CLUB 5 – AN ICON REIMAGINED

CLUB 5 – AN ICON REIMAGINED

The evolution of a celebrated dance club with a glorious 34-year history into a glamourous destination bar

Reality is transformed in this luxurious haven inspired by the roaring 20s

[Singapore, 9 December 2020] When the magic number ‘5’ on the clock strikes, one leaves the work day behind and enters the world of Club 5 – so named for that magic hour – for an evening of indulgence. Opened on 24 November 2020 after a brief hiatus to reveal a complete transformation into a cocktail bar straight out of the Roaring 20s, it exudes glamour, opulence, and classic style with inspired contemporary nuances.

The experience is heightened by an exquisite cocktail programme that proudly embraces the culturally rich areas of Beach Road, Kampong Glam and Bugis that surround PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Singapore, where Club 5 has called home for 34 years since its establishment in 1986 as a dance club for ballroom dancing enthusiasts.

This beacon for the thriving social dancing circuit in the 80s and 90s now celebrates a new life while retaining its core essence as a destination where all who enter are assured of a memorable night out over excellent drinks, or perhaps a cha cha down memory lane on a new dance floor, when permitted.

Enthuses MsWee Wei Ling, Executive director (asset, lifestyle and community partnerships) of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and founder of Club 5, “The new Club 5 strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and modernity, making it a truly unique world-class bar. Rarely will you find a gem that still shines bright in spite of transient trends and economic uncertainties.”

“Club 5 is located in the vicinity of the vibrant Haji Lane that is abuzz with bars and music venues, and is a distinctive part of the scene. This opening follows closely from the successful launch of the refreshed Ginger, which now boasts a botanical Eden theme, complete with a scrumptious á la carte buffet that celebrates the best of Singaporean flavours. We are looking forward to the final stage of the hotel refurbishment where we will present a gorgeous new lobby to welcome our guests.” elaborates Mr Paolo Campillo, General Manager of PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Reimagined and straight out of a scene from The Great Gatsby

The Space – Intimate, Seductive, Relaxing

The escapism, expertly conceived by award-winning Singapore-based designer Emma Maxwell, begins as soon as one opens the brushed brass finished glass doors adorned with semi-circular patterns – a repeating motif throughout the bar – that immediately call to mind the allure of Art Deco. Striking oval tungsten lamps hug the ceiling, casting a romantic glow onto the cosy space while evoking a sense of drama.

A short stroll across the marble floor glistening with brass inlays will take one to the outstanding bar that beckons with a beautiful brass centrepiece which houses over 150 bottles of classics and exclusive creations, flanked by smoked mirrors and illuminated by pendant lights in the shape of halved spheres. It is where Head Bartender Ong Jun Han will concoct innovative cocktails influenced by heritage and imbued with local ingredients and spices. Mirrors feature prominently throughout, along with velvet and leather for that ultimate luxe feel.

Clever use of contrasts results in a space that feels both spacious yet intimate, classic yet modern. For example, the predominant Hampton’s Blue wall colour – a sensuous blend of subdued blue with a hint of green and umber – and ebony parquet tables are the perfect foil for the light flooring and lit ceiling; while structured lines and metallic elements are softened by circular motifs and a free flowing wall paper design.

In a nod to Club 5’s rich history and paying homage to a time where the disco ball reigned supreme over a packed dance floor, a specially designed DJ booth – somewhat of a rarity now – will house guest DJs spinning a playlist of retro favourites and contemporary hits, when permitted.

The look is completed with vintage furniture and table lamps reminiscent of high society dance clubs in the era of flapper dresses and decadence, transporting one to a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby.

The Cocktail Programme – Channelling Singapore through cosmopolitan creations

Unabashedly locally inspired right down to the ingredients and spices used, Club 5’s cleverly curated cocktail menu is a languid journey taking the curious traveller through Beach Road, Arab Street and finally ending up at the once notorious and raucous Bugis Street.

There is commendable attention to detail towards the making of signature infusions and syrups, ensuring that the cocktails are like none other. Noteworthy are the Coconut Oil infused Tequila –

made by freezing both, Club 5 Spiced Rum – a heady 8-hour infusion of dark rum and spices commonly traded in the early days along Arab Street such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, allspice berries and gula melaka (palm sugar), and the intriguing Kebab Syrup which is a mix of local spices.

Beach Road

Jackson Plan Punch

The first stop on the menu is one of Singapore’s earliest roads which used to run alongside the southern coast, and the selection reminisces the country’s history and infancy. A fine choice is the Jackson Plan Punch (SGD22) – a floral, fruity and spicy gin-based swizzle made with London dry gin and overproof Australian gin, elderflower liqueur, pomegranate syrup and lime as well as grapefruit juices. The name refers to Lieutenant Philip Jackson who was instrumental in drawing up the ‘Raffles Town Plan’ envisioned by Sir Stamford Raffles.

Arab Street

Then, one is transported right into the bustling quarter that was the heart of the spice trade in Singapore. Here, the offerings are suitably intensely flavoured and assertive with the use of myriad spices. One such masterpiece – and a signature drink – is the Nasi Lema’rgarita (SGD20) which features the housemade Coconut Tequila shaken together with Spicy Pandan Syrup (infused in-house with chilli padi!), lime juice, dry curaçao and cucumber, and served with peanuts and anchovies. The result is a remarkably true to form lemak (rich) flavour.

Head Bartender preparing Nasi Lema’rgarita

Bugis Junction

Infamous, notorious, raucous – that was Bugis Street from the 1950s to 80s, and the drinks from this section are designed to instil that ‘Boogie Street’ vibe. The Boogie Street (SGD22)is a smoky London dry gin sour shaken with mezcal, apricot liqueur, agave syrup and violette liqueur (made with violet blossoms) cheekily served in a vintage coupe glass, with an ice ball, on a sequinned coaster – just in time for a boozy night out.

Boogie Street – the epitome of a classy drink

On tap are Singapore’s Tiger and a locally brewed Summer lager (both SGD20, 450ml), while bubblies, wines, coffee, tea and soft drinks are also available.

Bar Nibbles – Modern interpretation of classic heritage fare

Executive Chef Vincent Aw has dreamed up a delicious menu of Asian-inspired bites that include Chicken Kuih Pie Tee with Buah Keluak Dressing (SGD15) – inspired by the famous Peranakan snack in a pastry cup; the surprising Vegetarian ‘Orh Luak’ (SGD12) – scrambled eggs topped with oyster leaves served on a crispy garlic cracker with ginger flower vinaigrette, a twist on the local favourite fried oyster omelette; Homemade Wagyu Satay with Hazelnut Dip (SGD12) – a levelled up version; and Deep-Fried Soft Shell Crabs with Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce (SGD15). For a lip-smacking option, the Crispy Lamb Ribs with Mint Sauce (SGD15) served with homemade Thai green mint sauce is perfect.

The stunning ambience of Club 5 and the soon-to-be refurbished hotel lobby will mark the completion of PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s overall makeover since it started in late 2019. The full transformation of this prestigious hotel located in the heart of Kampong Glam also includes its Orchid Club rooms and all-day dining restaurant Ginger.

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