CHIJMES 
From Singapore Hotels & Singapore Lifestyle
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CHIJMES, the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), is located beside Raffles City Shopping Centre. Given the varied range of F&B dining experiences set amidst unique landscaped surroundings; it's the perfect venue for cosy indoor dining or alfresco dining under the stars. Chijmes, with its charming settings and historical appeal, is definitely a must visit for the local and expatriates community - from families to working professionals, tourists and a re-visit for former and current students of CHIJ. The chapel, built in 1903, now plays host to modern city living in the form of a swish restaurant, bar and shopping complex.
Who would have thought that one of Singapore's premier nightspots would be behind cloister walls? The restoration of the CHIJMES building cost S$100 million, with the help of Didier Repellin, the same conservationist who worked on Empress Place Building. In 1997, CHIJ reopened its doors as CHIJMES. The name was adopted to incorporate the initials of the convent, church and school that had stood here since its founding in 1860 by the Sisters on the Seine from France. The convent also ran an orphanage; its Gate of Hope on Bras Basah Road was where babies would be left by their unmarried mothers.
The Anglo-French Gothic chapel (1903) at the centre of the complex has been beautifully preserved and wedding celebrations are still held there. Here you'll also find Caldwell House (1841), designed by George Coleman and the original residence of the French nuns who set up the school that once existed on the site.
But more than a visual treat awaits visitors to Chijmes. CHIJMES is now a collection of restaurants (outdoor dining in its softly-lit courtyards is a delight), pubs and art and handicraft shops. Don't miss the Belgian-crafted stained glass windows of the Chapel, renamed CHIJMES Hall and a venue for concerts and weddings. The CHIJMES Fountain Court, flanked by pubs and restaurants with alfresco dining areas, reverberates with life on most Sunday evenings when free outdoor concerts are held.
Given its city location, rich history, unique ambience and splendid architectural style, the venue has succeeded in attracting premier F&B establishments to be a part of the Chijmes experience, offering diners and patrons an extensive selection of dining choices ranging from local to international fare with a spectrum of cuisines; Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish, American and Cantonese amongst others.
Connoisseurs can also look forward to specialty cocktails, malt whiskeys, a range of vodkas and fine wines offered by the pubs and bars at Chijmes.
Be it dining or chilling out at the restaurants, cafes, wine bars and nightspots, or an intimate walk along the open courtyards and lawns - a myriad of pleasant experiences await you at Chijmes!
Working closely with the tenants, the Management of Chijmes has been planning the open spaces and courtyard areas as the backdrop for musicals and theatrical performances. The courtyard areas and landscaped lawns are also idyllic venues to set the perfect mood for corporate functions, event launches and private cocktail parties.
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Shopping
CHIJMES Complex is a good place to browse for crafts among the drinking and restaurants. Here you'l find Peter Hoe Evolution (Phone: (+65) 6339 6880; #01-05), which does a nice line in modern Batik clothing as well as the usual craft items.
Eating
Restaurants
Bobby's Taproom.Grill.Ribs, Capella, Carnivore, Ephesus Turkish Cuisine, Esmirada, Grappa's, Hog's Breath Cafe, Ocho Restaurant and Tapas Bar, Table 108, Tatsu Sushi, Tatsu Teppanyaki
Pubbing & Clubbing
When compared with the hardcore party strips of Robertson Quay and Boat Quay, CHIJMES is more of a chill out retreat. It's an ideal place to relax to the sound of smooth Latin music at Ola Alfresco Bar, enjoy a glass of wine at La Cave Winebar or chit chat with friends over a cup of coffee. For a lively alternative, there's the Irish pub, Father Flanagan's, which is open from 11.00 a.m. to midnight on Sundays and Mondays, 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 a.m. on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There's no cover charge and the minimum age to drink is 18.
Visitors' Information
- Address: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
- Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Historical Tour
A less riotous CHIJMES experience would include its historical tours:-
- Daily at 11.00am, 2.00pm and 4.00pm
- Phone: (+65) 6338 2529
- Entrance fee
See also
References
Categories: Clubbing | Colonial District | Drinking | Restaurants | Shopping Malls | Tourist Attractions
