April 15th, 2011
KPO Cafe Bar is the result of an unusual juxtaposition of a working Post Office and a new kind of dining and bar concept- both occupying the extensively re-furbished building that housed the original Killiney Post Office. Located in the centre of the busy Orchard Road shopping area, at the junction of Killiney, Penang and Orchard Roads, the post war modernist styled KPO building occupies a green slice of land, backing onto a National Park. The distinctive building has been extensively re-modelled in the modernist form- utilising high ceilings and open spaces, extensive use of exposed steel beams, raw concrete walls and flooring, and solid teak wood bars and furnishings. The two levels are connected by an exterior steel staircase, and there are several outdoor decked terrace areas on both levels. Large glass windows in daylight hours flood the interiors with natural daylight and provide views out over the verdant green landscaping. The rear of the building features a “greenhouse” style of glass enclosures- incorporating part of the washroom area, and also the DJ’s console deck area sits within its own “small room” themed glass enclosure.
The interior features a long teakwood bar on the ground level, lined with teak bar stools, and along the adjacent wall are a series of black leather lounges and low tables for comfortable relaxation. The front area of the bar opens seamlessly into the neighboring Post Office facility. At the rear of the ground level is an outdoor timber decked area with aluminium bars stools and long solid timber bar counters. 
And the upper level, reached via the external steel staircase, houses a large square shaped island bar- with solid teak counters and bar stools, a high vaulted ceiling with exposed beams further adds to the spaciousness. The rear of the upper level has further outdoor terrace areas and also features the large glass panels that overlook the outside greenery.
The drinks offerings from the bar at KPO are centred around draft beers on tap from the French Kronenbourg brand- the “1664 Premium Lager”, and “Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc” , and the signature cocktails based around Chivas whiskies. Other bottled beers- imported and local are available, plus a good selection of French champagnes and sparkling wines, and some premium red and white wines. A full range of premium spirits and cocktails are complimented by an extensive selection of aged single malt whiskies – available by both the glass and bottle. Nespresso coffees- and other non-alcoholic drinks such as smoothies, juices and teas are available.
As an “all day” cafe, KPO features an International menu with a good variety of both “local” and “Western” flavors. The “All -Day Breakfast” is a feature at KPO– with dishes such as “Eggs Benedict”, “Steak & Eggs” and “The Works” being popular choices. Local dishes include favorites such as Nasi Lemak and Hokkien Mee, and from Western flavors- the “KPO Pork Ribs” is the signature dish. Other selections include tenderloin steaks, salads, burger, half roasted spring chicken, and lamb chops. The menu also features- “Beer Buddies”- a selection of hot bar snacks- pizzas, chicken wings, calamari, battered prawns etc.
After dark, KPO takes on a different mood- with attractive subdued lighting, and every Tuesday to Saturday night local celebrity DJ’s man the console deck and play their signature electronic tunes. From the outdoor decks, the evening bustle of the adjoining retails streets at the front, and the tranquility of the greenery at the rear, can be observed over a cold drink or two.
KPO offers the convenience of an all day cafe bar- either just for some relaxing afternoon drinks – or a full meal, and then in the early evenings as a popular destination for after work drinks, and later for a stylish chill-out bar experience. A unique combination of a contemporary cafe bar working alongside a functioning post office- in the heart of the vibrant Orchard Road area of Singapore.
