Cover CQ @ Clarke Quay
CQ @ Clarke Quay
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The newly revitalised lifestyle hub CQ @ Clarke Quay is buzzing with a host of hip restaurants and bars, new retail and lifestyle experiences all by the historical Singapore River
Mention Clarke Quay and this destination brings a myriad of stories to mind—for Singaporeans and tourists alike. For locals, there’s a generation who will recall it as the original port of trade—a trading hub lined with warehouses and godowns bustling with traders moving goods through Southeast Asia. In the 1900s, thanks to its historical significance, it was gazetted as a heritage conservation district by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore, burgeoning into a lifestyle district offering a melting pot of flavours and festivities—leading to other generations and tourists identifying it as one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife hotspots in the 2000s.
Today, after a fresh new revamp, CQ @ Clarke Quay has further blossomed into a dynamic day-to-night destination packed with about 60 gastronomic, shopping, entertainment and family-friendly experiences—all set within a revitalised heritage-filled enclave on the banks of the Singapore River.
Above CQ @ Clarke Quay's angel-shaped canopy
CQ @ Clarke Quay's angel-shaped canopy
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A brand new era
Over the last two years, the area has undergone a major revitalisation and restoration, resulting in a plethora of family- and pet-friendly concepts to savour the best of the riverside lifestyle. This sparkling transformation is in tandem with the ongoing renewal of the Singapore River precinct, which is set to house more residential and hospitality developments, as well as a boost of leisure amenities.
Here, one will discover a diverse array of restaurants and bars to satisfy every craving, plus a growing collection of retail and lifestyle concepts including a sprawling FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay. It is complete with a food hall comprising artisanal dine-in experiences and a signature Grocer Bar to indulge in freshly brewed coffee and fine wines. Renowned music retailer Swee Lee now boasts a cafe, bar and community space with an exciting line-up of fan events and live performances.
What makes this multifaceted destination even more unique is its various perspectives, where you get three key zones: The Riverfront, The Warehouses and The Circuit, fusing riverside views, alfresco dining and air-conditioned outlets all under an angel-shaped canopy. This architectural marvel that’s been designed to look like a scintillating urban jungle uses one of the best performing ETFE membranes in the market with new omni-directional angel fans to reduce solar heat gain, improving daytime thermal comfort of the internal “streets” lined with restaurants, bars and shops, while making sure the outdoor experiences remain breezy all throughout.
Above Grand Konak
Grand Konak
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Savouring the world
Paying homage to its history as an international port, CQ @ Clarke Quay presents a melting pot of global culinary influences. Whether indulging in traditional Asian fare, exploring exotic tastes, or enjoying innovative twists of familiar local dishes, their diverse tapestry of F&B offerings attract food enthusiasts from around the world.
Expect a newly opened cafe Home Singapore, an innovative duo concept redefining the traditional cafe experience. How? By day, Home Dawn is an alfresco brunch spot while at sundown, transitions into Home Dusk, a vibey music lounge with resident live bands performing daily. And at the heart of CQ @ Clarke Quay is another multi-concept destination: The Riverhouse. Nestled within a 154-year-old Chinese mansion, the two-storey space is now a bustling space that houses contemporary Chinese restaurant Mimi, live entertainment hot spot Pulse, and Zorba the Greek Taverna all in one bustling locale.
Even more international flavours can be savoured at Tomo Tokyo, a modern Japanese dining experience where dishes like fresh sushi and soba can be paired with a wide variety of sake, shochu, beer and other Japanese spirits; while IL Clay Supper Club (a chic pizzeria by day and vibey supper club by night) serves up chef Ciro Sorrentino’s award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas. Set in palatial interiors, Grand Konak invites diners to savour Turkish and Lebanese flavours and spices with specialty dishes like hummus, mezze platters, various meat moussaka and juicy kebabs. More elevated options from CQ @ Clarke Quay’s gastronomic haven include East Treasure Chinese Restaurant, where exquisite time-honoured recipes meet luxurious Asian interiors. Take your palates on a nostalgic journey of 60-hour dry-aged roasted duck and double-boiled tonic soup, as well as crowd favourites like chilli and white pepper crab.
Above Tomo Tokyo
Above Seafood Paradise
Tomo Tokyo
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Seafood lovers will certainly be spoilt for choice. For diners seeking authentic Singaporean flavours, Seafood Paradise offers the day’s finest, freshest catch in must-order creations such as the hot plate tofu with preserved cai xin, baked pork belly ribs with honey pepper sauce and signature creamy butter crab topped with coconut crumbs. Craving Nanyang-style cuisine? Red House Seafood Nanyang is best known for its mouthwatering array of ocean-fresh delights such as the lobster in signature creamy custard sauce and the giant grouper—an outlet-exclusive.
Above K.Star Karaoke
K.Star Karaoke
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Toast to life
Beyond lifestyle haunts in the day, the district’s energy pulsates with a different beat as soon as dusk falls, transforming into a buzzy destination perfect for romantic dates or nights of revelry with friends. CQ @ Clarke Quay’s bar scene is simply titillating. For hungry party goers, there’s Latin American restaurant-bar Cuba Libre; modern Spanish-Filipino restaurant-bar Octapas by El Mesa, and Senor Taco, which offers an intoxicating blend of Mexican fare, handcrafted agave cocktails, live latin music and dance classes—perfect for patrons to drink and dance the night away. What’s nice about these concepts is that they all boast alfresco dining areas and indoor bars to cater to your appetite.
Then there’s Chapters by Drinks & Co., for those who prefer a quieter sip of premium spirits and refined cocktails in a sleek den-like setting; arcade-themed live music bar Level Up; or Simply Retro by Tinbox for those who seek copious amounts of drinks with live bands playing hits from the golden era of Cantopop. Be transported to 1950s Shinjuku at Here Kitty Kitty. Amidst the intimate atmosphere of this Japanese speakeasy concept, diners can make merry over premium cocktails and contemporary izakaya bites. And of course, there’s the crowning jewel of Singapore’s nightlife scene: Zouk, R&B club Phuture, and Capital lounge all under one roof. For those who prefer a more private but no less effervescent night out, there is K.Star Karaoke, with a collection of 22 themed rooms from anime to carnival, catering to any type of group gathering or occasion.
Above Natureland Spa.Therapy
Natureland Spa.Therapy
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Finally, there are two alternative ways to end the night at CQ @ Clarke Quay. For adrenaline seekers, there’s Asia’s tallest Slingshot ride, which catapults riders into the air providing an exhilarating vantage point of the city. Completing the lifestyle destination’s holistic allure are wellness and fitness options, including Bold Fitness gym and Natureland Spa.Therapy for the island’s best massages.
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