The infamous Keong Saik Road has multiple reputations to its name—home to many a block party, an entry point to some of the island’s best restaurants; even a lesser-known history of being a red light district. But there’s always something comforting about returning to the busy street, and in the last few months, some exciting new additions have made it more enticing than ever.
Introducing a hospitality aspect to the F&B-focused neighbourhood is KeSa House, an all-new flexible living concept by 8M Collective. Part co-living, part hotel, the 60-room concept combines the luxury of hotel living with the dynamic, home-spun quality of AirBnB—with varying durational options to suit your travelling needs.
Sky
For short stays, the compact Sky rooms located at the top of the three-storey property have strategically placed skylights, while Urban and Cozy offer intimate options with varying views of the area. If you’re looking to linger, Entertain rooms are more spacious, with a private outdoor terrace to do exactly as the name suggests. And taking the conventional serviced apartment concept up a notch, the open-plan Studio rooms come with a fully equipped kitchenette, outdoor terrace and living area with sofa bed—available for periods up to a few months; a perfect alternative for anyone requiring a transitional relocation space. Because you have the power to determine the length of your stay, rates are available in nightly, weekly and monthly options. That means a stay in a Cozy room can cost anywhere from $150 (per night) to $2820 (28 nights).
Outside, communal spaces and shared facilities like a lounge, kitchen and launderette have been designed to get guests mingling.
Studio
Entertain terrace
Most prominently though, the arrival of KeSa House comes hand-in-hand with an anticipated cluster of six restaurants and bars, which launched in succession in the last few months. All six concepts are already open for business, bringing a wide variety of cultures and cuisines to the street.
The Affogato Lounge
Sharing its space with KeSa House’s lobby, the check-in space and lounge serves up decadent affogatos, gourmet coffee and micro-batch ice cream; as well as a range of sandwiches, salads and fun cocktails. We all know how dreary the check-in process can be, so why not enjoy a sweet treat while you’re at it?
The Guild
The first of the six to set up shop along 55 Keong Saik Road, the resto-bar opened by Hong Kong’s Young Master Brewery has solidified its standing as a craft beer joint in Singapore. Find a good range of craft beers on tap here, including a solid selection of the brewery’s own (delivered straight from Hong Kong), as well as labels like Brewlander and Mikkeller. Beyond just brews though, don’t be surprised to see a finely crafted food menu of sharing plates—the likes of fried frog legs and mac ‘n’ cheese—that don’t discriminate between local produce and more exotic ingredients.
Mag’s Wine Kitchen
Its familiarity with diners should be an accurate gauge of one’s age—Mag’s Wine Kitchen, named for chef-owner Magdalene Tang, joins the cluster after 23 years in Circular Road. Her new chapter continues here with the same modern French cuisine: the likes of aged beef tenderloin, foie gras terrine and other European classics, complemented of course with a staggering selection of wines from the cellar.
The Old Man
Easily one of the most talked-about openings of the new year, the Singapore outpost of Hong Kong’s The Old Man is already permanently packed—thanks largely to the original’s impressive climb up to fifth place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2018. Like the OG, the bar pays tribute to prolific author and drinker Ernest Hemingway, from the decor to the drinks. The menu here boasts just nine cocktails, each concocted as homage to Hemingway’s tastes; and each only $17.
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Bringing authentic Barcelona food to the neighbourhood, Olivia stands out from its Spanish counterparts on the island by focusing on the multi-ethnicity of Barcelona alone—rather than a one-size-fits-all Spanish cuisine. Tapas here isn’t a concept of small plates, but a philosophy; hence you’ll find hearty, decadent portions that range from homemade lobster-avocado rolls, to meat canelons, to great dishes of seafood and squid ink paella. The elegant experience is best paired with any of the restaurant’s stunning Spanish wines, or a cocktail from the in-restaurant bar. Come with friends so you can feast proper—and share the enormously sinful Creamy Homemade Cheesecake made with blue cheese.
Pasta Bar
If it’s homely plates of pasta you’re craving, look no further than Pasta Bar. The cosy joint fits just 34 in total, with a centerpiece open kitchen at its heart that certainly adds to the buzzy vibe of the place. Grab a seat at the bar-counter and dig into bowls of hand-pulled pasta—like the restaurant-favourite beef ragu tagliatelle, or the signature pumpkin-filled tortelli. You’ll find excellent wines here too, curated separate from the new and old world lists at Olivia.
KeSa House is now open for bookings at 55 Keong Saik Road, via [email protected]. Prices and more information available here.
