Since opening inSingapore’s CBDlast year, Downtown Gallery has welcomed a raft of fancy new brands to set up shop within its hallowed corridors. As it’s right on the doorstep of UJ HQ, we thought it high time to have a proper root around this swish (and wonderfully smelling!) development to see what all the fuss is about. And we were pleasantly surprised to find some great new restaurants ideal for breakfast andlunch,crackin’ coffee spots, and a plethora offitness studiosoffering everything from barre to boxing. If you work in the CBD and haven’t trotted over for a look around, we highly recommend you do. And if healthy living is on your agenda, you’re in luck; there’re a tonne of places to grab protein bowls, smoothies, and juices ideal for post-workout munchies. Here’re our top picks of places to make a beeline for.
Eat & Drink
Lunar Coffee Brewers
OK, we’ll fess up; we’re kinda obsessed with Lunar. Not only because the interior is the stuff of minimalist-chic dreams, but also (and perhaps more importantly) it serves killer coffee and comfort food: hello dreamy butterscotch banana pancakes, we’re looking at you.
Lunar Coffee Brewers, Downtown Gallery, #01-49/50, 6A Shenton Way, 068809
The Autobus
If you love eating clean, you’ll love The Autobus. Serving build-your-own protein bowls (starting from a mere $10) for lunch and dinner it’s the ideal post-workout pit stop. This bespoke cycling cafe opens at 7 am meaning you can grab your morning cuppa Joe on your way into the office to boot. Great coffee and great food? We’re sold.
The Autobus, Downtown Gallery, #01-01, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Omotesando Koffee
Famed Japanese coffee house has opened in Singapore, huzzah! Blink and you’ll miss it, so head to the fourth floor and keep your eyes peeled. This tiny stall serves up seriously good Java that hipster coffee aficionados will love.
Omotesando Koffee, Downtown Gallery, #04-09, 6A Shenton Way, 068809
The Providore
Featuring a cafe, a deli, a bakery, a grocery store, and a cookery school all under one roof, The Providore really is what foodie dreams are made of, and the largest of its stores can be found right here. Stop by in the morning for a sinful pastry from the bakery, or pop by on a Friday night post-work for its weekly cheese and wine evening (from 6-10pm). We could spend hours browsing the yummy produce stocked here, and even more time spent working our way around the samples in the cheese room.
The Providore, Downtown Gallery, #B1-07, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Milky Whey
Team fitspo, this one’s for you: Milky Whey is the brainchild of a CruCycle pack leader and serves up smoothies, juices, and smoothie bowls packed with goodness (and protein, if you fancy). The space-themed menu is filled with yummy sounding creations like Dark Matter, a smoothie comprising acai berries, homemade peanut butter, banana, homemade almond milk, and organic cacao whey protein, and Earth Cleanse 2.0, a cucumber based smoothie bowl perfect for when you’re on a cleanse. Yum!
Milky Whey, Downtown Gallery, #03-31, 6A Shenton Way 068815
Freshe
For fresh juices squeezed daily, Freshe is where it’s at. You’ll find a myriad of flavours, from Veggie Detox (carrot, celery, ginger, beetroot, and lemon) to Tropical Sorbet (passion fruit, orange, and mango), and everything in between. Or you can create your own juice potion and the team will whip it up there for you on the spot. Sandwiches and salads are also available.
Freshe, Downtown Gallery, #03-30, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Kilter Avenue
It’s a gym, but not as we know it! Hit up this joint on the top floor for a workout, a coffee, or something a bit stiffer at the beautiful al fresco bar area (a workout followed by a beer? Now you’re talking…). The gym studio offers classes ranging from capoeira to body weight classes focusing on strength, agility, and mobility. Or skip the workout and head straight to the cafe for a smoothie bowl and a latte, or the bar for beer, wine, and cocktails. Heads up: on Monday house pours are $5, on Tuesday bottled beers are $6, and on Friday it’s one-for-one on selected house pours, beer, and wine.
Kilter Avenue, Downtown Gallery, #05-01, 6A Shenton Way 068815
Saybons
Got a crepe craving? Head to Saybons and hook yourself up with a little taste of France. There are savoury and sweet options available, plus skinny crepes (expect more veg and 50% less cheese). We’re also fans of the soup here; the crepe/soup combo is the perfect antidote to rainy days in Singapore!
Saybons, Downtown Gallery, #01-24, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
6oz Espresso Bar
Apparently, 6oz is the ideal size for a cappuccino, that is according to traditional European artisan coffeehouses. It’s a theory the team behind 6oz Espresso Bar have adopted, and if its brews are anything to go by, we reckon its sound advice. Expect a consistently good caffeine fix.
6oz Espresso Bar, Downtown Gallery, #01-18 & 27, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Best of the Rest
The Reading Room
Looking for a space to escape the hustly bustly CBD? This is it. Stop by to work (free WiFi, hurrah!), read (it operates a ‘take a book, leave a book’ concept), or just to chill for five on the comfy sofas.
The Reading Room, Downtown Gallery, #02-09/10, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Flutters Lash & Nail Bar
Heading out after work and need a mani refresh or fluttery lashes? Give Flutters a whirl; its express gel mani is only $22 – bargain!Pssst… they also stock the best lash product (in our humble opinion!) on the market; Lilash.
Flutters lash & nail bar, Downtown Gallery, #03-17, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
Empire of Steel
Gents, get primped and preened at this slick barbers. You’ll emerge suitably dapper and ready for a night on the tiles.
Empire of Steel, Downtown Gallery, #03-19, 6A Shenton Way, 068815, t. 6222 2663
OUE Social Kitchen
This unique concept is truly one of a kind in Singapore. Rent a communal kitchen space (ranging from a single hob to a huge kitchen complete with seating for large groups), bring your own ingredients and cook up a storm with your pals. Ideal if you want to host a dinner party but don’t have space at home. It’s also home to a fully loaded bar if you fancy adding booze into the equation, and an epic sound system to pump out your favourite chooooons.
OUE Social Kitchen, Downtown Gallery, #03-02, 6A Shenton Way, 068809, t. 6224 0355
The Whisky Distillery
Whisky aficionados rejoice, you’ll find around 200 types of rare whisky from Scotland and Japan sitting in this little nook waiting to be sipped! Pop by for a cheeky tasting sesh and to pick up the finest single malts.
The Whisky Distillery, Downtown Gallery, #01-11, 6A Shenton Way, 068809
Exercise studios
When it comes to working out, you’ll be spoiled for choice! We spotted tonnes of awesome studios including indoor rock climbing atBoulder Movement(#B1-03), Barre and dance classes atWings to Wings(#03-06/7), and HIIT Yoga and boxing atGuavalabs (#01-04/5). We’re sweating just thinking about it…
