The latest lifestyle destination in Singapore’s south beach precinct offers five different entertainment options
Ah, The NCO Club by JW Marriott Singapore South Beach hotel. The name is known to young and old all the same, but for very different reasons. Older folk would vividly remember Beach Road Camp and its four neighbouring blocks being a social space for non-commissioned officers (thus NCO) and their families in the 1950s.
Nearly 70 years later, the buzz has returned. For similar reasons, except that the three-storey NCO Club has been given an extensive facelift. An Extreme Makeover: Building Edition if you will. For one, it’s no longer just a social or communal hall with children shrieking as they run through the hallways and around the compound (thankfully). The NCO Club is now home to five uniquely themed concepts including a jazz bar, Champagne bar, and a welcome lounge which we’ve already bookmarked as a meeting point for weekend gatherings.
Madame Fan
The largest of four dining venus, Madame Fan occupies the entire second storey. This isn’t your typical Chinese restaurant, and here’s why. The man behind it is none other than acclaimed restaurateur Alan Yau (the brainchild behind Wagamama, Hakkasan and Yauatcha). You’ll be brought back to the days of old-school Shanghainese glamour. There’s a main dining hall with a stage for live performances, five private rooms and a VIP dining room. Expect a generous dim sum menu, a variety of Chinese soups, and even a couple of surprises, such as Park Carbonara with udon and sea urchin, along with Check Low Chinese Pasta using silver needle noodles and XO. Oh, and make a stop by The Lounge, a full-service bar serving Old World wines, Grower Champagnes, and classic cocktails.
Fish Pool
With a name as such, it’s really not hard to imagine what this place serves. Champagne? Caviar? Oyster? You’re right on all accounts. And canapes, of course. The concept is brought to life with Champagne house Louis Roederer, so you know that your bubbly needs will be sated. And here’s the best bit: Fish Pool houses an Olympic-depth diving pool. While it’s not open to guests, you’ll be treated to a splashing good time with performances by ‘mermaids’ and synchronised swimmers. Diners at Madame Fan can also head out to the balcony to catch these performances.
Stags’ Room
Originally meant to house a cigar room (a moment of silence here would be fairly appropriate), Stag’s Room is well, what you may classify as a cosy gentleman’s lounge. Opened in partnership with Stag’s Leap and Penfolds, the wine cellar stores a reserve of vintage and exclusive wines from America and Australia. Close your eyes, and it almost feels like you’re stepping into a private wine estate. A great place to while your weekend away, if you’d ask us.
Cool Cats
This will only open in June, but we’re gotten a hint of what it’ll be like. A snazzy live music venue with tunes of blues, jazz, r&b to accompany you. In fact, we’ll be adding this to our list of jazz spots to hit in Singapore. This of course also doubles as a speakeasy, where you can order your poison, or leave it to the bartender to decide.
The Britannia Room
This will probably remain the most mysterious of the lot, but mark our words, it’ll be the next go-to for event planners. The Britannia Room sits comfortably on the third storey as a venue for hire. The room’s available for both private and corporate functions and holds up to 50 guests. Throw your own dinner party, or turn it into a dance floor? Do with it what you will (within reason, obviously).
The NCO Club
32 Beach Road
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 6818 1908
