It should tell you something that it’s possible to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore for just over a quid. That’s cheaper than a Starbuck’s coffee. The Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle street food stall won a Michelin star last year, becoming the smallest and cheapest holder of the honour.
It’s a classic example of life in Singapore. High standards run from the street vendors and continue up, up, up into the distant stratosphere. If you want only the best there are 28 other Michelin-starred restaurants from Juan Amador’s Spanish interpretation of Asian dishes to the Joël Robuchon Restaurant, holder of three stars and offering a 16-course gastronomic odyssey.
F1 fans come to Singapore for experiences like this. But naturally they want to enjoy lavish hospitality at race time too. Here are your options.
For those with a general admission ticket the best bet are the “hawker” villages, offering both international fare and local favourites such as noodles, curries, as well as beer and wine. For more indulgence there’s the Sky Suite, Club Suite and The Green Room each offering world-class dining and personal attention from Suite ambassadors. The Sky Suite offers a great view of the trackside action from locations along turn 1, turn 2 and the pit straight – unrivalled vantage points to enjoy the race. The alfresco Sky Terrace, accessible exclusively for Sky Suite patrons, offers additional dining experience and bars, as well as a spectacular rooftop view of the city skyline and the action on track.
The Club Suite and Green Room are on the second level of the hospitality facilities. The vibe is more relaxed. Both are known for friendly banter between guests. The food is five-star, and both the food and drinks are complimentary. Access to the F1 Village and entertainment zones are included.
If you want to catch the race as its most hostile then the fittingly named Lounge @ Turn 3 is a good call. The spot offers unparalleled views of one of the main overtaking spots. Watch race cars go wheel to wheel, sometimes rubber to rubber, as they curve round a hairpin at stomach churning Gs. Breathtaking. The comfort’s good as well – Lounge @ Turn 3 offers wider seats and an air-conditioned lounge offering complimentary wines, beers and soft drinks.
The ultimate F1 experience is the FORMULA ONE PADDOCK CLUB™. Each grand prix circuit on the season offers a different take on Paddock Club hospitality. In Singapore it’s about exquisite levels of hospitality located as close to the action as possible.
Lea Yuen Ming, Singapore GP’s director of food, beverage and hospitality says: “Singapore’s Formula One Paddock Club is one of the most innovative on the grand prix calendar. We offer the ultimate hospitality experience in a mammoth circuit park, fly in world-class chefs and entertainment, throw unforgettable parties and turn up the glamour that extra notch.”
The Paddock Club Lifestyle Area open out to a lush landscaped garden and specialty concept restaurants
The Paddock Club is located on the upper terrace of the pit building, with its own private grandstand, facing the main straight and starting grid. It’s non-stop action. There is daily access for an exclusive walk down the pit lane. The bars are open and the champagne free-flowing.
For a calmer experience, relax with the exclusive Paddock Club spa services or hang out in the extensive Lifestyle Area. Dedicated guest support ambassadors ensure you have everything you need. Throughout the weekend Paddock Club guests enjoy a private grandstand, with a dedicated stage with live bands and DJs, as well as access to all concerts and events circuit-wide.
It should be mentioned that all the hospitality suites offer a chance to meet and network with business decision-makers from across the world. Singapore is global capital of business. Introductions and deal-making are routine at the Grand Prix.
And the food? Singapore claims the crown for opulence. Each year is different. Last year Nobu Matsuhisa and Jean-Georges Vongerichten created pop-up restaurants to showcase the signature dishes of their Michelin-starred restaurants.
The after-party is legendary. The list of recent acts outguns most music festivals. Past headliners include Kylie Minogue, Maroon 5, John Legend, Jennifer Lopez, Robbie Williams and Katy Perry. The venue gives breaks to less mainstream acts too, such as blues guitarist Seasick Steve, and local act Charlie Lim & The Mothership.
This is what makes Singapore unique. Whether you are a race addict on a budget, or a hedonist on a mission to revel in the rarest stratum of splendour, Singapore offers the lot. The boss of Scuderia Ferrari, Maurizio Arrivabene, sums it up as “just electrifying”.
Expect fireworks, euphoric crowds, and an assault on your senses to last a lifetime.
For more information, log onto www.singaporegp.sg, call +65 6731 5900 or email hospitality@singaporegp.sg
