Celebrated Indonesian restaurant group opens creative restaurant & bar concept in Singapore Art Deco building
August 2nd, 2014
Potato Head Folk in Singapore is the first international venture for the creative Jakarta-based Potato Head restaurant and lifestyle group. Widely celebrated, the Potato Head founders are known for their dynamic synthesis of original design aesthetic, international cuisine, cutting edge cocktails and artistic collaborations to create alluring spaces and dining experiences. Set to make a significant impact on Singapore’s dining scene, Potato Head Folk occupies a prominent Art Deco building in the fashionable Keong Saik neighbourhood of Singapore’s Chinatown district. Re-purposed to embrace a “residence” concept, it offers an engaging variety of dining and social spaces across the three floors and rooftop. Commencing with the “kitchen” on the street level- a casual dining/living room follows on the second floor- with a sophisticated cocktail bar and studio at the third level- and finally, a tropical garden bar on the rooftop.
Potato Head first launched in Jakarta in 2009 with the opening of the mega-popular Potato Head Brasserie, subsequent expansion of the group has included the internationally renowned Potato Head Beach Club on Bali’s Seminyak beach in 2011, and last year- set within an abandoned inner-city stadium in Jakarta- Potato Head Garage. Having successfully launched their burger and cocktail concept Three Buns in Jakarta earlier this year, and Potato Head Folk in June, upcoming openings scheduled for Bali are to include two boutique hotels and another beach club.
Potato Head Folk opens daily (except Mondays) from 11 am to midnight. Reservations are taken for Studio 1939 and The Rooftop– and for groups of 10+ in Three Buns Restaurant. An on-going program supporting the local arts community with exhibitions, performance events, etc will be an integral element of the Potato Head Folk experience.
Potato Head Folk- idiosnycratic design
Renowned for their quirky design aesthetic, the founders have collaborated with high-profile Australian artist David Bromley to decorate the Potato Head Folk interiors with his signature whimsical wall murals, sculptures and artworks- mostly inspired by his well-known “Boys Own” adventure series of works drawn from childhood books and popular culture.
Three Buns Burger & Cocktails- Restaurant
At the street level, Three Buns serves gourmet burgers directly from the open kitchen- to be eaten at the pavement tables and counters- or for takeaway. On the second floor- the evocative restaurant decor invites laid-back dining, albeit with full table service. Having previously launched Three Buns burger restaurant in Jakarta, executive chef Adam Penney elevates the burger experience in Singapore with his concise menu of six signature gourmet burgers-cooked with sound technique and thoughtful combinations of assertive flavors. To accompany the burgers, guests can select from an extensive drinks list that includes cocktails created to complement the bold food flavors; homemade sodas; craft beers; coffee and tea.
Studio 1939- cocktail bar & studio
Secluded behind a solid dark door with antique brass doorknocker- the elegantly furnished room aims to recreate the vibe of collaborating artist David Bromley’s Melbourne studio. Plush leather Chesterfields share the space with woven rattan Chinese armchairs and sofas; an eclectic assemblage of antiques and modern art pieces contribute a characterful design element. Behind a semicircular grey marble-topped bar at the head of the room, bartenders serve up the accomplished cocktail creations of Potato Head group mixologist and renowned London bar industry identity- Dre Masso. A rewarding list of classic and original creations made from premium spirits and house-made ingredients exemplify the Potato Head reputation for superb cocktails. Additionally, a carefully curated menu of bar bites offers a diversity of ingredients including canned Spanish sardines in olive oil; artisan cheeses and breads; and Sicilian green olives.
Studio 1939- cocktail highlights
The Rooftop- garden bar
Occupying the compact rooftop space, an open-air tropical garden sets the scene for a convivial tiki-themed bar. Replete with plants, and rustic wrought iron and cane outdoor furniture, the low-rise rooftop enables an intimate engagement with the neighborhood- 360 degree vistas over the colorful shophouse roofs also take in the nearby towering CBD office towers. The exotic, tiki-inspired list of cocktails are served in bamboo and coconut cups handcrafted in Bali- enhancing the playful escapism of the rooftop garden atmosphere.
