The best themed cafés for movie lovers

Where better for film buffs to hang out at than an actual cinema? You already know The Projector, a refurbished movie theatre occupying the site of the historic Golden Theatre. Besides its collection of alternative films, it also houses Intermission Bar. With seating as eclectic as its film programme, the bar-slash-café makes for a chilled out but inspiring space to enjoy tasty bites and drinks. We love the oozy grilled cheese sandwiches ($10) and mammoth hot dogs (starting at $6), and there are light bites, coffee and booze available too. 

One look at the retro cinema marquee over the bar will have movie lovers feeling right at home. OverEasy by Fullerton Bay has it all – Brooklyn diner vibes, a beautiful view, satisfying all-American grub and amazing shakes. Try the good ol' fashioned mac and cheese ($14), truffle burger ($28), and if you're feeling adventurous, the beer can chicken ($60). The malt milkshake is off the menu, but the remaining flavours (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, M&Ms and oreo) will still bring anyone to the yard. 

It's always a treat when you order at the Forty Hands counter, which is decked out with pop culture references and movie quotes (you can't miss the iconic quote from Blackadder). Plus, no matter your first order of the day – latte, cappuccino, or flat white (from $6.50) – the coffee connoisseurs here will serve up quality brews made with freshly roasted beans. You can also opt for full cream, low fat, Bonsoy soy, or Oatly oat milk to go with your Java. And if you're feeling peckish, the café also serves all-day breakfast including smashed avo on toast ($20), har cheong gai (prawn paste fried chicken) waffles ($19), and the popular big boy breakfast ($25).

The whole Harry Potter franchise is an undeniable pop culture phenomenon, and the movies are some of the best film adaptations you can find out there. Revisit the magic at Platform 1094 – though not an official franchise of Harry Potter, this is the first magic-themed cafe in Singapore, with names and menu items that cheekily reference JK Rowling's fantasy world. Take dish names on the menu like Hagrid's English Afternoon Tea ($55 for two), which features Rasp-BerryPotter & Mango-Nagall mousse and potato slyther-in bacon with cheddar. As if the wood-panelled walls, exposed brick and Harry Potter paraphernalia aren't a big enough nod to the brand. 

Okay, so FRIENDS isn't a movie per se, but its influence on pop culture is as big, if not bigger, than any Hollywood blockbuster. Now that the FRIENDS reunion is still fresh in our memories, fans of the show can head down to Central Perk Singapore to bask in all of the nostalgic good times. The café has multiple sets modelled after the sitcom, the main one being Central Perk, the cosy coffee shop with a plush couch on which Monica, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Ross would spend all their time. You can enjoy dishes inspired by the show too – think cheesecake from Mama's Little Bakery, which fans will recognise as the cheesecake so good Rachel and Chandler ate it off the floor.