Starbucks (Rochester Park)

Step back in time for a cuppa coffee one lazy afternoon at the colonial styled building where Starbucks resides amidst the greenery and the squeaky insects calling. This is the most charming Starbucks outlet i've ever came across in Singapore. The location is kinda on a low hill and is almost too perfect except being obscured by the other higher buildings built in front of it.

Flushed in white with the prominent dark Starbuck's Green showing up in logos and gazebos, this is not a small outlet with plenty of seats indoor and outdoors for people who love to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee and a book. Outdoor decked seats kept cool with some fan and the green surroundings while the indoor air-conditioned cushioned seats is just like a huge living room. Head up to the second floor and find yourself in a huge lounging living room as though an excerpt from your english novel (the gentlemen's card room). Lots of seats with various comfort level and well arranged space for easy moving around. There is also a non-aircon balcony area which overlooks the green surrounding down the hill which is the favorite spot for many. There are ample powerpoints if you need to charge your phones or power for laptops and seats are pretty mobile except for the lounging sofas, great for big groups. Noise is not very well contained with the high ceilings, so its important not to speak too loudly.

We find more food choices here as with the other outlets with lots of hot dishes to choose from such as lasagna, hot sandwiches and of course the regular cakes, biscuits, muffins and other coffee pairing desserts. The coffee menu is the standard menu like every outlet while I always love a good cuppa cappuccino with a coffee chiffon cake and a fantasy book for my weekend afternoons. Most cakes served in coffee delis are usually cheese or chocolate fudge cakes which is heavy and usually served cold rather I was surprised that their coffee chiffon cake is a good balance of a lightweight chiffon mildly coffee scented with a buttery cream top and walnuts that brings a soothing nutty taste without the crunch. The entire cake is soft but not limp, mildly flavored but not blend, eventful but not rich, the taste and texture blended very well and is tantalizing but not overpowering. Really good cake I must say.

This is going to be my secret haunt, though already home for many, I'm joining in the gang. Really exceptionally charming location. By the way, service was fast and friendly with large smiles and accented english everywhere however, it takes a little more effort to clear the tables and to keep the cafe clean :)