There are “Apartment Coffee” shops in Ho Chi Minh, New Zealand and Tokyo, though this new café in Singapore has no relation with the rest of them.
This specialty coffee place at Lavender Street is called “Apartment” because the owner wanted to create the vibes of inviting people home, to have chats with coffee lovers at the counter seats, and for them to feel welcomed.
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Thus, you will also find little corners such as the cosy seats where you can have more intimate conversations.
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I thought that the barista looked familiar, then realised he is Qing He previously from The Glasshouse at CHIJMES. (My sources had other things to say about the departure, but I shall leave it there.)
A former Singapore Brewers Cup champion, you could tell that he has a lot of fans (or friends) when his new shop was fully packed on Day 1 of operations.
He calls them by name, strikes conversations with them, and thus you understand better why this place is called “Apartment”. (I returned again to get more empty shots of the space.)
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I think a lot of instagrammers will start heading here, because the café fulfills many requirements needed for those ‘mood’ and ‘got-feel’ shots – natural daylight, white space, Scandinavian furniture, locally-designed ceramic cups. (Takes coffee shot, OOTD, brighten, insert seemingly-profound quote.)
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The menu is straight-forward, offering Single Origins ($4 – $7), a Blend of Colombia El Mirador ($4.50), and three non-coffee beverages of Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Hot Chocolate ($5.50 – $7.50).
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I was recommended the Colombia La Falda ($6.50), a single origin with notes of plum, redcurrant and grapefruit.
It was indeed a well-balanced, refreshing cup with that obvious fruitiness that made a good perk-me-up.
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The Colombia El Mirador ($4.50) made into Latte was a delicious cup of joe with lush mouthfeel, with notes of berry-sweetness.
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The Jalan Besar area has always been known for its good coffee places – Chye Seng Huat is one of them.
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I think Apartment Coffee would certainly pack in the crowds. However, I would recommend coming early in the morning or off-peak if you want to feel that tranquility.
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Apartment Coffee
161 Lavender Street #01-12 Singapore 338750
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
The Glasshouse (CHIJMES)
Omotesando Koffee (Downtown Gallery)
Bearded Bella (Craig Road)
Wakey Wakey (Concourse)
Our Second Home (Holland Village)
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