The Vault- Bistro & Lounge - Singapore - Asia Bars & Restaurants

Historic double-story bank building converted into casual bistro, chic lounge, and art space- in Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown nightlife district

UPDATE: DECEMBER 2013
THE VAULT HAS RE-LOCATED TO BOAT QUAY AREA- NOW AT 23 CIRCULAR ROAD

January 3rd, 2013

Created within the shell of a disused bank building constructed back in the 1930’s, The Vault is a recent (June 2012) addition to the burgeoning nightlife scene in Singapore’s historic Chinatown district. Retaining much of the original structure, The Vault features an industrial-chic interior design that incorporates utilitarian surfaces, stripped-back walls, and utilising salvaged elements of the building’s original banking function as a play on the bank theme. The 3 tonne main bank vault door was relocated from it’s installation at the vault entrance at the rear of the building to now be the “signature” doorway at the street frontage.

The Vault comprises two main spaces- the Bistro on the ground level, and the upper level Lounge and Bar. The Bistro is an open and airy space, with a welcoming atmosphere for casual eating throughout the day. Serving a compact menu of classic bistro fare. mainly of Western dishes, but with some Asian cuisine influences, with popular dishes including burgers, thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pasta. Asian-influenced dishes include appetizers like Soft Shell Crab with curry mayo, and The Tom Yum Pizza. The Bistro has a full bar service all day- with refreshing fruit mocktails a specialty, plus a good range of beers, wines and spirits. And excellent coffee, with the baristas using exclusively the acclaimed Calgliari brand of roasted coffee beans.

Upstairs, The Lounge has become one of the hottest nightlife destinations in Chinatown- with the resident and guest DJs creating a stylish and vibrant music venue for late nights of drinks and socialising. The bartenders behind the imposing bar serve up classic cocktails, well-priced house pour spirits, premium spirits, plus beers, wine and champagne. The Lounge regularly gets packed with guests, and to avoid queuing, bookings are strongly recommended- especially for the weekend nights.

Additionally, The Vault embraces the local art scene in Singapore, with the works of “featured” local artists exhibited on a monthly rotation. And quarterly, The Vault transforms into a Sunday Artists Market- with an eclectic assortment of vintage and homemade arts and crafts sold directly by the local artists. Details of all upcoming events- including the arts events- are posted on the Facebook Page.

The Vault Bistro

The ground floor Bistro, a casual setting with food service from the open kitchen.

The Bistro offers seating options ranging from high communal tables, regular cafe-style tables seating 2 or 4 diners, or seats at the bar.

The bar counter and adjoining open kitchen- the timber shelving showcasing the liquor bottles matches the bookshelf style display shelving on the opposite wall.

An antique safe juxtaposed with contemporary furnishings in the Bistro.

The street-front Take Away Counter- utilises window bars from the original bank.

The Vault Lounge

The upper level space features a New York loft style of industrial chic- with raw brickwork, unpolished timber floors, and exposed ceiling ductwork. Dark brown leather sofas add an element of understated luxe.

The Lounge space has two main sections- partially separated by the original internal wall- the leather sofa seating and DJ booth to one side, with standing space at the main bar on the other side of the room.

The bar is is constructed from concrete with a thick timber counter- consistent with the industrial-urban unpolished look and feel of the room.

The front section of the bar space – comfortable sofa settings for conversations over drinks.