Despite its central location in the heart of Orchard Road, Design Orchard hasn’t been that in the radar (I admit I haven’t even stepped in, even though I hang out at Orchard Road quite often. You?)
Perhaps it was lacking of a coffee place for better integration.
I think it is quite a good fit that local specialty coffee chain Alchemist has opened a café in The Cocoon Space @ Design Orchard.
Called “Alchemist Design Orchard (DO)”, this is the chain’s fourth outlet, following branches at International Plaza, Hong Leong Building, and a flagship store in Tai Seng. (Okay, they must think I love them A LOT since I actually wrote 4 reviews for them.)
First things first. Perhaps not many people would know where Design Orchard is in the first place. It is right opposite H&M at Orchard Building.
Finding Alchemist DO is also not as straight-forward, due to the design of the building. (Okay, the irony.)
You can walk the steps up to “The Cocoon Space” and it is hidden behind greenery; or take the elevator at the back of the building to Level 3.
Alchemist DO will be to many, the ‘perfect Instagram spot’ with concrete interiors, a swanky terrazzo tile coffee bar along with stainless steel finishing, along with some natural daylight at certain angles.
Their signature espresso beverages are brewed with coffee beans fresh from their roastery, and include the usual Black ($5, $6), White ($5, $6), Mocha ($5.50, $7), Pourover ($6), and Iced versions ($6 – $7).
The two house-blends available are the more chocolatey Dark Matter (which I personally prefer), and Kotowa which is more fruity.
Pastries are supplied by local micro-bakery Bakehaus, and you can expect Butter Croissant ($3.50), Chocolate Croissant ($4.50), Almond Chocolate ($5), Raisin Custard Swirl ($5), and Passionfruit Danish ($5).
I always thought that the pastries previously available at Alchemist was okay and decent, though nothing to really shout about.
But the Almond Chocolate Croissant ($5) I had was more memorable with its crisp outer layer, fluffy middle and rich chocolaty fillings.
Alchemist DO sits right atop the building’s public incubation space, so you can chill-out after some shopping, or enjoy the open view of one of Orchard Road’s most prominent traffic junctions. Nice space, good coffee and bakes.
Other Related Entries
10 NEW Cafes At Orchard Road
Alchemist (MacTaggart Road)
Lucid (Hamilton Road)
%Arabica (313@somerset)
Hvala (TripleOne Somerset)
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