Britpop is back in the spotlight. Oasis’s recently announced reunion gigs have whipped fans in a frenzy, while Blur delivered a heady dose of 1990s nostalgia this summer with not one but two films: a documentary about the making of their first album in eight years, The Ballad of Darren, and a concert film blur: Live at Wembley Stadium. Even Snow Patrol has a new album, The Forest Is The Path, out this month.
So perhaps it is timely that a modern British gastropub has opened at Robertson Quay, allowing diners to enjoy classic British cuisine and soak in a lively atmosphere filled with soundtracks of British rock legends.
The new diner and music bar is Carnaby, a collaboration between food truck innovators and burger upstarts The Goodburger, and former Potato Head executive chef Adam Penney.
The 85-seater gastropub is clearly a homage to London’s iconic Carnaby Street. Once the epicentre of alternative music and edgy fashion, Carnaby Street during the swinging 60s was well-frequented by rock ’n roll royalty like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It is why music is a major part of the dining experience here – a place where walls are decked in well-loved vinyl record covers and snapshots of cultural emblems. Stereophonics was playing when we first entered, followed by a specially curated playlist of old and new British tunes. (Curiously you might hear an odd Guns N’ Roses song. “Not many people know that Slash was born in the UK,” Penney says with a smile.)
Happy days
Taking over the former Three Buns Robertson Quay outlet, Penney brings his signature flair to elevate British comfort food, creating a menu inspired by his childhood in Dublin and the UK, and dishes that showcase the finest local and imported ingredients.
A standout item is the Carnaby Burger ($36) which features a custom beef patty made with a UK and Australian blend of two prime cuts topped with the decadent Wookey Hole cave-aged cheddar (an award winning cheese from Dorset) and a homemade Carnaby sauce. Love the cheese? Get the elevated cheese toast called Welsh Rarebit ($18). It stars the same cheddar but on a wagyu-fat toasted crumpet. We hear that it’s made using Penney’s family recipe.
Other notable menu hits include the Steak & Guinness Pie ($35) simmered in an Irish Guinness Stout; Smoky Fish Pie ($34) that melds together three different types of fish (kippers from Northern England, smoked haddock from Scotland and locally-farmed golden snapper); and Golden Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($36) where golden snapper is fried in a golden crispy batter infused with Brewdog Punk IPA.
On the dessert front, Penney conjures up nostalgic treats inspired by his personal childhood favourites. ‘Allo Treacle’ Tart ($16) is a sophisticated interpretation made rich with a salted caramel interior and a dollop of chantilly cream, while Sticky Toffee Date Pudding ($16) is a British winter must-have that reveals an indulgent butterscotch sauce and housemade vanilla ice cream.
And of course, one must finish the meal with a pint (or two) in hand. Swig down specialty craft beers from Scottish cult brewers Brewdog and Peroni on draft, or try handcrafted cocktails that reimagine classic English drinks. There is The Bridgerton ($24), a cheeky homage to the Netflix hit series, and the Twiggy ($24), inspired by its namesake 60s fashion supermodel and her iconic yellow dress.
Carnaby is at 60 Robertson Quay #01-01, Singapore 238252.
