
Audemars Piguet Unveils Its First AP House and Café in Luxurious Singapore
2025-03-25
Author: Daniel
Forget the traditional boutique model! Luxury watch brands are now redefining the client experience by creating spaces that feel like home. Enter Audemars Piguet's innovative AP House concept, designed to reflect what the brand's founders might have envisioned in various cities globally. These exclusive venues serve as intimate embassies for the Swiss luxury watchmaker, fostering relationships with clients in a unique and personal manner.
Adding to a select roster of just over 20 AP Houses worldwide, the latest addition opened at Singapore's iconic Raffles Hotel, specifically within the renowned Bar & Billiard Room. This historical venue, dating back to the 19th century, is celebrated for its grandeur and has been a beloved destination since its bar opened in 1896.
The design of the AP House Singapore seamlessly merges elements from both Singapore and Le Brassus, the home village of Audemars Piguet in Switzerland. Visitors are greeted by a soothing palette of muted greens and elegant gold accents, with natural materials like wood and stone adding warmth. Notably, the inclusion of Norfolk pine trees and local rain trees serves as a charming homage to the forested landscapes of Le Brassus.
Infused with natural light thanks to its enormous windows and towering seven-meter ceilings, the central living area acts as the heart of the space, featuring a bar and a dining table. The design is a nod to Singapore’s vibrant food culture, boasting a full kitchen ready to facilitate gourmet experiences at an impressive five-meter-long dining table. Crafted in collaboration with Native, a celebrated local cocktail concept, the bar showcases a cocktail program focusing on seasonal and local ingredients.
Among the unique offerings of the AP House are three private salons, including one dedicated to music, complete with a curated collection of vinyl records and high-fidelity sound setup, ensuring a cultured atmosphere. Also featured is a secret exhibition space showcasing rotating displays of Audemars Piguet’s legacy and expertise in watchmaking.
Adding to the charm of the Bar & Billiard Room, the billiards table pays homage to the venue's history. Interestingly, the rug beneath it tells a charming story; it features an image of the last tiger in Singapore, which is said to have escaped from a circus in 1902 and found rest in this very establishment.
A Café Experience Like No Other
The AP House Singapore boasts an additional attraction: the world’s first AP Café, which is open to the public. This café not only welcomes guests but also serves to demystify the world of luxury watchmaking, inviting everyone from watch enthusiasts to curious travelers.
CEO Ilaria Resta shared that “the goal is to create a welcoming hub for all—watch enthusiasts, connoisseurs, travelers, and locals alike—to come together, share their passions, and forge meaningful connections.”
The AP Café is a groundbreaking endeavor, crafted in partnership with Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends. The menu is an imaginative fusion of Swiss and Singaporean cuisine, showcasing signature dishes that marry the culinary traditions of both cultures. Highlights include a spiced beef tartare paired with wonton skins, and a chicken rice club sandwich that captures the essence of the iconic Hainanese dish in a delightful new form.
For dessert, patrons can indulge in a delightful Swiss roll filled with chestnut puree and white chocolate Chantilly cream, served alongside honeycomb and honey ice cream. The bar also features cocktails that put a local twist on classic recipes, including a refreshing reimagining of the Singapore Sling.
The AP House and AP Café Singapore can be found at the elegant Bar & Billiard Room within Raffles Hotel Singapore. For an unforgettable experience, appointments are recommended before your visit. Don’t miss the chance to explore this exquisite blend of luxury, culture, and hospitality!