Lustrous new cafe & lounge- set in a 1930’s banking chamber- debuts in Singapore’s financial district
December 24th, 2013
A masterful conceptualisation of timeless glamour and bold design, The Black Swan, which launched in July this year, is a welcome enhancement to the plethora of central Singapore dining and bar establishments that unimaginatively mimic safe and predictable concepts. Housed within the original banking chamber built in the 1930’s for a Chinese provincial bank, The Black Swan is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s financial district. Taking its cue from the distinctive Art Deco architectural style that evokes the glamour of a bygone era, The Black Swan has been exquisitely realised in the mold of a European grand café and bar- serving classic bistro cuisine all day, together with a sophisticated bar and lounge serving first class libations. The generously proportioned interior accommodates around 130 patrons in both a spacious dining section and separate bar area on the ground floor, with an intimate lounge located on the mezzanine level comfortably seating a further 60 guests.
The Black Swan is the latest addition to the creative assemblage of Singapore restaurants conceived and owned by the local Lo & Behold Group, whose pedigree includes such notable and uniquely themed venues as The White Rabbit; Loof; Tanjong Beach Club and Overeasy. Not surprisingly, The Black Swan has been warmly embraced by both executives from the adjacent city office towers, and also a fashionable and discerning urban clientele, attracted by the appealing combination of glamorous design, convivial and sociable atmosphere, consummate renditions of classic bistro fare, and sophisticated beverage service. Open Monday to Saturday, The Black Swan serves lunch, dinner and supper Monday to Friday, and dinner and supper on Saturday nights. On Friday and Saturday nights resident DJ’s play upstairs in the mezzanine lounge- known as The Powder Room– until late. Reservations are recommended in particular for most evenings.
The Black Swan cuisine & drinks
Consistent with the grand cafe design concept, the cuisine at The Black Swan embodies the essence of traditional European cafes- good food, well cooked and simply presented. The well-constructed menu is replete with classic French comfort-food dishes- cooked with exemplary technique by an experienced culinary team- and served with an attractive, contemporary-accented presentation. Diners can select from Appertizers and Small Plates such as Charcuterie cuts; several Crostini options; re-interpreted classic dishes such as Char-Grilled Beef Tartare; The New Caesar Salad; and freshly-shucked oysters from the Oyster Bar. Main courses- or Large Plates- are centred mostly on premium quality meats and seafood- including pan-seared Fish of the Day; Stockyard Australia Ribeye Steak– a 500g cut of 400 day grain fed beef – for sharing; and the signature The Black Swan Burger.
In addition to a la Carte and Supper menus, a special Set Lunch menu offers attractive value, with a 2 course selection priced at S$28++, and 3 courses at S$34++.
The superb beverage program at The Black Swan offers a solid selection of classic and signature cocktails, plus craft beers, premier single malt whiskies, and a well-curated wine and champagne list. After-work drinkers can enjoy the enticing Happy Hour “Liquor & Oysters” promotion (Monday to Friday, 5pm ~ 7:30pm) – offering 30% off house pour spirits, draft beers and wine by the glass, plus 30% off all oysters.
The Black Swan- Bar & Cafe on the ground floor
Elegant “cafe-style” marble topped tables, matched with wicker-backed chairs feature in the main dining section set to one side of the central bar.
At the entrance to The Black Swan the imposing “U” shaped central bar anchors the floor space- and divides the ex-banking chamber into the two main sections- with the casual high tables and barstools on the left side- and the dining section to the right. Luxurious leather upholstered bar chairs line the handsome, red-marble topped bar counter, attractively sheathed in brass.
The impressive proportions and bold design of the original banking chamber have been transformed into a stunning dining and bar space. An attractive colour scheme, and exquisitely executed decor evoke the glamorous essence of the Art Deco period, exemplified by features such as the original terrazzo flooring, geometric decorative elements, and the sweeping curvature of the facade.
The central “U” shaped bar, fabricated from gleaming brass, is the focal element of the ground floor space- greeting guests on arrival through the glass front double doors.
The Powder Room- upper level mezzanine lounge
A separate upper level mezzanine space- The Powder Room- overlooks the ground floor chamber through bold, geometric-patterned screens.
The Powder Room exudes a luxurious yet casual sophistication- a stylish lounge for relaxed libations and music. A soothing palette of natural tones- browns, beige and gold- blends harmoniously with the elegant furnishings.
Nestled at the back of the room, the intimate bar is an inviting haven for appreciating the fine liquors and craft cocktails served by the bartenders.
Selected highlights from the cafe menu
Soft-Shell Crab Sliders- crispy fried soft-shell crab, arugula, tomato. (Supper / Bar Snacks Menu)
Baked Bone Marrow, Chilli, Konbu Crostini.
Cherry Tomato, Jamon Iberico, Feta, Green Olive Crostini
Selected signature cocktails
Silver Lining- combination of Amaretto and peaches shaken with egg white and garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Golden Parachute- A smooth 15 year old single malt whisky stirred with fragrant vanilla bean, pure maple syrup and livened with mandarin zest.
Good Night Peru- Peruvian Pisco infused with chamomile tea leaves and shaken with egg white.
The Black Swan- Grand Café & Bar- Singapore
Address: 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
MRT station: Raffles Place or Telok Ayer
Reservations: +65. 8181 3305
Website: www.theblackswan.com.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheBlackSwanSG
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm ~1:00 am
Friday 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
