A HIPSTER hang out fave is back after a year in the wilderness. Kilo Lounge was unceremoniously shutdown after the 2016 new year’s party due to zoning issues.
Since vacating its perch atop the Ture Building, Kampong Bugis, Kilo Lounge has now found a swanky new home in Tanjong Pagar.
There is a little bit of new and a little bit of old as Kilo Lounge tries to recapture some of that understated ‘underground’ vibe that saw them rise to the upper echelons of nightlife hot spots almost out of nowhere.
The Phoenix version of Kilo Lounge has opted for a bit more mystery this time round. While the club sits on the hip and happening main strip of Tanjong Pagar, the entrance has been devilishly hidden in the back alley.
Flanked by walls of graffiti and pop-art by Samantha Lo, the secret entrance leads to a jungle like garden walkway that takes you through a winding concrete tunnel before you enter the club proper. An intriguing prelude that builds anticipation as the thumping of the bass guides you into the belly of the beast. But one suspects it might end up being a glorified queuing space for the throngs of glitzy, glamorous and beautiful people once the club starts packing in the crowds.
Where there is new and exciting, there is also some old and familiar — Kilo Lounge signatures like raw concrete finishing, the low, wood-panelled ceiling, and even the unisex toilet have been retained.
A little Spartan, as is the Kilo style, there seems to be no signs of the construction delays which had the opening pushed back almost a whole month.
Coming into a market dominated by the likes of Club Kyo, Refuge, and even Canvas Club at Boat Quay, a little bit more was expected of Kilo Lounge. It has chosen to stick to what has worked before — and go with the proven winning formula. But how will that stand up to competition from those who have since brought new innovations to the style in Kilo’s absence? As the old adage goes — if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it — Kilo Lounge is banking on its previous iteration to bring the crowds back.
Familiar Faithfuls
While there’s a sense of deja vu, that’s not to say there isn’t anything to look forward to. With space for 400 guests, the capacity has doubled, the bar is bigger and well manned too. There are more lounge areas, away from the dance floor, if you need a breather from all the moving and dancing. The stage area has a couple of bells and whistles to boot — a brand new sound system and projection screen for some funky visuals. Behind the bar, it’s mostly the usual fare — beers, wines, and spirits. There is a selection of cocktails as well ranging from $16 to $30.
Other than the stellar music and unforgettable parties, in the coming months we should see more interactive art performances, Kilo Dialogues session, yoga events and fashion shows which made the old space more than just your usual club.
Image credits: Kilo Lounge
Kilo Lounge
21 Tanjong Pagar Road
#01-02/04
Singapore 088444
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays
www.kilokitchen.com/lounge
More info on upcoming events and music can be found on the Facebook page.
