Raffles Hotel

Before I start, we'd both like to thank Ralph & Donna for making Raffles possible :)

Raffles Hotel is a wonderful place. It epitomises grandeur and splendour like no other hotel in the city and takes you back in a flash to the colonial past of Singapore. As we arrived by taxi, the doors were opened by the traditionally dressed concierge and cordially invited to the hotel making us feel immediately like royalty.



Being directed to the Tiffin Room for afternoon tea, we passed huge white columns and expansive marble floors, expensively dressed local Singaporeans, beautiful courtyards and water features. It immediately took us back 100 years..

It was still, cool and fresh; a complete contrast to the busy and hectic life outside the Raffles complex and as we sat down for tea, the sight of silver cutlery and an immaculate table service was as equally impressive as the building itself. Smartly dressed waiters served tea from silver teapots and addressed us as 'sir' and 'madam'. It was almost too good to be true and couldn't help but feel as though this service was staged.




Tourists were able to walk around the Raffles complex and it seemed odd considering the prestige of the place not to mention the security of the guests who would have been paying thousands of pounds to stay here. Anyway as we settled and tucked into delicious salmon, cucumber and unfortunately egg sandwiches, (which as you'd expect had their crusts cut off!) yummy mini scones and an incredible lemon curd meringue cake, it was obvious that this laid back attitude was why Raffles became one of the most desirable places to be in Singapore.



We were invited to try the local buffet (which we duely obliged) and found a few more cakes and sandwiches to keep us going. Exotic jackfruits, dragonfruits and some others that I didn't know the name off, were available and it struck a chord to think this would have been how the high society of the time Raffles was in her element would have become accustomed to the range of foreign foods that were being explored during colonial times and despatched to the empire for the well-to-do citizens to experience. The stature of the room, the calming harp music and the formality of how tea was served was very impressive.



Bill & Mulligan got in on the act, and whilst noone was looking grabbed a quick photo en route to Long Bar; home of the Singapore Sling.

Apparently the history of Long Bar is a bit hazy due to the various refurbishments Raffles has undertaken but it is thought that the original room, unsuprisingly, had a long bar. It isn't in the original location but it said to retain the same look and feel of the original bar. Set in dark wood and ambient lighting it is definitely to sight to see whilst visiting the city.



Over 700 Singapore Slings are made every day in Long Bar and at £15 a head it definitely moves Long Bar from the ideal location for a drinking session!!!



The two bears couldn't afford their own so Amber kindly shared hers with them.