Cedro Bar & Bistro

The area north west of Loyang Road in Singapore’s Changi is a curious, historic place. Abandoned former military compounds and hospitals abound amongst the lush greenery, with many being redeveloped – sensitively – into hotels and retreats. The Raintr33 Hotel along Hendon Road is one such place, a majestic colonial building and former hospital that also houses a chic, modern bar and bistro, Cedro. Featuring a beautiful, tropical terrace, and an edgy interior, Cedro is perfect for classic and contemporary cocktails, fine bistro fare, and mellow lounge music.

The Raintr33 Hotel tucked away down Hendon Road in Changi is simply gorgeous – a former military (and, after the war, civilian) hospital complex built in a colonial architectural style, lovingly restored and set against Singapore’s lush tropical greenery. It’s the perfect place for a coastal jungle retreat, but civilians (non-guests) can also enjoy the opportunity to wine and dine at Raintr33’s bars and restaurants. One such is Cedro, an edgy cocktail bar and bistro set on the ground floor with access to a wonderful patio that looks out over the gardens and jungle beyond. Inside, the decor is in stark contrast to the peaceful, arcaded, exterior. Blue-lit decor and art installations are arrayed on the walls, illuminating the bar, where all the action takes place.

First to Cedro’s food. Savoury bites abound at this bistro set beneath the majestic bulk of the Raintr33 Hotel on Hendon Road, hidden amongst the jungle in the corner of Singapore’s Changi where a number of former military buildings once – and still – stand, some crumbling away in the humidity, some being turned into fantastic hotels, bars and eateries such as this. Cedro’s sambal beef wraps and the chicken yakitori are a must-try, while those with a sweet tooth are advised to indulge in the sticky fudge brownie or the carrot cake. But the focus at Cedro is firmly on the cocktails, with resident mixologists ready and willing to whip up a classic drink or a number of contemporary interpretations. One such is the Gingerlinger, a blend of fresh ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and a hint of manuka honey that is the perfect refreshment for an afternoon on Cedro’s terrace. If you’re hanging out in Cedro’s dimly-lit, hip interior, you might want to go for something a little more dark and stormy: the Jamaican-fashioned is a West Indian twist on the old classic that goes down a treat.