COMFORTINGLY FAMILIAR

There is no shortage of eateries in the CBD, where hip cafes jostle for space with traditional hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre. Adding to the diverse mix of dining options is The Marmalade Pantry, which opened its third outlet, a 120-seater restaurant at the Oasia Hotel Downtown in April 2016.

Since its establishment in 1999, the brand has become synonymous with delicious and modern comfort food, prepared with fresh and premium ingredients. Crowd pleasers from its Asian-inspired menu include the Oriental Grilled King Salmon with Soba and the Miso Tofu with Vegetable Tempura.

Besides savoury treats, The Marmalade Pantry at Downtown also offers an Afternoon Tea. This assortment of piping-hot scones, sandwiches and cupcakes is served alongside a pot of Gryphon tea. Diners pressed for time will be pleased with the eatery’s selection of grab-and-go meals, available at its 30-seater coffee bar.

While the food at the chain’s newest — and biggest — outlet is comfortingly familiar, its décor might take some by surprise. Gone is the monochrome look that has characterised the brand; in its place are warm splashes of colour, including different shades of green and red. The injection of colours has given The Marmalade Pantry a fresh, warm and welcoming feel, the transformation is part of a reimagining of the brand.

DESIGNER GINS

CIN CIN, Oasia Hotel Downtown’s bar, is next door to The Marmalade Pantry and is also operated by Refinery Concepts. It derives its name from the sound of clinking glasses amid lively celebrations.

The hospitality of the venue is reflected in its logo, which features a fox and a key. The fox is known for its wit and love for entertaining, while the key signifies an open door that is ever-welcoming.

The idea to develop a gin bar was a natural response to current drinking trends. Gin has always been enjoyed by the older generations, but there is a noticeable growing demand for premium gins among professionals, managers, executives and technicians.

Cin Cin currently offers close to 100 different labels of gins that are sourced from across the globe. Aside from the current list, the collection will continue to expand and evolve, so as to constantly feature the best selections from around the world.

The bar also shares with customers the perfect way to savour these gins — from the optimal temperature at which they should be enjoyed, to the correct glassware, mixing techniques, measures and proportions. Guests can customise two of the most famous classics — Martinis and G&T’s — in over 500 different ways.

However, while Cin Cin is positioned to showcase some of the best gins the world has to offer, it aims to give customers an experience that is fun, experimental and personal.