Grab Your Mugs, A&W Is Making A Comeback And We Are Floating To Root Beer Heaven

If you love American fast food chain A&W, you’ll be happy to know that they’ll be coming back to Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_27881" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Image Credit: A&W Canada Facebook[/caption]

I’m sure we – or the older ones of us, at least – can all remember their delicious root beer floats and addictive onion rings!

A&W, which is short for “Allen and Wright”, shuttered their last store in Singapore in 2003. After disappearing from our island over 10 years ago, the fast food chain will be returning as part of its expansion into Southeast Asia in 2018. This means it will still be quite a wait before we can get get our hands on some A&W.

We can’t wait to be reunited with their root beer floats, Coney dogs, curly fries, waffles and more!

Other countries A&W plans to expand into in the Southeast Asia region include Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

[caption id="attachment_27880" align="alignnone" width="1600"] A&W Coney Dog (Image Credit: While there is no word yet on where their first store will be, there’s a good chance there will be a branch near you, as the fast food chain has plans to open 30 – 40 new restaurants a year between the 4 countries.

A&W is currently searching for “real estate for a flagship company restaurant in Singapore”, and this flagship restaurant will also “serve as a training store for Southeast Asia”.

Can’t wait for A&W to arrive in Singapore? We never thought this day would come, and 2018 CANNOT arrive any sooner!

Also read At This New Tempura Restaurant, Building Your Own Tendon Bowl Is As Easy As Ebi-C

(Header Image Source: A&W Canada Facebook)

A #TBT To How S’pore Looked Like 20 Years Ago – We Felt A Wave Of Nostalgia Looking At #2!

10 years ago, it was the year 2007. And the 90’s were 20 whole years ago. Does anyone else feel old?

From the 1990s to the current day, Singapore has gone through a tremendous change. Take a trip down memory lane with us through these 20 pictures of 1990s Singapore. You’ll be surprised at how different Singapore is now compared to your childhood days.

1. Capitol Theatre

Then

[caption id="attachment_22754" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22770" align="alignnone" width="740"] Photo Credits: www.yoursingapore.com[/caption]

This 87-year-old landmark was first built in 1930, and could seat more than 1600 people in the auditorium.

By 1998, it screened its last movie and closed down, unable to compete with newer, more technologically advanced cinemas around Singapore. After 9 years, it was reopened again on May 19 2015. Now, there are movies as well as in-house theatre and dance productions featuring local and Asian repertoire.

2. Marina Bay Sands

[caption id="attachment_22766" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.marinabaysands.com[/caption]

The area where Marina Bay Sands now stands was initially just a huge reclaimed land.

With plans that have been in the works since 1983, the entire Marina Bay Sands project took 34 years to become the impressive integrated resort we know today.

With the completion of the Sands Theatre and Grand Theatre, we are now treated to globally renowned acts like The Lion King and Wicked. Coupled with the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands has become THE place to be for everything cool, from arts and culture to shopping and eating!

3. National Library at Stamford Road

Then

[caption id="attachment_22081" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ng Cheng Kiang[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22082" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ng Cheng Kiang[/caption]

The original National Library of Singapore at Stamford Road was first completed in 1960, and for many of us, the place where our love for reading began.

On 31 March 2004, our collective hearts broke as the doors of the library closed for the last time. While we may miss the old library, the new national library is a sight to behold. Home to the Black Box, an outdoor garden and 7 full floors dedicated to the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, the new National Library at Bras Basah helps to keeps our love for reading alive.

4. Bugis Street

Then

[caption id="attachment_22089" align="alignnone" width="768"] Photo Credits: www.nas.gov.sg[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22088" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: www.singapore-guide.com[/caption]

Our very own Singapore-style version Taiwan Night Market, Bugis Street was where we flocked to for cheap clothes and apparels after school.

With our miniscule pocket money, Bugis Street was a godsend for the blossoming shopaholics in us. Cleaner, more fashionable and slightly pricier, new Bugis Street now hosts even more shops, some are even air-conditioned!

5. Playgrounds

Then

[caption id="attachment_22755" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: dannylovetosnap.blogspot.sg
Address: 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22138" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

[caption id="attachment_22139" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

Back in the 90’s, going to the playground meant playing with kids from the neighbourhood, porcelain tiled dragon architecture, as well as bloody knees if we had the misfortune of falling in the sand.

These days, playgrounds are more avant-garde in design, with safe rubber-foam flooring. There is also a growing trend in inclusiveness, starting with playgrounds for children with special needs and special wheelchair swings.

6. Buses

Then

[caption id="attachment_22772" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22838" align="aligncenter" width="2304"] Credit: smrt.com.sg[/caption]

Decked in the iconic red and white colours of our nation, the buses of the past were stuffy, non-air conditioned, and dispensed paper tickets when you boarded the bus.

20 years down the road, we now see buses in different colours. Not just that, they’re also air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible and bus fares are now payable with cards.

7. National Stadium

Then

[caption id="attachment_22768" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Yu Khing Poh[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22769" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: senatus.net[/caption]

The old Kallang Stadium was THE place to be for every primary 5 child a few days before National Day. Wearing red or white t-shirts to school, we were proud to wave our miniature national flags (all while digging through the goody bags for the yearly signature gifts).

On 30 June 2014, Singapore welcomed the new and improved National Stadium. An all-weather sports and events venue, it has a retractable roof that keeps out the rain and doubles as a huge projector screen. It even has a state-of-the-art cooling system, allowing for cool air at 23 degrees to be pumped out from beneath the seats. Partially powered by solar panels, the cool air is even environmentally friendly!

Having played host to singers like Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou, as well as the 28th SEA Games in 2015, the National Stadium provides a comfortable, yet magnificent stage for arts, culture and sports alike.

8. Sentosa

Then

[caption id="attachment_22786" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: worldstotrek.wordpress.com[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22787" align="alignnone" width="970"] Photo Credits:Rwsentosa.com[/caption]

Do you remember having to take a ferry to Sentosa island? Back then, we were easily excited by the wax museum depicting Singapore’s past, as well as climbing up the huge Merlion statue.

Fast-forward 20 years and Sentosa island is now home to a huge amusement-resort. You’ll be surprised to know that this island is no longer just for the beach lovers and thrill seekers.

Theatre geeks and concertgoers can enjoy amazing performances like Yellowcard – The Final World Tour at Resorts World Theatre, and the daily Monster Rock show at Pantages Hollywood Theatre at Universal Studios Singapore.

9. MRT

Then

[caption id="attachment_22148" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Calvin Teo[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22149" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.lta.gov.sg[/caption]

Back then, there were only 2 lines: Red and Green. More accurately, the North-South line and the East-West line. After that, you had to take a bus to get to your specific destination.

These days, there are 5 MRT lines with 2 more on the way, and 3 LRT lines. In the past, we didn’t need to refer to the System map when travelling somewhere new. Now, I find myself googling ‘MRT map’ very often.

10. Hard Rock Cafe

Then

[caption id="attachment_22152" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

Now

[caption id="attachment_22760" align="alignnone" width="644"] Photo Credits: ordinarypatrons.com[/caption]

The ever-famous Cadillac was taken down on May 16 2016 in preparation for a makeover of the Hard Rock Cafe. The 1961 Cadillac Series 62 Deville represented the Rock and Roll times that Hard Rock Cafe stood for.

Fortunately, Hard Rock Cafe is still rocking even without its signature Cadillac. With Kumar taking the stage alongside live music performances and open mic shows, Hard Rock Cafe keeps our love for music and comedy alive.

11. King Albert Park

Then

[caption id="attachment_22763" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits:

Now

Students of Bukit Timah, namely MGS, ACS, Nanyang Girls’, NJC and many others will always have fond memories of King Albert Park (affectionately known as KAP). Many after school hours were spent studying in McDonald’s, shopping at Cold Storage, and eating ice cream at Island Creamery.

Closed on 16 March 2014 for its transformation into a condominium, this is yet another childhood memory that we say goodbye to in our ever-developing Singapore.

12. Big Splash Complex at East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_22788" align="alignnone" width="645"] Photo Credits: Akitek Tenggara Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

Before Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove, there was the Big Splash! Slides which were more than 6 storeys high. They were supposedly the tallest slides in the world back in 1977.

After 40 years of bringing water-related thrills to Singaporeans, the water park closed on 21 October 2016, and the land was returned to the government for redevelopment.

13. Marine Aquarium at Wisma Atria

A cheap alternative to Underwater world was to take a trip to Wisma Atria and stare at the fishes in the Marine Aquarium. Filled with exotic seawater fishes, corals and even tiny sharks, we would chase the swimming fishes round and round the 1.5m tall tank.

Sadly, good things don’t last forever. The Marine Aquarium was taken down in 2008 and the aquatic creatures were transferred to their new home at Underwater World Singapore.

14. Tang Dynasty Village

Then

[caption id="attachment_22790" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits:

Now

[caption id="attachment_22756" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo Credits: Lam Chun See[/caption]

Opened in 1992, Tang Dynasty Village was a literal blast to the past where visitors could visit a replica of the Tang Dynasty Capital in Singapore.

Featuring an army of terracotta warriors, a courthouse, geisha house, camel rides and a wax museum among other displays, this attraction was totally cool but did not come cheap. Back then, $30 entrance fees were not affordable for some families.

Coupled with the 90’s Asian Economic Crisis, it closed down in 1999, after a short 7-year run.

15. Escape Theme Park

Then

[caption id="attachment_22791" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Walter Wu[/caption]

Now

Escape Theme Park made way for an expansion of Wild Wild Wet

Who can forget travelling all the way to Pasir Ris to race in go-carts, splash down the Wet & Wild log-ride and be tossed about the insanely fast Panasonic/Alpha 8.

On November 26, 2011, we said goodbye to Escape Theme Park as plans for the Downtown East revamp began. Wild Wild Wet was opened next door shortly after the closure, but it just wasn’t the same.

16. Queenstown Cinema

[caption id="attachment_22793" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: Skyscrapercity[/caption]

A cinema right beside a bowling alley, not to mention a KTV outlet, this was the best after school/work hang out for Queenstown residents.

I remember coming here after dinner with my cousins to bowl, even though we mostly watched the balls enter the gutters. Closed in 1999 and demolished in 2011, the rubble may be gone but the memories remain.

17. Istana Kampong Gelam (now Malay Heritage Centre)

[caption id="attachment_22765" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.ghettosingapore.com[/caption]

The Istana Kampong Gelam used to be the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor in 1819, where it went on to house generations of Sultan Hussein’s successors.

In 1999, after the Sultan Hussein Ordinance was enacted and revised for the last time, residents living in the Istana were resettled. In time, the building was restored and transformed into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004.

With 6 permanent galleries showcasing stories and artefacts that tell of Kampong Gelam’s historical significance, as well as new monthly exhibits, visitors are given a precious insight into our country’s culture and history.

18. HMV at Heeren

Then

[caption id="attachment_22794" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: Rob Young[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22840" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] Credit: theoutpost.biz[/caption]

Home to the first and last HMV store in Singapore, teens would flock here to listen to the latest album releases for free.

Opened in 1997, the 25,000-sqf store saw 8 years of music lovers pass through its 3 levels before closing officially on 30 September 2015.

19. Underwater World Singapore

The fishes from Wisma Atria’s Marine Aquarium found their way here and lived happily until 26 June 2016 when Underwater World Singapore closed down.

While the ‘bigger and better’ version, namely S.E.A Aquarium, held a whopping 100,000 plus marine animals of over 800 species, Underwater World’s 2,500 plus marine animals of 250 species was more than enough for our childhood.

20. A&W

[caption id="attachment_22798" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo Credits:

These days, ask most teens if they know A&W and they’ll answer that it’s a carbonated root beer beverage. Back in the 90’s, it was a fast food restaurant on a boat! Stationed on the Stewards Riverboat at the Sentosa Coastline, it was the only fast food franchise that felt classy as you chow down on burgers, fries and an A&W Root Beer Float.

Singapore’s Transformation

These 20 pictures show us the immense change that Singapore has undergone since the 90’s, and with the ever-increasing development of our country, who knows whether our favourite places will stick around in 2037?

Make as many memories as possible by visiting and attending events, attractions, and activities in Singapore. So start visiting and get your cameras clicking away, before time takes away more of our monumental places in Singapore.

(Header image credit: With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More 

5 Places In Singapore That Millennials Loved But No Longer Exist!

As Singapore marches onward the path of progress, many of our favourite childhood hangouts have failed to dance to the new tune of modernisation, and now no longer exist. Let’s take a walk down memory lane.

How many of these childhood places can you remember? What memories do you have of these places? Share this with your friends and reminisce the days past.

1. Escape Theme Park

[caption id="attachment_1818" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits:

Ah…Escape Theme Park. School holidays were spent here. This was where you would go for a fun day out. Anyone remembers the rides? Our favourite rides were the Pirate Ship and Log Flume ride. Do you remember the spraying mist while queueing up for the Pirate Ship ride? It was such a fascination when we were kids.

[caption id="attachment_1817" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Credits:

Escape Theme Park closed in 2011 for further redevelopment to adapt to the changing needs of visitors. It was confirmed later to become an expansion of Wild Wild Wet.

2. King Albert Park McDonald’s

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If you were to think about your secondary school days, I’m pretty sure the word “McDonald’s” will pop up. This is because every one of us has our own special McDonald’s outlet where we hung out with friends after school.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/8aE2E8hUm0/[/embed]

If you stay in the west, King Albert Park McDonald’s was the one that you’d probably remember. Be it hanging out with friends, or studying for your ‘O’ levels in a corner of the fast food restaurant, many people among the Generation Y have fond memories of this place. Sadly, King Albert Park McDonald’s was demolished along with its neighbouring tenants in 2014 to make space for a new condominium.

3. A&W Chain of Restaurants

[caption id="attachment_1820" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits: www.singaporememory.sg/[/caption]

Here’s a fun fact. A&W was actually the first fast food chain to arrive on our shores in 1966, long before McDonald’s and KFC. Unfortunately, they’re gone now. We recall visiting their stores when we were very young. All of us were huge fans of their gigantic root beer floats. These days, the only A&W we can find is in the supermarkets, printed on little brown cans containing their signature root beer. They pulled out of our shores in 2003 due to declining business and never looked back.

4. Kallang National Stadium

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Gone were the days when we went to the Kallang National Stadium to watch previews of the National Day Parade. This was the place where some of us, as children back then, experienced our most patriotic moments. Singing along with Kit Chan’s Home, and many other classic NDP Songs was one of the best memories we had of this place.

Kallang National Stadium closed down in 2007, and was demolished in 2010 to make way for a newer Singapore National Stadium and Singapore Sports Hub that opened in 2014.

5. Comics Connection

[caption id="attachment_1819" align="aligncenter" width="700"] mothership.sg[/caption]

Not sure about the ladies but for the guys, whether you were here for the comics or the buying of trading card games, this chain of comic stores was one of the more iconic names during our younger days. Even if we weren’t going to buy anything, we would find ourselves strolling into Comic’s Connection just to look around while waiting for a friend who is late.

The last Comics Connection store located in Plaza Singapura closed down just a few months back in December 2015.

Bonus: M)phosis

Fashion brand M)phosis, one of the more successful home-grown labels, has shut all its stores in Singapore last November. Citing cash flow issues as the main reason for its closure, we will never have the chance to step foot in one of their iconic store fronts anymore.

How meaningful were these places to you? Let us know in the comments!

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