Parisian inspired street-side wine bar & cafe offers affordable French wines from independent vineyards
February 19th, 2013
For wine enthusiasts in Singapore, the opening last year of Ô Batignolles in the vibrant Club Street restaurant and bar precinct was a welcome addition to the somewhat limited local options for authentic wine bars. Launched in August 2012 by a French couple with a passion to replicate in Singapore their experiences of the quintessential Parisian street cafe- embracing the daily appreciation of fine local wines, accompanied by traditional French bistro cuisine, in a relaxed and open social atmosphere. Prominently located on the street level of a restored shophouse at the corner of lower Club Street and the fashionable Gemmill Lane, Ô Batignolles opens out onto the pavements of its dual street frontages, creating bright and airy interior spaces, plus outdoor pavement seating at tables under the cover of the 5 foot walkways.
The raison d’être of Ô Batignolles is to make available to Singaporeans an exceptional selection of French-only wines at approachable prices, personally curated and imported directly by the proprietors from every major wine district, and representative of the diversity of the terroir of France. Establishing direct personal connections with independent family-owned wineries across France enables Ô Batignolles to offer exclusively many small batch wine labels previously unseen in Singapore- and at enticing price points. From a wine list of approximately 80 labels, a selection of 14 varieties of wine by the glass are served- 6 x red wines, 6 x white wines, plus a rose and champagne. Prices range from S$7 to S$11++ per glass, and for bottles from S$37 to S$490++ The wine list is constantly being refreshed with new additions, ensuring regular patrons will always find new labels to explore and enjoy.
A compact menu of classic French bistro dishes provide a palatable affinity with the wines. Prepared in the kitchen at Ô Batignolles by the in-house French chef, the food features good, honest renditions of the typical Parisian bistro fare- including platters of cheeses and charcuterie (Les Planchettes) for sharing; salads such as La Salad Cesar and La Parisienne; and dishes like Croque Monsier; Le French Burger; and Suprême de poulet. Classic desserts include Crème Brulée and Crumble poire-chocolat. A traditional Parisian Brunch Menu is popular on the weekends- with a choice from an a la carte menu, or Set options- Brunch Royale, which includes a glass of champagne, or Brunch Traditional Parisiene.
Inside Ô Batignolles
Folding doors across both sides of the building open up the interior of the cafe to the street side.
The front section features the compact wine bar, plus a variety of quintessentially French-cafe style furnishings- round, white marble topped tables with red and white patterned wicker chairs, and classic timber bistro tables and chairs, plus a red leather banquette.
The wine bar section of the front room- with wine specials and menu highlights listed on the blackboard.
The bistro takes its name after a French village- Batignolles, that has since 1860 been incorporated as the 17th district of Paris. A collage of vintage photos showcase the heritage of the area- famous for its bistros and street cafes.
A second room- facing out onto Gemmill Lane- features a long red leather banquette across the end wall. The dramatic fan-shaped mirror adds a depth perspective to the space.
The elegant sideboard displays wine bottles and memorabilia items from Paris.
Selections from the Wine List
Chateau Mont-Redon- Cotes du Rhone AOC 2011. Rhone Valley, grenache & syrah. S$46 / bottle ++
Domaine Poulleau Pere & Fils
(L) Bourgogne Cote de Beaune AOC 2010. Burgundy- Pinot Noir. S$55 / bottle ++
(R) Aloxe-Corton AOC 2008. Burgundy- Pinot Noir. S$95/bottle ++
(L) Alsace- Gewurztraminer AOC 2010. Domaine Frey. S$50/bottle ++
(R) Meursault AOC 2007. Domaine Jean-Louis Bachelet.
Chablis AOC 2008. Domaine Jean Dauvissat. Burgundy- chardonnay. S$46 / bottle ++
La Mix charcuterie / fromage et son panier de pain- assorted cold cuts and French cheeses with bread basket.
Ô Batignolles – Wine Bar & French Bistro, Singapore
Address: 2 Gemmill Lane, Cnr Club Street, Singapore 069241
MRT station: NE4 Chinatown, or EW14NS26 Raffles Place
Reservations: +65. 6438 3913
Website: www.obatignolles.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/OBatignolles
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 12:00 pm ~ 12:00 am
Saturday 11:00 am ~ 12:00 am
Sunday 11:00 am ~ 7:00 pm
