Raffles Singapore unveils new culinary line-up
New dining concepts helmed by Alain Ducasse, Anne-Sophie Pic and Jereme Leung will join a host of returning F&B venues when the iconic Raffles Singapore reopens, it has been revealed.
The hotel, which was built by the Sarkies brothers in 1887, has been closed since December 2017 as part of a major restoration programme. Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property has long been synonymous with high-quality F&B – the Singapore Sling was invented here in 1915 – and the ambitious new lineup is intended to cement that reputation and “elevate Singapore’s culinary landscape”.
Christian Westbeld, General Manager of Raffles Singapore, said: “For more than 100 years, the dining venues at Raffles Singapore have been recognised as an integral part of the vibrant and ever-changing local bar and dining scene, exciting the local community as well as city guests alike. Continuing with our tradition and commitment of the highest level of friendly, engaging and anticipatory service, we are more than excited to introduce concepts with partner chefs who have a reputation of operating successful venues around the world while, at the same time, creating culinary experiences that are new and distinct to Singapore.”
Among the new arrivals will be BBR by Alain Ducasse, the triple-Michelin-starred chef’s first Mediterranean tapas dining concept. It will occupy the 122-year-old Bar & Billiard Room and feature a high-energy open kitchen with charcoal grills and wood-fired pizza ovens as well as a bar and lounge serving spirits, cocktails, beers and wine.
Another addition, La Dame de Pic, will mark the first Asian restaurant for Anne-Sophie Pic. It will be housed in the hotel’s dining room in the main building and serve dishes that reflect the triple-Michelin-starred chef’s preoccupation with aromatic complexity and powerful flavor combinations, alongside a drinks menu offering a diverse collection of pairings for food.
Meanwhile, Yi by Jereme Leung will offer both Cantonese classics and adaptations of China’s ancient delicacies made from the finest single-sourced and seasonal ingredients. The new contemporary Chinese restaurant will be located on level three of the Raffles Arcade.
The other new dining concept will be a steakhouse called Butcher’s Block, also in the Raffles Arcade. It will focus on the world’s finest cuts of single-sourced meats – showcased in a glass meat cooler next to the open kitchen.
The hotel’s revamped F&B portfolio will also include a host of other venues.
Tiffin Room, a part of Raffles Singapore’s history since 1892, will return to celebrate the heritage and flavours of northern India with authentic specialties served in tiffin boxes. And the Long Bar will remain, with the famous bar counter restored and the plantation-inspired décor refreshed.
Elsewhere, the Grand Lobby will now serve afternoon tea and Writers Bar will be expanded to a full bar referencing the hotel’s literary legacy. And last but not least, the Raffles Courtyard bar and lounge will offer a selection of South-East-Asian small plates and refreshing drinks, while new takeaway Ah Ten’s Café will sell freshly made cold drinks, tea, coffee, pastries and artisanal ice creams.
Pierre Burgade, Executive Chef of Raffles Singapore, said: “It is an incredible privilege to be given the opportunity to update these time-honoured Raffles signatures while also curating the stellar line-up of celebrity chefs for this iconic hotel. The deliberate and careful curation of the new dining concepts aims to elevate Singapore’s culinary landscape and makes our hotel an all-in-one gastronomic journey for guests and visitors alike.”
Raffles Singapore has been designated a national monument by the Singapore government since 1987. The hotel is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore.
