Another day, another new café in Singapore.
But, this promises to be different, located at the rather ‘happening’ Bukit Merah area (and I can imagine a few other websites – the usual suspects, writing about this place soon.)
This café is located at The Mill. Where?
The Mill is a neo-gothic building at Jalan Kilang (kind of near ABC Brickworks Food Centre).
It has been described as an “amalgamation of post-industrial American architectural influences, cast alongside a fortified Gothic tower, and rooted in industrial Singapore.”
A twin-tower that is 45 metres high, dark, alluring, eye-catching, which some may describe as “the Batman building”.
If the gothic design reminds of Parkview Square, that is because they both share the same architect – American James Adam.
Even as I was on ground level, I saw very expensive cars (Rolls-Royce) and parts that reminded me of K-drama Hera Palace.
As you head up into Level 2, you would find Alchemist, a brand not unfamiliar among café hoppers in Singapore.
Alchemist has outlets at International Plaza, Hong Leong Building, Tai Seng, and Design Orchard.
This cafe at The Mill is its fifth.
The décor of the café, which can be described as “Victorian meets science lab”, follows very closely to the theme of The Mill.
You see industrial finishing with sleek-looking coffee machines and accessories; yet juxtaposed with brown leather seats and chandeliers.
Their signature espresso beverages are brewed with coffee beans fresh from their roastery, and include the usual Black ($4.50), White ($5), Mocha ($5.50), Pourover ($6), and Iced versions ($6 – $7).
Similarly, the house-blends available is the Dark Matter with hints of caramelised hazelnut, milk chocolate and a velvety mouthfeel.
Also available is the single origin of Don Alfonso from Costa Rica, with tasting notes are raspberry, guava and dark chocolate. This is more suitable for filter coffee.
Pastries are supplied by local micro-bakery Bakehaus, and you can expect Butter Croissant ($4), Pain Au Chocolate ($4.50), Almond Croissant ($4.50), and Forest Berries Danish ($5).
With many cookie-cutter type of cafes around in Singapore, I am glad that The Alchemist continues to bring something different to the table, with a setting that blends with the surrounding.
On an additional note, it is as if the patrons here have received a secret memo, as a good number of them came in black.
Alchemist at The Mill
5 Jalan Kilang #02-02 Singapore 159405
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park)
Kings Cart Coffee Factory (Joo Chiat)
% Arabica (Jewel Changi Airport))
GLASS Roasters (Faber Drive)
Kurasu (Waterloo)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.