Arteastiq
For the aspiring tai-tai in all of us, this tea lounge serves a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic teas and other delicacies. The Pomelo and Mint Lemongrass Tea set ($11) is refreshing, but if a buzz is what you are looking for, try their list of nine different alcoholic teas served after 5pm, like the Sweet Choya Lychee tea ($14). If you’re hungry, try out their “teasers” like Trinity, a tri-platter of cold cuts ($8.90) and Lust/Caution, chilled drunken Sakura chicken ($7.90) which goes down a treat. The tea lounge is housed by luxury furniture brand Marxx, offering a collection of furniture, decorative pieces and artwork evoking a sense of grandeur and fine-living. Once you’ve got your energy back, take your pick from the likes of the black gloss Baroque dining chair (from $2,700) and the Speer Grande dining table (from $7,800)
#04-14/15 Meritus Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6235-8370. Open Mon–Thu noon– 10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat–Sun 11am–11pm.
A Thousand Tales
This one-stop shop is a furniture store, cocktail bar and café all rolled into one. Its furniture features bespoke mid-century Scandinavian pieces layered with a wide range of quality fabrics featuring strong graphical patterns and unique textures. The collection of bold colored and retro-inspired armchairs and dining chairs (from $450) is perfect for those looking for an 80s feel at home. Up on the second level, stop by Bar Stories and try their refreshing Mojitos ($16) or try Café Fables for their selection of sandwiches and salads (from $5) and rest those tired feet.
A Thousand Tales, 55 Haji Lane, 6298-0838. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
Little Dröm Store & Kki
The store offers unique collectable knick knacks and delicious cakes in a quaint and homely environment. Both the café Kki and retail space Little Dröm Store are housed under the same roof: Little Dröm Store stocks quirky gift ideas like Polaroid image soft tone films ($35), “memories in a jar,” made up of motivational words on tiny pieces of paper ($16) and Jap artist Yoshitomo Nara glasses ($28); while Kki is a good place to chill over drinks and savor any (or all!) of their delectable cakes on offer, including the Antoinette ($8), comprising white chocolate mousse with a mango center, and the Mont Blanc ($8.50), which combines French chestnut paste with a fresh cream center.
7 Ann Siang Hiill, 6225-5541. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sun 11am-9pm; Thu 11am-7pm; Sat 11am- 4pm.
Pluck
This style emporium is well known for its exhaustive inventory of vintage apparel, accessories and even furniture, all executed with flamboyancy and wit. But it’s the ice cream parlor that we keep coming back for, with its 30 different types of deliciousness, including some wonderfully boozy concoctions. Ladies, here’s an idea for next time: Take your pick from the racks–perhaps you want that gorgeous Heather Vintage Dress ($79) and the Michelle Grey Python Tote ($720)–and then head over for some Strawberry Champagne Sorbet ($18). Trust us when we say your day will be made.
Pluck 31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4048. Open Tue–Sat 11am–8pm;
Sun 1–7pm.
