What is the one thing that is most synonymous with Lavender?
Most would say the ICA, but there’s so much more to Lavender than expired passports, automotive shops and hardware resellers.
We decided to spend some time in the neighbourhood to see if there is truly plenty to see, eat and do to keep us entertained throughout the day.
Things to do
CrossFit Fire City
If you aren’t already familiar with the jargons WOD, AMRAP and EMOM, the idea of CrossFit might sound daunting to you.
It is a common misconception that CrossFit is only for the fit, or the very strong. But that’s not true because the WODs (Workout Of the Day) are tailored to each individual’s abilities.
At CrossFit Fire City, box owner, Sam (affectionately known as Uncle Sam), and his friendly community of CrossFitters will ease you right into the workout.
Because the WODs are different each time, your muscles will never get used to any particular routine. This makes CrossFit one of the most effective ways to tone up those muscles.
Just an hour-long WOD will get you pumped up and energised for a day of exploring.
CrossFit Fire City
Address: 111C King George’s Ave, Singapore 208559
Tel: 9113 8587
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 06:30 – 21:00
Fri: 06:30 – 20:00
Trium Fitness
Just a stone’s throw away from Sam’s box lies Trium Fitness – a newly opened fitness studio specialising in yoga and pilates.
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the studio as you breathe in your downdog, or invert in aerial silks.
The studio not only teaches conventional yoga styles, but also allows you to stretch your head (and body) in classes like wheel or aerial yoga.
Wheel yoga is relatively new in Singapore.
The class makes use of the Dharma wheel to open the shoulders and arch the back for a deeper stretch. This will aid in your poses on the mat.
Aerial yoga needs no introduction – cirque du soleil style, aerial yoga helps yogis gain confidence in being upside-down. Also, it helps to build arm and upper body strength.
You’ll have so much fun that you wouldn’t even remember that you’re working out.
Trium Fitness
Address: 12 Kallang Ave, Aperia Mall, #03-01, Singapore 339511
Tel: 8782 8633
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8AM – 9PM
Sat: 9AM – 5PM
Sun: 9AM – 2PM
What to eat
The Refinery
The Refinery is just a couple units down from Sam’s box, perfect for post-CrossFit refuelling.
High ceilings, local art, marble table tops, and wooden communal tables – The Refinery is one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes on the island.
But that’s not all this cafe has to offer.
The Refinery boasts an extensive menu that changes depending on whether you’re heading over for a weekday dinner or weekend brunch.
The food is Japanese-inspired with a local twist, so expect yakitori-style skewers from the grill, donburis, and local cafe classics such as food laced with truffle and salted egg flavours.
We loved ‘The Epic’ Beef Gyudon with Foie Gras because, really, who can resist rib eye beef, foie gras, onsen egg and truffle flavouring in a single dish?!
The Refinery
Address: 115 King George’s Ave, Singapore 208561
Tel: 6293 1204
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 00:00
Fri: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sat: 11:00 – 16:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sun: 11:00 – 16:00
AEIOU
At the other end of CrossFit Firecity lies an understated cafe, its signage reading “Oriental Antique House”.
Though it is actually a cafe called AEIOU, its signage hasn’t proven to be entirely wrong.
AEIOU is adorned with upcycled furniture – rattan chairs, wooden tables and all things vintage. It is pretty much like a modern karang guni’s very well put-together home.
Their upcycling extends to tableware, where vodka bottles are cut into cups that hold their drinks and desserts.
Bask in nostalgia as you sip on your avocado coffee – one of the highlights of their menu.
Creamy avocado blend in one hand, and a shot of espresso in the other, marry the two for a party in your mouth.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how the butteriness of the avocado mellows out the bitterness of the coffee.
AEIOU
Address: 111 King George’s Avenue
Tel: 6291 2698
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 11:00 – 22:00
Fri: 11:00 – 23:00
Sat: 10:00 – 23:00
Sun: 10:00 – 21:00
To shop/ explore
Mahota Commune
If you find joy in shopping for fresh produce, then Mahota Commune is as close to food heaven as you’ll get.
Mahota Commune occupies the entire third level of Kitchener Complex – all because they are a market, kitchen, pantry, clinic and wellness studio all rolled into one.
Windows surround the area, allowing natural light to pour in – complementing the home-grown greenery and wooden furniture in this relaxing space.
At Mahota Market, load your basket with fresh, organic produce like fresh meats and vegetables, to imported condiments and whole food snacks.
Credit: Mahota Commune
Then, enjoy garden-to-table goodness at Mahota Kitchen.
The restaurant serves up an interesting choice of italian fare or hot pot choices. You can delight in vegetables grown organically in their farm in Shanghai, and sustainably sourced meats that are reared without antibiotics or hormone injections.
Before you leave, pick up some cold pressed juices and pastry for the family at Mahota Pantry. The pastries are baked fresh in-house using unbleached, wholemeal flour, no less!
As mentioned, the space is also home to a TCM clinic and a wellness studio. The studio conducts yoga, meditation, tai chi and HIIT classes – some of which are complimentary.
I can totally envision myself spending the entire day here, winding down and indulging in the goodness of whole foods.
Mahota Commune
Address: Blk 809 French Road, Kitchener Complex, #03-31, Singapore 200809
Tel: 62996809
Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM – 10PM
Though seemingly understated, Lavender is oozing with charm, making it the perfect spot for cafe-hopping over the weekend.
Got a favourite haunt in the Lavender area? Let us know in the comments below!
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