Simran Panaech

There's a reason why Easties (people who live and grew up in the east of Singapore) are particularly proud of their neighbourhoods. Some call us snobs, but we don’t mind. Before being crowned Singapore’s first Heritage Town in 2011, Katong and Joo Chiat were known for something else. Short for Tanjong Katong, Katong was named after an exotic species of sea turtle, now extinct. Joo Chiat, on the other hand, was named after philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat. Both areas were once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy.  Today, this Peranakan enclave in the east is synonymous with Peranakan cuisine, particularly a spicy Straits Chinese noodle soup called Katong Laksa. It has also gained traction over the years for its blend of attention-grabbing shophouses, diverse dining options, and indie retail stores. Is it any wonder, then, that Katong has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world? Rediscover this charming hood for yourself, here are the places you should know to get started.  RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods and the ultimate guide to Marine Parade and East Coast Park

Oysters: you either love them or hate them. For us, the answer’s quite clear. Briny with a faint tinge of the ocean, or fleshy with a subtle sweetness – when it comes to freshly shucked oysters, we like them all. These oyster bars have a ready selection of au naturale oysters from around the world, and some even step it up with creative garnishes and sauces. So if it’s French Fine de Claire or Australian Coffin Bay oysters you’re after, head down to one of these joints to order up a dozen, or two. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try and The best buffets in Singapore

It’s been five years since famed New York burger restaurant, Black Tap, landed on our shores to delight us with some of the best burgers, milkshakes, and craft beer. And to celebrate this milestone, they recently threw an unforgettable party at their one and only Singaporean outpost at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.  The by-invite-only birthday bash on October 12 saw power couple-founders Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan in attendance with over 350 guests dressing up to the 80s and 90s hip hop theme. Some invitees included local celebrities and influencers such as Allan Wu, Paul Foster, Thara Koi, Anna En, Noah Yap, Royce Lee, Joshua Chia and Cheris Lee.  Photograph: Black Tap It’s party time!    Upon entry, guests were invited to strike their best poses at the Black Tap 5th anniversary photo wall and leave their well wishes for the restaurant on the graffiti wall.  Of course, no party is complete without some nosh. Everyone was treated to an exclusive preview of Black Tap’s 2024 menu specials such as The Chairman, The Maui Wowi, K-Town Chicken Tenders and NY Hot Dogs. Long-standing favourites such as fried mozzarella were also served, along with sweet treats like the S’mores Shake, Matcha White Chocolate Shake, and State Fair Fried PB&J. With DJ Zippy and PartyWithJay helming the decks with throwback hits and hip hop music, it was indeed an evening of merriment. Adding on to the excitement were games like Milkshake Mania, where Allan Wu, Paul Foster, Anna En, and Thara Ko

In our land-scarce Lion City that hardly sleeps, even the deceased can’t always find a proper resting place. Growing up with so many tales about ghost-sightings or places feeling eerie, it's natural for so many of us to be curious about the haunted places across the island. Take note, while some are free and easy for you to explore, a handful of these spots are located on state land or private property so we wouldn't recommend checking them out – lest you get caught by something scarier than the ghouls: the police. Happy hantu-hunting! RECOMMENDED: Singapore street names and the interesing stories behind them and Tourist attractions Singaporeans never go to

Old Fashioned lovers and those curious to expand their cocktail palate – this one’s for you. Super premium American whiskey, Woodford Reserve, and classic cocktail, Old Fashioned, are giving you the annual Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month celebration as well as The Wonderful Race in Singapore.  For one month over October and November, you get to enjoy Old Fashioned with a Curated Tour in the best bars here spinning their own twist to this classic cocktail. On top of that, The Wonderful Race is a competition between the best bartenders showcasing their take on the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned. You know you’ll want to sample all their concoctions as they will be in top form.

To say she is walking on sunshine is an understatement. For many cancer survivors, their scars might be a painful reminder of the tough journey they've walked, but Jill Alphonso is cut from a different cloth. Not only does she openly post photos of her post-mastectomy body online to inspire others, she's probably also the first woman in Singapore to have gone topless publicly after breast cancer surgery, despite taboos. In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we speak to the 44-year-old writer and yoga teacher, and find out more about what motivates her sharing, how she stays positive, as well as the natural healing methods she swears by. “My scars show the map of my journey as a breast cancer patient. It’s a road I share with many women.” Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022 after her first ever mammogram, part of her routine health check-up. She had surgery to remove one breast in January 2023. During her pre-surgery research, Jill looked for images online of mastectomy scars but found mostly cold, clinical images from doctors’ offices with no faces. While she did find pictures of women in the West posting on socials, she came across only one photo of an Asian person, and that stuck with her. She wanted to change that after her surgery.  Going ‘topless’ has also been part of Jill’s healing process. “While the decision to show one’s mastectomy scars is deeply personal, I believe that scars can take on a deeper significance. They can be a symbol of streng

What happens when you put together things that don’t seem to have anything in common? A Plot Twist is what it is! The 26th edition of the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is on from November 17 to 26 and there’s plenty in store for you.  Organised by Arts House Limited (AHL) and commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC), this amazing festival showcases a diversity of mould-breaking and genre-bending programmes for all audiences. Festival director Pooja Nansi returns to helm SWF this year for the fifth and final time, making her the longest-serving festival director. “I thought it would be apt to conclude my chapter as festival director with the theme, Plot Twist, which shows our emboldened spirit as we become more daring with the areas of interests and conversations that the festival engages with. By expanding the playing field of what the festival addresses, we hope more audiences can find a common ground with the literary arts, in all its diverse and multilingual forms."

It’s the month of October and that only means one thing to us – Halloween! This is the best time of the year to get your scare on, whether to yourself or your loved ones around you. Dress up in your favourite horror film, series or book character, watch the scariest movies available and enjoy events around the theme of Halloween. The possibilities for a fun month in October are limitless.  And what better way to do that than spend your Halloween at Bugis Town, CQ @ Clarke Quay and Funan. Here are the best things to sink your fangs into during this festive month.

Bugis Town is bustling with energy and vibrancy this August and September just for you! Enjoy rewards, sure-win prizes, offers and a lively atmosphere at Bugis Junction, Bugis+ and Bugis Street. Look forward to scoring prizes at a gashapon capsule machine available from September 2 onwards.  Prizes to be won include VIP tickets to Stranger Things: The Encounter, free movie tickets at Golden Village and great offers from participating shops in Bugis Junction and Bugis+. Supercharge your life at Bugis Town Here’s how Bugis Town is going to make your visits there so much more enticing. When you play on the gashapon machine, which is available from September 2, you stand to win a variety of prizes – all guaranteed. Enjoy prizes like $5 or $10 vouchers with no minimum spend from multiple brands in Bugis Junction and Bugis+ including Buta Kizoku, Fu Xiao Xian, and Gochi-so Shokudo. Japanese lifestyle brand, Muji, is offering a regular aroma diffuser (worth $89) and make up brand, M.A.C, is giving out kits consisting of products worth over $200. You can also win Puma shoe bags or shopping vouchers from Sun & Sand Sports. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg) How to play and win prizes At Bugis+ on Saturdays and Sundays – the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th – in September from 2pm to 6pm, you can play on the gashapon capsule machine and win prizes. When you spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt at either Bugis Junction

Lights out and away we go! The Grand Prix Singapore Season shifts into high gear this weekend as the Formula 1 races reach a fever pitch. Whether you hold tickets to the adrenaline-fuelled races or not, there are plenty of F1-themed activities, dining options, drinking events, and afterparties that you can head to and feel part of the action.  Make a shopping pitstop at Siloso Beachwalk Bazaar or indulge in a Sunday brunch feast at Botanico. Check out rare and vintage toys modelled after iconic racing cars, and come sundown, party it up at Singapore's glitziest clubs. If that gets your engine going, then read on for more spectacular things to do this race weekend!RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to F1 including race schedule and fireworks and Where to watch F1 for free

Rev up your energy for the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) 2023. Experience non-stop excitement as this adrenaline-fuelled event returns with plenty of fanfare from September 8 to 17. The 10-day season serves up a plethora of race-themed festivities and exciting activities across nightlife, entertainment, dining and retail. The main highlight, FORMULA 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023, held September 15 to 17 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, boasts stunning views of the city skyline and an exciting line-up of international music acts. Go beyond the circuit and feel the buzz of this annual race season at the precinct parties at Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Kampong Gelam and Sentosa – each with its diverse and unique programming.  So, with all this buzz surrounding the Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023, which of the numerous offerings should be on the top of your list? Take this quiz to find out what type of Grand Prix Season Singapore enthusiast you are and what you should be doing this race season. For the ultimate guide to the Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023, download the convenient digital guide here and for more information on the Singapore Grand Prix, click here. Now that you know what type of Grand Prix Season Singapore reveller you are, here is our exclusive guide to the plenty of activities in store. Time to gear up for a blast!

Rev up your energy for the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) 2023. Experience non-stop excitement as this adrenaline-fuelled event returns with plenty of fanfare from September 8 to 17. The 10-day season serves up a plethora of race-themed festivities and exciting activities across nightlife, entertainment, dining and retail. The main highlight, FORMULA 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023, held September 15 to 17 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, boasts stunning views of the city skyline and an exciting line-up of international music acts. Go beyond the circuit and feel the buzz of this annual race season at the precinct parties at Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Kampong Gelam and Sentosa – each with its diverse and unique programming.  So, with all this buzz surrounding the Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023, which of the numerous offerings should be on the top of your list? Take this quiz to find out what type of Grand Prix Season Singapore enthusiast you are and what you should be doing this race season. For the ultimate guide to the Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023, download the convenient digital guide here and for more information on the Singapore Grand Prix, click here. Now that you know what type of Grand Prix Season Singapore reveller you are, here is our exclusive guide to the plenty of activities in store. Time to gear up for a blast!

Here’s your chance to find out how intelligent and resilient you are at Science Centre Singapore’s newest attraction – Escape @ Science Centre (E.S.C). In collaboration with entertainment company Gushcloud and Singapore theatre company How Drama, the Science Centre Singapore presents three thrilling escape rooms with unique storylines to put your tenacity and skills to the test. Of course, the challenges will tap into the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and a touch of imagination. The first room, Museum of Mankind, is set in a time where Earthlings are on the brink of extinction. Here, outdo the aliens and secure your escape, or else, face eternal captivity. For those with a penchant for archaeology, the following room, Shangri-La, will have you embark on a journey within a virtual realm to reconstruct an age-old artefact. The last room, Dr. X, will present you with a mission to rescue your friend from the clutches of a deranged scientist's research laboratory. Tickets are priced from $25. Enjoy a 10 percent discount if you purchase six to eight tickets to a single escape room. Challenge yourself and purchase your tickets here! 

If you feel the need for a creative outlet, this could be the thing for you. We Art is an art studio that offers regular weekly classes to adults, teens and kids looking to learn how to paint, draw and try a hand at printmaking. Located on the fourth floor in Centrepoint, We Art offers private classes for those wanting a more personalised session, portfolio sessions for those applying for admissions into art school and colleges and comprehensive preparation for those wanting to participate in art competitions. Taught by professional instructors who have qualifications like PhDs in creative fields, you know you’re getting the best when it comes to techniques and expression in art. The spacious studio is fully equipped with high quality materials of art supplies and canvases. Whether for leisure, gaining a new skill or serious creators wanting to pursue art professionally, We Art has a class just for you. There are also workshops and camps for you to get a taster into art. Such workshops include designing your own tote bags, t-shirts or greeting cards, K-pop and portrait painting as well as making your own slime. For groups and companies wanting some team-building and bonding, We Art can arrange that too with artistic challenges for problem-solving and strategising.  For more information on what is available, check out We Art’s website.

Nestled in the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens lies a long-established restaurant called The Halia. Meaning “ginger” in Malay, this quaint eatery with indoor and outdoor dining serves up halal-certified meals and non-alcoholic beverages. Set in a unique atmosphere, this is the place for family and friends to gather in nature and also the best place for a romantic setting. The Halia has a specially made Date Night Special at $75 for a minimum of two, of course. It is a three-course meal with a mocktail session to top it off. Yes, you can make your own and your partner's drink – Halia Mint Berry – in a fun way with the enthusiastic staff. Called the Herbarium Experience, impress your date by following along with the bartender as you gather then muddle your ingredients of ginger, blueberry, lime and mint leaves to bring out their flavours. Then, add your mix into a glass with ice and top it up with lemonade soda. Make sure to take photos of this refreshing drink that helps you cool down in the warm weather while seated in the outdoor area overlooking the lush greenery. On to the food – starters involve Irish oysters with a ginger flower sambal and lemon. Tangy with a hint of spice, it is a great way to begin the dinner. The smoked duck paste with fish roe is also a hit as you scoop up the paste into tiny kueh pie tees. This satisfying starter leaves you wanting more. For mains, the Wagyu Rump is tender and juicy with a delightful black pepper sauce that makes you dance a l

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at an event called Feel Your Lemons by Soma Haus, a wellness centre in Joo Chiat, on October 21. Get involved in movement with breast cancer survivor, yoga teacher and writer Jill Alphonso who will lead a yoga class. Learn from Dr Tan Yia Swam, a breast surgeon and wellbeing advocate, who will talk about breast health and how to better safeguard ourselves through rituals of self-examination. And join in an open circle and spoken word session by Arathi Devendran, also a breast cancer survivor, who will share her experiences about navigating the disease. Book your slot here.

Whether you’re into flowers and greenery, this is one place worth stopping by. Renowned floral company, Far East Flora, has opened Singapore’s first vertical flora centre. And not in the typical widespread layout of a nursery you may be imagining.  Consisting of nine storeys – including a rooftop and its own cafe – of floriculture retail and lifestyle, Far East Flora Centre in Clementi wants to offer plant enthusiasts, flower and nature lovers, and those who have yet to get a green thumb, a revolutionised and unrivalled experience of work and play in a one-stop shop. The building encompasses five commercial floors, each boasting its own distinctive range of merchandise. Visitors can browse an extensive range of home and lifestyle gardening products, a wholesale market of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables with a walk-in cold room, a variety of floral and gifting needs and a premiere garden cafe, F’east.   With most of the centre being sheltered, you can step outside to explore the Rooftop Sky Garden. It is a lovely communal place for everyone where you can immerse yourself in outdoor nature and scan the view of the surrounding area.   For the month of October, Far East Flora Centre is offering 12 percent off plants, 30 percent off olive trees and 25 percent off fresh flower bouquets. To find out more, check out their website.

Here’s a unique, enjoyable and memorable way to experience the breath-taking views of Marina Bay – on board a DBS sailboat. DBS Live more by the Bay aims to transform the Marina Bay area into a vibrant space that brings the community together to connect, discover and engage in meaningful experiences. This year, DBS is introducing the DBS Audio Tour to enhance that experience. The insightful 11-minute audio guide accompanies you throughout your sailboat journey. Listen to captivating stories and interesting facts about the amazing sights you’ll encounter as you sail along the bay.  The sailing experience, provided by DBS, is available five days a week and is free and open to the public. Weekday sailing starts at 3pm and weekend ones start at 1.40pm, with all sailing ending by 5.40pm. The sail time is about 30 to 40 minutes per session and one boat can hold six participants alongside a four-men crew.  As you plan for the sailing event, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and flat or sports shoes, apply sun protection and arrive 10 minutes before your booked slot. Don’t be late or you’ll miss your slot. Lifejackets will be provided and must be worn at all times on the boat. And when it’s done, you can enjoy free performances at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre while you are in the bay. Make a day of it.Due to its popularity, we have exclusive slots for you, our Time Out readers, on October 24, 28, 29 and 31. Book now to secure your spots. Stay up to date with more up

Treat your ears this October 20 and 27 at the Esplanade Concert Hall with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) performing Tchaikovsky Symphonies No.4 and No.6. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or not, experience nights of unforgettable music of romantic passion and soaring emotions from these concert hall favourites. What’s more, these concerts include two extremely rarely performed American violin concertos from the 20th century, making their Asian premiere. On October 20, experience Robert Russell Bennett’s rarely heard violin concerto from 1941. The American composer and arranger is known for inventing the Broadway sound so expect plenty of expressive drama in this underrated gem. The second half of the concert features Tchaikovsky’s tumultuous symphonic masterpiece, the Fourth Symphony (or No.4). On October 27, Vernon Duke’s – the composer born as Vladimir Dukelsky in Russia and subsequently Americanised – violin concerto is on the cards, with Tchaikovsky’s epic Pathétique Symphony (or No.6) completing this exciting programme of extraordinary gems. The performances are by renowned British violin virtuoso Chloë Hanslip and conducted by American maestro Andrew Litton. They will be recorded by the SSO for a future album release. So, you will want to be part of the audience for this historic occasion. Time Out Singapore in partnership with Singapore Symphony Orchestra

If you enjoy scaring yourself silly, here’s one place to do that – Harrowing Halloween 3 at the Singapore Discovery Centre from September 30 to October 29 from 7pm to 11pm. In its third annual scarefest, this year’s event will feature even more terrifying Haunted Houses, as well as an Interactive Scare Zone, all themed around a school. Remember all the haunted stories we used to tell each other about our schools? We do! Now you can experience it live. Teaming up with Singapore Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (East), venture the spooky corridors of the haunted school, Lakeview Learning and Enrichment High (LLEH), where you will face heart-pounding challenges and holographic elements. The Interactive Scare Zone is set around the catastrophic wrath of the climate crisis where the ominous tale unfolds transporting visitors to a terrifying alternate reality. Will you be able to escape?  Other activities to look forward to are at the Parade Square where you can enjoy Halloween-themed activities such as carnival games and food trucks. Also enjoy short horror films at the Auditorium produced by students from Singapore Polytechnic.  During the daytime on October 21 and 29, visitors can seek even more excitement at Area 510 to solve the Dark Waters Mystery Case - a live action gameplay infested with the infected scattered throughout the centre into the world of darkness. Get your tickets online at $35 for the event pass, $60 for the D.I.E. Pass th

Iconic whisky brand, The Macallan, presents an exclusive experiential showcase to celebrate the launch of its latest travel exclusive, the Colour Collection. Immerse yourself in an art gallery exhibit with original art pieces created by renowned artist and graphic designer, David Carson and enjoy three whiskies from the latest travel exclusive paired with curated canapes at the ArtScience Museum from October 7-11.  The vibrant designs of each art piece tells the story of The Macallan’s Colour Collection in a unique visual interpretation of the qualities of this latest travel exclusive. Aged from 12 to 30 years old, the Colour Collection celebrates the commitment to Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning.  Recently showcased in Los Angeles, Dubai, Shanghai and London, take the opportunity to indulge in this multi-sensory exhibition and cocktail experience for $20 or take it up a notch with the whisky tasting and canapes pairing experience for $65. Book your sophisticated whisky and art pairing here.

Wunderground Festival 2023 – an immersive three-year initiative by the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) to transform Singapore’s retail and lifestyle sector – is here. Held over two venues, a city experience at 37 Emerald Hill from September 21 to October 1, and a heartland experience at Tampines West from October 6 to 15, Wunderground will feature homegrown collaborations between retail and lifestyle brands.  Head down to each part of the festival to discover, explore and shop these exclusive and limited edition collaborations that will have cross promotions and unique product offerings just for you. Expect Instagrammable opportunities, art displays, gastronomic delights, live entertainment with DJs and giveaways to add to the festival atmosphere.  There will also be Tik Tok live streaming with featured brands and influencers for a fresh retail experience. And for those into workshops and learning, there will be The Skill Vault – Workshops where you can participate in fashion, beauty, wellness and crafts-related workshops.  This is the first edition of Wunderground 2023 with two more annual editions planned in the pipeline. Other than boosting Singapore’s retail and lifestyle sector with a fresh perspective, Wunderground also aims to propel homegrown collaborations into international markets in the longer term, as well as attracting a new wave of local talent. To find out more about this initiative and keep up to date with what’s happening, click here.

This one’s for the fashionistas and shoppers looking for more variety, a different kind of fun shopping experience and affordable fashion that doesn’t burst the wallet. Barrack is featuring over 40 leading fashion e-commerce retailers in one space from September 22 to October 1. This first-of-its-kind marketplace will have online e-commerce fashion brands displaying their apparel, accessories, bags, jewellery and beauty products at an offline space at 708-710 Geylang Road, just four minutes walk from Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ Mall). This pop-up fiesta across two levels will feature DJs playing live music, live streaming of Facebook and TikTok influencers, fashion blogger meet ups, a fashion parade, games and activities, cash prizes and giveaways, styling competitions and workshops, garage sales and a pop up bar. There are photo booths setup for you to have some fun and create memories with your friends too. To add to all that, Barrack is also running an  influencers’ pre-loved apparel sales where proceeds will go to Animal Lovers League and a Fashion Night Out on September 27. With plenty to see, shop and do with friends and family, Barrack is an upcoming one-stop fashion destination packed with exciting activities to make your shopping an enjoyable one. Find out more here.

Repping the best of DJ talent in Southeast Asia are Emel Rowe and Saint Guel from the Philippines who will be performing here in Singapore at Tuff Club on September 16. Expect an evening of electronic and house music by these seasoned DJ-producers who have rocked the Manila nightlife scene as well as the region and internationally. Supporting the duo at this Sivilian Affairs night are local talents Ulysses and David Jacob.

Put together great food and a leisure-entertainment mall, and you’ll get the Good Food Galore Fiesta 2023 at Leisure Park Kallang. On now until the end of October, Leisure Park Kallang is offering vouchers, discounts and promotions among its food and beverage outlets. Did you know Leisure Park Kallang is affectionately known as the first mall in Singapore to offer an under-one-roof leisure and entertaining experience for families and all visitors alike? Now you do. You can enjoy bowling, ice skating, movie-watching, retail and grocery shopping, indulging in local and international cuisines and other quality fun there. Head on over to experience this unique mall and get $10 dining vouchers with a minimum spend of $200.  For the Good Food Galore Fiesta 2023, here are some restaurants worth checking out.   Photograph: Joyden Seafood   Joyden Seafood  Established in 1996, Joyden Seafood serves classic and nouveau Cantonese cuisine with an emphasis on live seafood. It also whips up a wide selection of dim sum, stir fries and good old Cantonese favourites.   Photograph: Unabara Grilled Fish   Unabara Grilled Fish  Specialising in the traditional grilled fish teishoku (or set menu), Unabara uses fresh seasonal produce straight from the ocean with experienced chefs expertly cooking up a storm. For a limited period, enjoy selected donburi bowls for $12.80++ on weekdays and indulge in their handmade yuzu mascarpone cheesecake for $3.80++ with this promotion. Photograph: Hainan Str

Super premium American whiskey, Woodford Reserve, and classic cocktail, Old Fashioned, are giving you the annual Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month celebration. Across October and November, expect a plethora of iconic bars, restaurants and stores showcasing Woodford Reserve’s complex and sophisticated flavours taking this favourite cocktail to new heights.  Having started in Paris, France in 2015, Old Fashioned Week is now a global event. Both Woodford Reserve and the Old Fashioned have their roots in Kentucky, USA, when it was served at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, USA. Now gracing Singapore, you can embark on your journey to taste and learn more about Woodford Reserve and Old Fashioned while drinking responsibly. The annual global celebration is for bartenders and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drink. Elevate your knowledge by making it at home using some cocktail recipes from here. You can also buy Woodford Reserve at Lazada and Shopee for $115. Check back for dates and details on participating bars for the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month here.

Singapore Design Week is one festival we always look forward to for its creative, future-focused programmes. This year, it’s back from September 21 to October 1 to mark DesignSingapore Council’s 20th anniversary with the theme of ‘Better by Design.’ And it is adding a new Friday Late programme to keep things fresh. Photograph: Kinetic Singapore Explore a district of innovation, sustainability and inclusivity  Happening at Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) Design District are a series of specially commissioned installations that focus on the themes of innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. Playground of Possibilities at the National Design Centre by Jackson Tan of creative agency, BLACK, is where you’d tap into your inner child as you discover 12 design projects from Singapore that tackle challenges of today such as climate change and digital disruptions. Journey into four immersive playscapes – Explore, Empathise, Imagine and Adapt – to experience highlights, such as a possible future of building facades made with material that cools naturally like an elephant’s skin or a dementia-friendly mini public housing estate.  Over at School of Tomorrow at Selegie Arts Centre by Pann Lim of Kinetic Singapore, sustainability takes centrestage. If you’ve ever wondered about the effects of microplastics on the body, then school is in session to provide answers for you. Embark on a learning journey through biology, chemistry, maths, social studies and geography classes that will bring you clo

Food and online grocery delivery app, foodpanda, is giving us added convenience with its latest exclusive partnership with supermarkets Cold Storage, CS Fresh and Giant for grocery deliveries within the hour. Rewards app yuu is also part of this partnership where you can earn points and rewards across both platforms. Same prices online as in-store Prices online are the same as those in-store, via the foodpanda app, so you don’t have to worry about any extra hidden costs. You can pick from a range of 20,000 grocery items, including fresh produce, combined from the Cold Storage, CS Fresh and Giant supermarkets island-wide. Let the algorithm work for you on the foodpanda app as recommended products are personalised based on past purchases for an enhanced grocery shopping experience. Photograph: foodpanda Fresh products delivered in an hour Store pickers are trained to identify stale products and must ensure that products have an expiry date of no less than seven days – before each order is packed, stored and shipped in quick time to maintain maximum freshness, assures DFI Retail Group, who own the three supermarkets. And foodpanda says it will deliver your grocery needs within an hour. Earn rewards and points Added to this is that customers can now earn yuu points on foodpanda transactions made across over 20,000 restaurants and merchants in Singapore at a “$1 = 1 yuu Point” earn rate. Accumulated yuu points can be also used to offset future purchases or redeem rewards on yuu

If you’re up for a guaranteed good time that won’t hurt your wallet, TAP Craft Beer Bar is the place to be. TAP already has a formidable Thai food selection in its menu. With this new addition, SHABU by TAP incorporates the long standing tradition of having beer with traditional Shabu hotpots. TAP wants authentic shabu shabu paired with craft beer to be the new norm. Also, TAP is offering a $100 bundle that includes six drinks of any 16-ounce beer and wine by the glass and three bites, like milk brined popcorn chicken, a crowd favourite, homemade chicken satay and truffle cream fries that are worth the indulgence at an additional $5. TAP says you can save between 20-35% on your bill, depending on what is ordered. Now that’s value for money, we say! Photograph: TAP Craft Beer Bar In this current time of rising costs of living, TAP wants to extend these savings to their customers to show that you don’t need to spend a lot in order to unwind, hang out with friends and enjoy some good ol’ drinks and food. With three locations to choose from – Penang Road, Chulia Street and Robinson Road – TAP prides itself in being a craft beer chain that gives the best value. They are always looking at ways to provide the best without compromising on quality. With 20 international craft beers on rotation, they get to take advantage of greater volume discounts when importing their products. This means cheaper and great quality products for their customers. A win-win, we think! So, gather some f

American rock band, The Strokes, is coming to Singapore on August 2 for the first time ever as a headliner. They will perform at Marina Bays Sands Expo and Convention Centre as part of their 2023 Asia tour. Free-standing tickets are priced from $148 and will be available to the public from June 7 at 2pm via www.ticketmaster.sg and www.marinabaysands.com. There’s also a VIP Experience package for $188 that includes merchandise. Their sixth studio album, The New Abnormal, won The Best Rock Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021. This album was their first in seven years. Their latest album release, The Strokes The Singles - Volume 01, was in February 2023. It comprises a seven-inch vinyl box set with ten original vinyl singles released from the band’s first three studio albums. The Strokes is made up of singer Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr, bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. MORE MUSIC TO CHECK OUT 🎶 The best live music venues in SingaporeBrit-Asian DJ Yung Singh heading to Singapore in debut Asia tourThe best recording studios in Singapore

Having played in some of Europe’s biggest nightclubs, British-Punjabi DJ Yung Singh is heading to Singapore for two phenomenal nights in his debut Asian summer tour. A name that has been blowing up since 2021, Yung Singh will be playing in Singapore on August 3 at Mandala Club and August 4 at MDLR. Other cities include Hong Kong on July 29, Kuala Lumpur on August 2, Bali on August 5 and Bangkok on August 9. He is also one of the DJs to be playing at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan on July 28, which is such an achievement.  Never one to be pigeon-holed, Yung Singh is an open format DJ who blends UK garage, hip hop, grime, drum and bass, jungle and, not forgetting, Punjabi music effortlessly together. Fiercely proud of his Punjabi-Sikh roots, he partnered with Ministry of Sound in 2021 to produce ‘The Birth of Punjabi Garage,’ a documentary about this unique, and often ignored, genre of music that heavily influenced Yung Singh growing up, which he continues to lead. He was awarded ‘Breakthrough DJ of the Year’ by DJ Mag in 2021. Definitely a title earned as he went viral with his mind-(and feet) blowing Boiler Room set that certainly made all the clubbers out there remember, especially after pandemic lockdowns, why we love clubbing so much in the first place.  Check Yung Singh’s Instagram for updates on ticket sales.

After stepping off a long flight, there's nothing worse than a long and slow queue at immigration holding you back from the comforts of your hotel. Now, more travellers to Singapore can escape that fate – thanks to an expanded Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI) by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The ICA announced that more eligible foreign visitors, even first-timers to our island city, can use the automated lanes for immigration clearance at Changi Airport without prior enrolment. What's more, it has expanded the ACI to 51 jurisdictions, up from 16 when the initiative was first introduced in May 2022. If you're a passport holder from ASEAN, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, and Switzerland, among others, then congratulations – you qualify. Holders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (ABTC) Business Travel Card are similarly able to use the automated gates.  So far, more than 4 million foreign visitors have cleared immigration through the automated lanes and are enrolled in the process. Enrollment is also automatic – biometrics like eyes, face and fingerprints are recorded during the arrival clearance (if this has not already happened in a previous trip to Singapore) and is then included in an electronic visit pass (e-Pass) which is mailed to the visitor after clearance. Once enrolled, foreign visitors will be able to use the automated lanes during departure and on subsequent visits to Singapore. This raises the question: do we even have enough automated lane