Artistic dessert parlour in somerset.
Artistic dessert parlour in somerset.
ABOVE Bold and bright colours are played up against the all-grey space, composed of concrete screed and hollow blocks.
BELOW Sugar Lips’ dessert platters carry through the concept of “overflowing”.
Singapore has no shortage of trendy hipster cafes, but Sugar Lips packs a punch. Located conveniently in the Orchard Road shopping belt, the “artistic dessert cafe” has an outstanding look that blends contemporary industrial and Pop Art-inspired styles. Step into the main space, and be immersed in a scene brimming with neon colours — a grey concrete canvas, oozing with bright colourful paint.
Branding and interior designer Riston Foo of Whiz Concepts says Sugar Lips’ bold interiors is based on the concept of “overflowing”, which is evident in the artful fluorescent mess trickling from the ceiling, past suspended oil barrels, and onto the walls, booth seats and floor.
In fact, everything – from the shop’s name and logo, to the menu and plating, to the decor and staff uniform – was conceptualised by Riston. He even taught the staff to plate the desserts in a specific manner. “Every dessert platter is a work of art, like a painting,” he says, “and the concept of overflowing and dripping extends to the plating!”
For such statement-making interiors, the use of simple, basic materials is ingenious. The flooring is concrete screed, the walls were kept bare and ceiling left exposed, while hollow blocks were used to build the dining seats. But, stacked in staggered heights to form the booth seating, they give every table a sense of privacy. “These high partitions are unique for a dessert place, and makes each booth a nice spot to chill out with friends in,” says the designer.
At Sugar Lips, the over-the-top multicoloured confections take centre stage, although refreshing drinks and savoury bites are also offered. Desserts, available in various sizes (from $12.90), include sponge cakes, lava cakes and waffles, served with ice cream, fruit toppings or candy-coloured marshmallows, as well as dramatic drizzles of sweet sauce to complete the picture.
SUGAR LIPS IS AT #02-01 ORCHARD GATEWAY, TEL: 6386-6387.
Text LOUISA CLARE LIM photography DARREN CHANG art direction DON TAN
