Here’s a first look at Zouk’s luxurious new lounge in Clarke Quay

Capital, the latest addition in Singapore’s longest-running nightlife and music institution, is a lofty new sanctuary located on the second floor of the Zouk complex in CQ. No, you won’t be able to go in from the Zouk main room. In fact, it’s a whole other concept that’s only accessible via a lift or dimly-lit stairwell at Zouk’s lobby area. And in case you’re wondering, it’s far from what Velvet Underground was. Here’s a sneak peek.

Stairwell leading to Capital. Photo credit: Zouk Singapore

Capital adopts a lounge-like atmosphere throughout its four main areas, which comprises of an island bar, a whisky bar, a cigar room and a lavish seating area, complete with a dedicated DJ console with surrounding VIP seating (just like Zouk) and a dance floor. The design ethos employed by design studio Charnley Stadworth focuses on creating a modern and luxurious space meant to give you a feel of exclusivity. A lot of stone, brass, dark-stoned finishes and a moody color palette is used to complement the slightly opulent seats, gold-rimmed marble tables and high tables across the space.

Dancefloor at Capital. Photo credit: Zouk Singapore

The same people behind the “mothership” hovering above the Zouk main room designed the ceiling area just above the dance floor. Barcelona-based lighting design firm, LEDSCONTROL has created a bunch of custom light installations taking the shape of geometric textures that stretches from the whisky bar all the way to the DJ console. When you’re there, look around and check out the various contemporary pieces curated and strategically placed around the compound to emulate a private art library by Asian art consultancy, The Artling.

DJ console at Capital. Photo credit: Zouk Singapore

At the moment, the music programing will fall under the responsibility of Zouk’s resident DJs who’ll be dishing out tunes across commercial top 40s, hip hop, R&B in an open format, along with local and regional female DJs. There’ll also be a myriad of live performances during post-work hours from 9-11pm (Thursdays) and 10pm-12am (Fridays and Saturdays).

Whisky bar, located at the back of Capital’s dance floor. Photo credit: Zouk Singapore

While the island bar features a luminous ceiling designed by Japanese artist Tetsuya Toshima that’s a little too oriental for our taste (it’s very different from the edgy artwork at Zouk), the whisky bar is where the action’s at. They’ve got an extensive list of more than 48 different types of whisky (from $16 per glass), including rare, collector’s and limited edition ones like The Dalmore Constellation 1971 Cask 2, which is priced at $36,000 a bottle.

Capital’s doors open to public on Feb 18. More info here.

Cigar room at Capital. Photo credit: Zouk Singapore