SingCityGirl

If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of Bugis, you’ve probably noticed the formidable Parkview Square.

It’s hard to miss – glitzy art deco drama, towering and moody, with the kind of dark glamour that draws you in as you walk past.

But push through those imposing doors and you’ll find ATLAS bar – a place where everyone is “cordially invited” and the gin, champagne, and good times flow freely. (They do, after all, claim one of Asia’s finest collections of spirits.)

The Hwang family, who built Parkview Square and dreamed up ATLAS, have struck the perfect balance between old-world romance and modern-day sparkle. It oozes sophistication with a wink, elegance without any of the snobbery.

After deep-diving reviews, menus, and way too many photos online, I picked ATLAS for my mum’s birthday afternoon tea. I was not disappointed.

I booked a Wednesday 3pm slot and was allocated two whole hours, which is generous for gossiping over a catch-up. One of the deciding factors? Their excellent vegetarian menu (not a given in Singapore), plus a gluten-free option. I’d noted our two vegetarian diets when booking, and got a much-appreciated confirmation email a few days later.

On arrival, we were greeted with smiles in the grand lobby, shown to our seats, and handed a complimentary cocktail – a thoughtful touch, especially at the super affordable $68 per person price point.

A delicate mushroom and potato amuse-bouche kicked things off while we chose our tea. I went for the Peach Green Oolong; Mum opted for the Palace Grade Pu’er.

The tiered tea stand arrived swiftly – a rose gold beauty stacked with both savouries and sweets – and a staff member talked us through the menu, even suggesting the perfect order to tackle it all.

Midweek or not, ATLAS was buzzing. Ladies who lunch, suited-up execs, curious tourists – all soaking in the 1920s splendour. Gold flourishes, plush seats, and that wall of spirits (so tall the bartenders have to fly up on a lift to fetch bottles!)

The only mood-killer? A balcony above us doubling as an influencer photo studio. I’m talking constant flashes, tripod setups, and one guy literally holding his phone light aloft for ten minutes straight. I get it, the place is gorgeous, but for a classy afternoon tea, it veered into “please, my retinas” territory.

Thankfully, the food made up for it. The European-style spread was spot-on:

SAVOURIES: coronation egg on brioche; Provençal aubergine on crystal bread; avocado cream vol-au-vent; tomato basil arancini; burratina with torched tomato; and gazpacho with mascarpone.

According to various expat women’s Facebook groups, scones are a biit of a Singapore afternoon tea battleground – too often stodgy or dry – but ATLAS nailed it. Light, fluffy, served with jam and clotted cream, they were an absolute win.

SWEETS: canelé de Bordeaux, popcorn cream cone, rhubarb tartlet with cinnamon streusel, rhum baba, pistachio amaretti bonbon, and blueberry choux.

Tea refills came without asking, staff checked in often enough to feel attentive but not intrusive, and by the end, we were indulgently full. Mum was glowing – birthday mission accomplished.

We strolled the Parkview Square grounds afterward, admiring the statues and perfectly manicured gardens, feeling just the right amount of decadent.

So if you’re after an afternoon tea dripping with character and class, and just as generous with flavour as it is with style, then ATLAS should be at the top of your list.

😉