Audemars Piguet Unveils Its First Cafe In the World At Raffles Hotel
The cafe softly opened late last year as part of the larger AP House, but it’s now ready for its grand reveal.
Fashion and gastronomy may be trending right now, but in the world of horology, they've always been a perfect match. Both watchmaking and fine dining are built on artisanal precision and exceptional standards. So, it’s no surprise that many watch brands have ventured into the culinary world – whether by opening their own restaurants, collaborating with celebrity chefs as ‘friends of the brand,’ or even sponsoring the Michelin Guide.
Audemars Piguet pays homage to the Bar and Billiard Room's heritage at the AP House by incorporating a billiard table, a 5-meter-long dining table, and a bar serving coffee, tea, and wines sourced from Switzerland.
Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet is no exception. The brand has unveiled its first-ever food and beverage establishment at Raffles Hotel, a sleek 12-seater cafe, with outdoor seating, that’s part of its global AP House concept. This marks the 22nd location of the AP House, with other outposts in cities like Barcelona and Seoul.
The vibe here? A luxe, yet laid-back mansion for watch lovers.
The Singapore venue takes over the hotel's historic Bar and Billiard Room, transforming it into a stylish, multi-functional space that feels like a luxe mansion. It seamlessly blends elements of a living room, retail gallery, gourmet kitchen, and private lounges – one of which doubles as a music lounge with vinyl records from artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar – all in one chic setting. The immersive experience offers guests a chance to explore both Audemars Piguet’s heritage and current collections.
The traditional Swiss roesti, aka crispy potato cakes, gets the luxe treatment – wrapped in gold leaf, topped with creme fraiche and caviar. Served in bite-sized portions, they’re perfectly sized to match an Audemars Piguet's 38mm watch face.
At the heart of the AP House is the AP Cafe, a cosy 12-seat space operated by the award-winning Burnt Ends team. With its vaulted ceilings and sleek blend of metal and marble decor, the cafe serves a menu that celebrates Swiss cuisine – paying homage to Audemars Piguet’s roots in Le Brassus, Switzerland – with a distinct Singaporean twist.
The Chicken Rice Club Sandwich is served with potato crisps and extra chilli
Think Chicken Rice Club Sandwich, featuring roasted chicken breast, aioli, ginger-chili dressing, and a chicken rice-flavoured filling, or Spiced Beef Tartare served with crispy wonton skins. For dessert, the Gula Melaka Pain Suisse is a palm sugar custard-filled Viennoiserie topped with desiccated coconut – a sweet local-inspired indulgence.
Spiced Beef Tartare with Wonton Skins features hand-cut Australian wagyu beef tenderloin, dressed in sriracha and soy-cured egg yolk, topped with chives, and served with crisp fried wonton skins on the side for a local twist.
The drinks menu is equally inventive, with standout cocktails like the Strawberry Milk Punch, a blend of gin, strawberry, bergamot, white chocolate, and clarified milk – perfect for those who enjoy a twist on the classic teh tarik. Whether you're there for the food, the atmosphere, or the horological history, AP Cafe offers an experience as unique as the watchmaker itself.