Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Raffles Hotel Singapore - Luxurious Sunday Brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room
It is not uncommon to find a free-flowing Champagne package as part of a greater Sunday Brunch experience. Here in Singapore, we are well-known for our extremely lavish Sunday brunches which generally come with an extravagant selection of fresh seafood and a bottomless pit of drinks. Even though I have been to more Champagne Brunches than I dare to admit, I have to openly declare my love for the one at the Raffles Hotel Singapore's Bar & Billiard Room.
Walkway
Raffles Hotel Singapore
The easiest way to get to the Bar & Billiard Room is from the main entrance of the Raffles Hotel Singapore. Instead of coming from the sides where most of the shops are located, find the hotel-side entrance instead - the signs do not really point towards this elusive place and the hotel grounds are relatively large so it is easy to get lost.
Entrance to the Bar & Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Walking from the main entrance of the Raffles Hotel Singapore to the iconic Bar & Billiard Room takes less than a minute and you will recognise it by this walkway. This beautiful space was once an actual billiard hall and today it carries over 400 hand-selected whiskies that have been sourced from Scotland, Japan and the US. The Bar & Billiard Room at the Raffles Hotel Singapore is also regarded as the oldest existing bar that exists in its original location in Singapore (since 1896).
Bar & Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
The space within the Bar & Billiard Room is pretty amazing - there is definitely that old-school charm that one would expect from a property like the Raffles Hotel Singapore. In fact, the floor tiles that are within this iconic building are replicas of the original and you will even find one of the five original billiard tables here where diners are even welcomed to play a round or two.
Bar & Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
The Bar & Billiard Room is generally an actually bar and it is opened from 5PM on Tuesdays to Saturdays. While this grand space is closed on Mondays, it is transformed into Singapore's most lavish brunch destination every Sunday from 12PM to 3PM. The brunch will feature an extensive spread of gourmet antipasti, hors d’oeuvres and main courses with a touch of European flair. There is also a complimentary flow of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve for S$198++ (S$218++ for Rosé).
Free-flowing Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
If you opting for the free-flowing Champagne option (and you really should!), starting the Sunday Brunch with a glass or two is definitely the way to go. If you are not a Champagne person (which in my diary, makes you a rather dubious person), there is a more affordable option (S$158++) which comes with a selection of reds and whites, beer, soft drinks, juices, Singapore Sling and Bloody Mary. My general recommendation is to spend the first hour of your Champagne Brunch sipping the Champagne and not rush in straight for the food.
Free-flowing Singapore Slings
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Since the Champagne Brunch also comes complete with free-flowing Singapore Slings, you should definitely not pass up the chance to try one out for yourself (even if you have had it before!) - I mean, people come to the Raffles Hotel Singapore all the time for this iconic beverage!
Fresh Seafood on Ice
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
When you finally do get to the food though, do it the Singapore way and go straight for the fresh seafood on ice. Here at the Bar & Billiard, you will find freshly-shucked quality oysters (the Irish one is to die for!) and lobsters here on ice. There is also a really wide selection of cold cuts and hams (including the expensive jamón ibérico) here that goes perfectly with the fresh seafood. Let's just say that if you know you food, you will definitely see immense value here at the Bar & Billiard's Champagne Brunch.
As mentioned earlier, the Sunday Brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room features an extensive range of gourmet antipasti - there is a huge table that is dedicated to this. Since I wanted to save room (meaning stomach space) for more Champagne and meats, I have made the bold decision to ignore this section altogether - definitely revisiting though!
Salad and Edible Flowers
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
I dare say that the Sunday Brunch at the Raffles Hotel Singapore has one of the prettiest salads on the buffet counter - it is also filled with pretty edible flowers!
Bread Counter
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Bread Counter
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
I couldn't resist picking off the bread counter as well - pairing the freshly-baked breads with a generous selection of cheese (more on this later!) just seemed like the right thing to do. Apart from a variety of breads, you will also find some pastries (like croissants!) by the side of the room.
Cheese Station
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
If you love cheese, you will definitely love the Sunday Brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room. In spite of my Champagne-induced daze, I can be certain that there are at least fourty different varietals of chooses. If you are terribly afraid of pungent cheeses, stay clear of this section because the bleu and goat cheeses will definitely get to you.
Fresh Oysters
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
No Sunday Brunch is complete without a lavish spread of freshly shucked oysters and seafood on ice. There was a selection of approximately three different varietals of plump oysters (Irish ones are absolutely delicious) and unlimited servings of Boston lobsters, prawns and other fresh seafood.
Live Station
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Diners can also selection from the live stations (or try them all) at the Bar & Billiard's Sunday Brunch experience. The Maine Lobster with Avocado & Black Truffle shooter is absolutely delicious but that Foie Gras with Pea Purée is the real star. It's a pity there is so much to choose from - otherwise I would have gotten a lot more servings of that foie gras.
Iberico Pork Ribs
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Duck Breast
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Carnivores do not have to worry about having nothing to eat. Here at the Bar & Billiard, you will be able to select from that popular Iberico Pork Ribs, Omaha Beef Tenderloin, Australian Grain-fed Rib on Bone, Duck Breast and a delicious Welsh Lamb that is just perfect (even if you are afraid of that gamey taste).
Desserts
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Desserts
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
Be sure to leave at least 15% of your stomach space for desserts because here at the Bar & Billiard Room, they take desserts very seriously and there are at least ten different kinds to choose from - those handmade pralines are just delicious!
Sunday Champagne Brunch
Bar & Billiard Room - Raffles Hotel Singapore
The Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room in the luxurious Raffles Hotel Singapore has got to be one of the best Champagne Brunches in Singapore. The price tag is definitely on the higher side but if you enjoy quality food and if you can hold your liquor pretty well, you will definitely see great value in the brunch selection.
PRICES
S$198++ (S$218++)
per Adult
with complimentary flow of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve (or Rose)
S$158++
per Adult
for non-Champagne option
Indulge in one of the most highly-prized delicacies in Chinese cuisine - the Hairy Crab - at Yan Ting from 26 October 2020 to 30 November 2020. Available for a very limited time for lunch and dinner, Yan Ting (located within The St. Regis Singapore) is currently offering two separate menus that feature the seasonal hairy crab.