Category: Uniquely Singapore

Put Your Prison Break Skills To The Test At One Of Lockdown SG’s Most Challenging Escape Rooms

What better way to spend an hour with good friends than by being intentionally locked in a room?

At Lockdown SG, 1 hour might not even be enough!

Escape rooms originated from Japan and Hungary in 2010, before landing on our shores in 2013. Since then, it has taken Singapore by storm as friends, family and colleagues began putting their wits and teamwork to the test in these escape rooms.

DiscoverSG’s lovely ambassadors Cheryl, Evelyn and Jessie went down to Lockdown SG at Clarke Quay Central to try one of the 6 constantly changing rooms. With an hour on the clock in The Forgotten Temple room (one of the most challenging and technologically advanced adventure rooms), the ladies put their heads together and got out with 14 minutes to spare!

After a thrilling escape from the Egyptian-cursed room, we sat down at the only timed cafe in Singapore, Coffeemin, and had a talk with the owner, Zoltan.

A Chit-Chat With Owner, Zoltan

Why did you decide to bring Escape Adventure rooms to Singapore?

Escape games are just fun. You can come down with your friends and have fun.

Lockdown SG focuses on both the retail aspect–which is what you have here at Clarke Quay Central–and events. For retail, the idea was to make the escape rooms inclusive and suitable for all ages.

Unlike other escape rooms, it is less physically demanding so that the elderly and even corporates can participate in the experience safely.

How do you ensure the rooms are safe for all participants?

Before each team heads into the escape rooms, participants are first required to sign an indemnity agreement. Following that will be a short briefing of the safety protocols, as well as the game instructions.

Compared with other escape rooms where you are only given 3 phone calls for clues, there’s an unlimited number of phone calls [here], which [is] a safety procedure for any issues that might pop up.

To top it all off, each room has 2 CCTVs, where the staff can observe what is happening in the room at all times and intervene when necessary.

What can companies who are looking for escape room concept events look forward to?

One of the recent events we did was at Haw Par Villa, where dozens of people attended over 4 days. The objective of that room was to [bring back] your friend’s spirit from the spirit world. I shan’t give too much away and spoil the fun for any of you looking to experience it yourselves!

So why the decision to have a timed cafe right next to the escape rooms?

It was pertinent for us to have a venue next to the escape rooms where people could sit down and have a coffee after their game. We wanted something cool and new, and when we heard of this timed cafe concept from Russia, Japan and Korea, we decided to open one here, next to Lockdown SG.

For Coffeemin, I see a lot of youngsters hanging out, playing board games, Xbox, League of Legend, PC games, etc. The first hour is S$6 per hour, and S$1 every 10 minutes subsequently. You’re only charged for the time; everything else in the cafe is included for free. [There is] unlimited drinks, snacks, and all the games are available.

You’ve described this cafe as the new coworking space and anticafe for creative professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs in Singapore, and a ‘Home away from home’. Who is this cafe for?

It’s for everyone! During office hours, we see quite a few corporates having meetings here. During the evening and weekends, we usually see youngsters, tourists, and occasionally even US Marines! At Coffeemin, they can Skype, chill and have some fun. We even host birthday events and baby showers in the cafe.

Our Experience At Lockdown SG

We asked the ladies how their escape adventure experience was and here’s what they had to say.

Cheryl: “I was very impressed by the layout! I did not expect it to look so professional and well-made. The technology in place was unexpected, and was a nice surprise! You have to think out of the box to figure the room out, which I really enjoyed.”

Evelyn: “In other escape rooms, you often have to climb up and down to collect items. With Lockdown SG, it was much safer as you could do your solving at ground level. I definitely used a lot of ‘brain juice’ and strength to solve this game!”

Jessie: “I really liked the storyline, as well as the mechanisms and technology used. It was definitely interesting and interactive, and went beyond what was expected or basic like keys and locks! You have to look everywhere for the clues, and the puzzles were very hands-on.”

If you’re looking for a fun, new way to spend an afternoon with your friends, family, or even colleagues, give Lockdown SG a shot! Test your brain power, team spirit and puzzle-solving skills, and follow that up with a lovely rest at Coffeemin next door!

Lockdown SG
Where: Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-33 Clarke Quay Central, S059817
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-10pm,
Price: S$19/person on weekdays before 7pm; S$22/person on weekdays after 7pm, on weekends and public holidays
Contact no.: 6222 6100
Website: lockdown.sg

The New Starbucks X Paul & Joe Merch Is Beyond Cute, And Will Get You In The Mood For Spring!

Spring is here, and to kick off the season of neverending florals and bright, vibrant colours, Starbucks will be releasing its brand new merchandise collection by Paul & Joe + Starbucks.

The French fashion, house known for its pastel hues and ultra-feminine motifs has come together with Starbucks to release a–we have to admit–GORGEOUS collection. Only available in Asia, the collection features Paul & Joe’s iconic cat designs (of course), delicate florals and light hues.

Paul & Joe + Starbucks Merch Collection 

Fans of the Paul & Joe brand can pick up tumblers, mugs and tote bags priced between $19.90 to $49.90 at Starbucks outlets across the island from 21 March onwards! Us? We’ll have one of each please!

Also, read Get Ready, FENTY X PUMA SS2017 Drops In Singapore 9 March!

The New Chanel Pop-Up Cafe Will Serve Not Just Food, But Also Lip Glosses On A Silver Platter

Chanel lovers, you’re in for a real treat this April!

For a limited time only, between 8 – 16 April, beauty meets leisure at Chanel’s Coco Café, the latest spark of brilliance to come from the luxury French fashion house.

A pop-up concept at the Visual Arts Centre, Chanel’s Coco Café is a Parisian style café where you can enjoy beauty, bubbles and dessert specially curated by Chanel.

Take in the laid-back atmosphere of Coco Café amidst Dhoby Ghaut Green’s lush surroundings, while enjoying full access to all 27 shades of Chanel’s latest Rouge Coco Gloss collection.

You’ll also get to play around with their upcoming Cruise makeup collection, Les Indispensables De L’été, which will be exclusively pre-launched here!

Be one of the very first to experience it all by registering

10 Cannot Miss Activities to End March With A Bang [15 – 31 March]

March. If you’re between the ages of 7 and 19, you’re probably enjoying the blissfulness of the school holidays!

If your school holidays haven’t begun yet and you’re struggling to get to the weekend, don’t fret, we’ve got 10 activities happening over the next two weeks that are bound to lift your spirits!

Play & Discover

1. St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival 2017 

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, which can mean only two things: a whole lot of green and a whole lot of Guinness. This year, the St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival will be spilling onto the streets of Circular Road.

2. Take A Hike At Chestnut Nature Park 

Looking for a quiet spot for a moment of serenity? Head to Singapore’s newest nature park, Chestnut Nature Park. Spanning over 81 hectares, Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park.

Joining up with the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Chestnut Nature Park stretches along the BKE. Hiking trails within Chestnut Nature Park are split into North and South, bringing the total length to 5.6km. If you’re looking for a quiet spot away from the crowd, why not head down here?

Chestnut Nature Park
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (daily)
Website

3. Singapore Festival Of Fun

Spread over 3 weeks, the Singapore Festival Of Fun features a different theme every week. This week (14 – 19 March), head to Clarke Quay for Street Fest. Featuring street performances, you’ll be kept at the edge of your seats watching some death-defying acts.

International Comedy Festival Singapore
Where: Clarke Quay
When: 16 – 19 March
Website 

4. Camping By The Beach @ Sentosa 

For the month of March, Sentosa will be offering up night activities that will have you experiencing a whole new side of Sentosa.

Here in Singapore, there aren’t many spots to pitch a tent other than East Coast Park. As part of Sentosa’s March-only night activities, guests will be given the opportunity to pitch their own tents along Palawan Green.

Grab a blanket, some good friends and some snacks as you catch movies like Our Times, Pitch Perfect and The Internship. Best part? It’s free and there’s no assigned seating, so do get there early for the best view!

Movies By The Beach
Where: Palawan Beach
When: 17 – 19 March, 25 – 26 March; 7.30pm – 9.45pm – 12am
Sentosa[/caption]

Make your way through the underground tunnels of Fort Siloso while getting a history lesson on warfare and the events that led to the Japanese Occupation. While there aren’t any boogeymen or scare tactics at this night tour, it can be a bit unnerving to explore the tunnels way past the sun has set.

Registration booths open at 6.30pm on event dates, so remember to head down early!

Fort Siloso Nite Tour
Where: Fort Siloso
When: 17 – 19 March, 25 – 26 March; 8pm & 9.30pm

Eat 

7. Durian Fiesta 

Back for its 34th run, the Durian Fiesta at Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates all things durian. This year’s festivities stretches from 10 March to 31 July, boasting a total of 14 premium confections.

Popular Japanese ramen operator Keisuke Takeda, known for their chain of ramen shops, has just opened his 12th food concept, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei. Conveniently located at Tanjong Pagar, this eatery serves up prime US beef patties on sizzling hotplates.

Sound pretty mundane? Wait till you cut into these juicy slabs of meat, because the real star here is the hot, oozing cheese. Hungry for more? At Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei, you’ll find an open salad bar (for the health-conscious) and free flow eggs that are cooked to your liking!

So, if you’re looking for a spot where you can fill your stomach with decadent slabs of meat, head on down to Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei!

Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei
Where: 72 Peck Seah Street Singapore 079329
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

10. The Big Cheese

Who can say no to cheese (sorry vegans and the lactose-intolerant)? Here at DiscoverSG, we believe that the cheesier, the better.  A little food spot has opened up at Sunshine Plaza which sells only one delicious item… MAC AND CHEESE!

Specialty cafes, restaurants and bakeries are no stranger to the food scene but we’ve never seen a food spot dedicated to this humble dish. Tagged at an affordable $5.90, hungry Singaporeans can build their own mac & cheese here!

Choose from an array of cheeses, fillings and toppings. Too hungry to get creative? The Big Cheese has a selection of mac & cheese dishes all sorted out for you so you can focus on the important part… EATING!

So, why not head down to Sunshine Plaza and dig into a comforting bowl of mac & cheese!

The Big Cheese
Where: 91 Bencoolen Street #01-59, Sunshine Plaza, S189652
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm (Tues – Sun, 3pm – 10pm on Fri), Closed Mon

Excited yet? With this list of exciting events and enticing food spots, there’s no reason to stay in this month!

Grab your friends and family and head down to these events! They’re sure to offer a well-deserved break from the work desk!

Also read, 6 Places In Singapore With The Dreamiest Bespoke Cakes For Your Special Day

6 Places In Singapore With The Dreamiest Bespoke Cakes For Your Special Day

All celebratory occasions call for cake and whether you are celebrating your 21st birthday, wedding or baby shower, nothing is more perfect for the occasion than a bespoke cake!

Why go for the conventional Blackforest Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake? Let your imagination run free and create one-of-a-kind bespoke cakes at these bakeries in Singapore!

1. Temptations Cakes

Established in 1985, there is a reason why homegrown bakery Temptations Cakes has stuck around for so long. Their classic cakes and selection of sweet treats will certainly leave you wanting more.

Naturally, this is one of the best places to customise your very own cake for your special occasion.

Whether you are looking for a fancy wedding cake or a festive-themed cake, Temptation Cakes is sure to nail it. Of course, like any other bakery, it is best to place your order in advance. After all, these bakers and cake designers definitely need the time to craft out that perfect bespoke cake for your special day.

Temptations Cakes
Address: 42 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427766
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 7.30pm
Tel: 6440 9200
Image Credit: @bloomsburybakers[/caption]

While Bloomsbury Bakers specialises particularly in buttercream, fondant and fresh floral cakes cake designs, if you have something else in mind, feel free to let them know!

Besides the bespoke cakes, you can also order dessert tables as well as baby shower gift boxes for your special moment as well!

Bloomsbury Bakers
Address: Blk 30 Bendemeer Road, #01-889, Singapore 330030
Opening hours: Tue to Fri 11am – 7pm; Sat 10am – 7pm; Sun 10am – 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Tel: 6299 3450
Image Credit: @winifredkristecake[/caption]

Their handcrafted cakes and hand-made sugar flower petal decorations are all meticulously hand-painted by the team at Winifred Kristé Cake. You can choose from cake flavours ranging from the classic Vanilla Bean to the popular Earl Grey Chocolate.

Winifred Kristé Cake
Address: 271 Bukit Batok East Ave 4, Block 271, Singapore 650271
Opening hours: Tue to Sat 11am – 7pm (Closed on Sun & Mon)
Email: [email protected]
Image Credit: @nglitying[/caption]

Whether you are a macaron lover or adore rainbow-layered cakes, it will be perfectly reflected in the cakes Li Tying creates!

Website

5. Little House Of Dreams

Create your dream cake right here at Little House Of Dreams! Their specialty lies in creating fondant cakes, which essentially means they can re-create literally any cake theme that you have in mind!

A gorgeous-looking cake should also taste equally delicious, which is why all their fondant cakes are also ganached in premium chocolate!

[caption id="attachment_23700" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Little House Of Dreams Facebook[/caption]

From castle fondant cakes to carousel fondant cakes, each of the cakes are carefully crafted with amazing designs such as watercolour and even graffiti effects! With their team of talented and creative fondant artists, Little House Of Dreams will certainly make your dream cake a reality!

Little House Of Dreams
Address: Block 8 Dempsey Road #01-14, Singapore 247696
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 11am – 10.30pm; Fri to Sun & eve of PH 9am – 10.30pm, PH 9am to 11pm
Tel: 6472 4977
Image Credit: @shibertybakes[/caption]

Besides her cakes, you can also indulge in some of Shiberty’s other specialty desserts such as honey toasts and all-day brunch at her cafe located along Owen Road.

Shiberty Bakes
Address: #01-277, 46 Owen Rd, Singapore 210046
Opening hours: Tue to Sun 1pm – 10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Tel: 6291 5221
Website

If you have an upcoming occasion that calls for it, customise your own cakes at these bakeries! While prices might be on the steeper side compared to other off-the-shelf cakes, it beats having a conventional cake at your special event!

These novelty cakes will no doubt impress your guests with their unique designs. Most importantly, a bespoke cake design best reflects you, your personality and your preferences as you celebrate your special and important moment!

(Top Image Credit: singaporebrides.com)

Also read, The Wicked Cream: Gourmet Marshmallows To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth