What was once a novel phenomenon now seems to be the new yardstick in the world of retail. We’re talking about the trend of luxury lifestyle brands dipping their toes into F&B. Think Coach Play and Ralph’s Coffee which popped up in 2023, last year’s launch of Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton, and plenty of others. In the luxury car scene, there’s also the upcoming Audi and Burnt Ends Bakery café slated to open early this year.
This month, Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet debuts the world’s very first AP Café right here in Singapore. The café is part of a larger concept store called AP House, which is set within the lush courtyards of the historic Raffles Hotel. The store joins a cluster of 21 other AP Houses worldwide, including some in iconic destinations like Milan and London. Here’s everything to expect at this new paradise for watch enthusiasts.
Classic Swiss flavours with a local twist at AP Café
At AP Café, Swiss flavours take centre stage as a nod to the brand’s origins, so expect to see rosti, raclette, and the like on the menu. Accompanying the food and dessert menu is a list of five cocktails (from $26), a selection of tea by Antea Social, and coffee by the local bakery Burnt Ends.
Savoury bites include salted Swiss wafers called bricelets ($5), a hearty short rib raclette pie ($38), snackable caesar crudités ($18), and more. The one-biter röesti enveloped in gold leaf and topped with caviar ($25) adds a touch of luxe befitting of the location. Meanwhile, sweet treats come in the form of raspberry doughnuts ($8), the Hazelnut Crunch ($20), and the café's best-selling Swiss roll with honeycomb and honey ice cream ($18).
As a homage to Audemars Piguet’s new home in Singapore – and in the grand Raffles Hotel no less – you’ll also find sprinkles of local influences on the menu. The chicken rice club sandwich ($22) is one example, highlighting the familiar flavours of a beloved national dish. There’s also the Gula Melaka Pain Suisse (S$8) piped with swirls of palm sugar cream, as well as the Clarified Swiss Sling ($26), a twist on the Singapore Sling cocktail invented in the hotel’s bar back in 1915.
While the café sits around 12 people indoors, there’s also an alfresco seating area by the hotel’s blue fountain, ideal for lounging around during late afternoons when the sunlight is more forgiving.
Dive into the world of horology at AP House
AP House Singapore takes over Raffles Hotel’s Bar and Billiard Room, and you’ll catch thoughtful traces of the room’s history as you explore the space. Take for example the majestic tiger rug beneath the billiard table, which retells the legend of a runaway circus tiger which hid beneath the room after escaping its Beach Road enclosure in 1902. And it’s not just local stories that are captured here, but also the rich legacy of Audemars Piguet, often regarded as the pinnacle of watchmaking.
It’s easy to lose track of time (pun intended) in this expansive 1000-square-metre space, which houses exclusive watch displays, a watch servicing counter, private rooms, and even a bar and dining area. Horology geeks can check out the watch wall which features Audemars Piguet’s current wristwatches like the famed Royal Oak series, or marvel at one-of-a-kind timepieces and modern pocket watches.
Try-ons for the pieces displayed on the watch wall are available with an appointment with a client consultant. In these scenarios, guests will typically be hosted in AP House’s spacious ‘living room’ which blends comfort and luxury in a relaxing environment – special mention to the seven-metre-high ceiling and windows which let in plenty of natural light. The gorgeous space is fitted with a five-metre-long dining table and a bar that partners with Native at Amoy Street to sling out quality cocktails made with local ingredients.
Those who prefer a more intimate experience can also retreat to one of the private salons. One of them – dubbed the ‘music room’ – even boasts a collection of vinyl records and a player. Meanwhile, current owners of Audemars Piguet timepieces can visit the dedicated watch servicing counter by the dining table to have their watches serviced, or browse the extensive strap selection.
An appointment is recommended for the full AP House experience. While the AP Café is open to walk-ins, reservations are highly encouraged as well due to the limited seating capacity. Find out more and make a booking here.
AP House Singapore is open daily from 11am to 10pm at the Bar and Billiard Room, Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673.
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