants and cane outdoor furniture
The solid marble main bar counter, with signature motif “shingle tile” back wall decoration
Casual settings on the rooftop deck of Loof- with panoramic views of the Singapore skyline
The Mama Shop- adjacent to the entrance – selling nostalgic souvenirs and small gift items
The food and drink menus at Loof highlight local Singaporean influences and flavours. The Asian Sensations cocktail selections include five distinct drinks that evoke the cuisines of the region.
Ho Chi Mint refreshes with light notes of pear juice, mint, cucumber and vodka. Java Ginger Crush features ginger beer, fresh ginger and Canton ginger liquer garnished with fragrant grapefruit. Penang Padi is a spicy concoction with padi, lime juice, vanilla vodka and a small splash of soy sauce. Bandung Bloom, made with kalamansi juice, vodka, champagne and rose syrup is an updated tuck shop drink that recalls school canteen days. The Singapore Sour plays on salty-sweet with sour plum, kalamansi juice and vodka. All drinks are made with the freshest quality ingredients, including herbs freshly plucked from home grown mint, basil, lime and lemongrass plants.
Other selections of cocktails include Old Skool Favourites, and the classic cocktails- The Usual Suspects.
The drinks menu also features a large selection of local and imported beers, premium spirits, champagnes and wines by the glass and bottle, and non-alcoholic refreshing mocktails.
The food menu comprises a selection of bar snacks for sharing- based on the local South East Asian spices and flavours. Tasty highlights include Lamb Rack Lollipops with Sarawak peppercorn sauce; Tiger Toast with minced tiger prawns, sesame, scallions and chilli jam; and Loof Flies– house French fries accompanied by cucumber wasabi sauce, curry ketchup and spicy mustard.
PENANG PADI- vanilla vodka, lime juice, soya sauce, raw brown sugar, fresh chilli.
From the ASIAN SENSATIONS selection of cocktails
THE LOOF LIFE- light rum, pineapple, lychee, lime, mint leaves. From the Old Skool Favourites selection of cocktails
JAVA GINGER CRUSH- vodka, ginger liqueur, cloudy apple juice, calamansi juice, sliced ginger, topped with ginger beer. From the ASIAN SENSATIONS selection of cocktails
Ahi Kueh Pie Tee- Tuna Tartare, jicama, citrus, pine nuts
Chilli Crab Dip- Fried Mantou
Wings Lah- sambal tumis, lime, ikan bilis
Themed party events are a regular feature at Loof, and additionally there are popular on-going promotions. The Happy Hour “Beat the Clock” promotion is offered Mondays to Fridays from 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm, with house pour spirits, beers and wine by the glass priced according to the hour on the clock. And LOOFAPALOOZA – a weekly tribute to indie and alternative beats from the 80s and 90s is held every Thursday Night from 8:0 pm ~ 12:00 am – Singapore’s most elevated underground party.
LOOF- Rooftop Bar in Singapore
Address: 331 North Bridge Road, # 03-07Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore. 188720
MTR: CC2 Bras Basah or City Hall EW13 / NS25
Reservations: + 65. 6338 8035
Website: www.loof.com.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/looftopbar
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 5:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 03:00 am
Promotions:
Monday to Friday- Happy Hour “Beat the Clock” – from 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm
House pour spirits, beers and wine by the glass are priced according to the hour on the clock
LOOFAPALOOZA- every Thursday Night from 8:0 pm ~ 12:00 am – Singapore’s most elevated underground party
