Colonial Charm of Albert Court Village Hotel

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. On the fringe of the arts and cultural district, this charming boutique hotel comprises restored pre-war shop houses with Straits Chinese carvings and motifs. Access to the Central Business District and other parts of Singapore is minutes away – at the Little India MRT station – thanks to this hotel’s central location. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. Such are the unexpected neighbours you can find here – in Singapore’s multi-cultural enclaves.

More photos of Albert Court Village Hotel on Facebook

The hotel’s 210 rooms and suites offer all the modern amenities valued by today’s contemporary business and leisure travellers. Its Albert Café & Restaurant, Shish Mahal Restaurant and the cosy lobby bar lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

The Brunei Times journalist, Debbie Too, is greeted and welcomed by hotel staff

A perfect crossing between old and new, our guestrooms and suites are housed in carefully refurbished pre-war shophouses that have been thoughtfully designed with handy conveniences for both the business and leisure traveller. | more rooms info

This is the actual room I stayed in for a night. The colonial style bedposts make this photo unique as you cannot find this on the hotel web page. I’m uncertain if this is a Deluxe room.

The colonial nostalgia of Albert Court Village Hotel’s architecture makes it a wedding solemnisation and banquet hotspot.

You can marvel at the hotel’s architecture left and right but don’t forget to look up – you may just be surprised as I was to find this Peranakan (Straits Chinese) style window panes.

Albert Café serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes throughout the day. The Straits Chinese architecture adds to the charm of this cosy café, which overlooks the Albert Court Village Hotel courtyard. Its décor also features intricately carved wooden furniture and distinctive water-colours of local flora and fauna, giving it the perfect ambience for leisurely meal.

Albert Café & Restaurant lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

Hotel guests have access to Apple iMacs — the contrast between cutting edge computer technology the hotel’s colonial architecture seems appropriately poetic.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. Well connected by the abundance of buses and two MRT stations (Little India and Bugis), one is only a 15-minute journey away from both the Central Business District and Orchard Road. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. See location map.

Culture@Village: Ride along distinctive local iconic landmarks such as the Mustafa Centre, Sungai Road Thieves’ Market, Sri Veeramakailamman Temple and not to mention, hidden gems along Arab Street that presents you a unique side of Singapore!

Catch a glimpse of the iconic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on the trishaw along Arab Street

One of my favourite trishaw moments returning to the hotel compound after a 30-mins round trip. Click on image to see more photographs from our tour de ride. Check out the other attractions around the hotel.

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

Trishaw Tour Route  Albert Court Village Hotel > Short Street > Rochor Canel Road > Serangoon Road > Campbell Lane > Dunlop Street > Serangoon Road > Syed Alwi Road > Weld Road > Arab Street > Queen Street > Middle Road > Prinsep Street > McNally Street > Short Street > Albert Court Village Hotel

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar has a slew of impressive special mains such as Char-grilled Rump Steak, Kurobuta Rendang, Barbequed Kangaroo and Duck Leg & Goose Rillette amongst other rare treats. Each created specifically for the new outlet by resident Executive Chef Roland Graham, the menu at Kookaburra is a showcase of originality and uncompromising taste and quality. | More dining options.

More photos of Kookaburra’s amazing culinary creations | also on Facebook

Kurobuta Rendang – Kurobuta Pork Jowl slowly braised in herbs and spices toasted fresh coconut green bean sambal, sticky rice.

Fluffy Pancake Stack caramelized apples, crisp pork belly, swirled cinnamon rhubarb ice-cream.

Trishaw Uncle a Nostalgic Charm of Albert Court Village Hotel Singapore

Growing up in Asia, many of us live in cities where the traditional trishaw continues to be a popular means of transport. I can’t recall the trishaw being a part of my life growing up in post Japanese occupation in Brunei but I recall seeing some really old examples that were used to sell Tau Foo Fah (Soy Bean Pudding) from door to door. My first trishaw ride in recent memory was when my peers and I explored the Penang Heritage Trails in Malaysia on beautifully decorated trishaws. Of course, you don’t have to visit Penang to board one of these; I had a 30 minutes ride while I was in Singapore with Debbie Too (featured in the pictures below) and Rano Iskandar on an official mission.

“Trishaw Uncle” is a term of endearment for the trishaw riders who in the yesteryears comprised mainly labourers who formed the early backbone of Singapore’s labour force. To acknowledge their contribution and to pay tribute to them, “Trishaw Uncle” has been chosen as the name for the company which will helm the management and operations of the Albert Mall Trishaw Park.

Our host and my trishaw seat mate Alex settling arrangements with the Trishaw Uncle peddlers before leaving the hotel.

It’s a hot day and Debbie opts to have the soft retractable shade pull over her. I had mine down so I could photograph Debbie and Rano behind me.

This photo is one of my favourites from this set and the General Manager of Albert Court Village Hotel likes it enough to share it online. Expect to see appearance of this image on official hotel media.

Given another opportunity to photograph the rides, I would mount a remotely triggered flash to light up the passengers to lift heavy shadows in the original photo.

Picture of me and Alex (left) captured by Rano while leaving Albert Court Village Hotel compound – the perks of having the top down versus the limited view of Debbie’s dress.

In line with Singapore Tourism Board’s “YourSingapore” campaign, our aim is to provide visitors different, personalised ways of discovering the island and having an integrated experience of Singapore. The trishaws are a perfect mode of transport to explore ethnic zones like Little India and Kampong Glam, with their rich and vibrant history, culture and heritage waiting to be discovered in the intimate streets and inner alleys.”

Our ride on the streets of Singapore crossed path with the HiPPO tour bus more than once including a second time when it cut into a lane in front of us – quite thrilling.

Slow and easy does it. In a country that prides itself of rapid economic progress, it’s a relaxing change to take things slow for a change including how long it has taken me to post these pictures – 3 weeks!

“The trishaw is an important heritage icon in Singapore and has been affectionately used and showcased at important events like Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Chingay, National Day. To celebrate the resilient spirit of trishaw riders and preserve the heritage of this old mode of transport, we are delighted to introduce refreshing new ideas to Albert Mall Trishaw Park so that trishaws and trishaw riders can continue their contribution in offering unique trishaw ride experiences.”

Debbie’s trishaw is equipped with a sound system and we were entertained with selections of golden oldies some of which just made us smile.

Returning to Albert Court Village Hotel after completing a round trip on a relaxing trishaw ride. I miss the hotel’s colonial charm not forgetting also the great all-day breakfast at Kookaburra Restaurant.

All-day Breakfast at the Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar Singapore

“Premium quality yet affordable pricing” pretty much sums up my take on Kookaburra’s food, service and the bill you have to settle afterwards. For Bruneians who frequently patronize fine dining restaurants such as Fratini, Villa Mauri, you’ll quickly see Kookaburra’s prices are very reasonable by contrast so you’re off to a great start before you even step inside. It’s been more than 3 weeks since I was treated to dinner there, just a week after its official opening, and I find myself craving their delicious culinary crafts.

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar opens its doors to the public from 16th April 2012. Located at the Albert Court Village Hotel, the highly anticipated sequel to its underground affiliated hangout Late Plate at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House in National University of Singapore brings much cheer as the latest addition to the hotel’s stable of F&B offerings. Strategically located at the junction of Selegie Road and Rochor Canal Road, Kookaburra is well-placed in the multi-cultural enclave known for its artistic and eclectic pursuits.

Visit Jan Shim Photography on Facebook for (a few) more photos of Kookaburra

Kookaburra Restaurant is located to the left of this facade – hard to miss and once inside, hard to leave your seats.

Draw closer and the appeal of its surrounds in the classical restored pre-war shophouse grows. The purposeful integration of the modern chic and nostalgic heritage is immediately apparent as you walk into the restaurant. Raw-but-warm interiors framed with large clear windows overlooking the colonial courtyard on one side and the busy streets on the other offer a glimpse of life in this artistic and fashion hub.

Executive Chef Roland Graham waves at our host, Yan Leng, General Manager of Albert Court Village Hotel.

Chef Roland explains, “Our philosophy with regard to culinary offerings is simple. We want to allow the freshness and quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves, be it the freshest catch from the sea to prime meat pickings or vegetables in season. Our focus will always be on premium quality yet affordable pricing”.

With permission from Chef Roland, I ventured into the immaculately clean kitchen for this photo opportunity.

Turn to the wine cellar and the excitement grows. With over 300 specially selected labels straddling both old and new world wines, guests will be spoilt for choice when selecting pairing options for the contemporary bush tucker fare. To top it off, Kookaburra’s team of mixologists have put together a themed menu of cocktail creations that gives its own spin to all-time favourites, such as fresh fruit martinis and mojitos. Looking for a beer instead? Take your pick from any imported premium brands and 2 international drafts on tap.

 

Click on image to see larger version of Kookaburra’s signature dishes.

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar Food and Drinks Menu April 2012 (PDF)

Uncertain of the correct name, I think it’s the Mezza Plate which comprises a selection of pickled grapes, honey tomatoes, green olives, crumbled Oz Feta etc.

Same dish as the photo immediate above showing a hint of what I think is smoked tuna etc.

It’s unclear if this is thinly sliced bacon or ham as this mystery image on Facebook leaves question unanswered.

My favourite starter: Chef’s Drips – Pickled grapes, served with toasted crisps and cheese gratinated wontons.

The new restaurant has also added a slew of impressive special mains such as Char-grilled Rump Steak, Kurobuta Rendang, Barbequed Kangaroo and Duck Leg & Goose Rillette amongst other rare treats. Each created specifically for the new outlet by resident Executive Chef Roland Graham, the menu at Kookaburra is a showcase of originality and uncompromising taste and quality.

BBQ Kangaroo marinated skewered loin, smoked salt dusted chunky chips, mustard and horseradish BBQ sauce.

Award winning steak cut chips dusted with tabil sauce infused smoked salt, kaffir lime aioli and mustard ketchup.

Seafood pasta served with nuts, greens and garlic bread (not in menu).

Fluffy Pancake Stack caramelized apples, crisp pork belly, swirled cinnamon rhubarb ice-cream.

Kurobuta Rendang – Kurobuta Pork Jowl slowly braised in herbs and spices toasted fresh coconut green bean sambal, sticky rice.

Marshmallow White Chocolate Martini

The Monster Mojito – Light and dark rum, fresh lime, mint, gomme flavoured with choice of watermelon or mixed berries or mango pomelo.