Housed within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Hortus—formerly known as Fennel Cafe—is a new Mediterranean restaurant by the Unlisted Collection which runs many exciting F&B concepts in Singapore including Burnt Ends, Basque Kitchen by Aitor, Meatsmith, The Market Grill and more.

Helmed by Chef/Owner Michael Wilson, Hortus is a new concept that specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and it is officially opening to the public on 6 October 2021.

Hortus is an all-day dining restaurant which serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The prices range from S$8 – S$30 for a small plate, S$15 for salads, and S$28 – S$45 for a main course.

Some of the things that you can look forward to at Hortus:

• Mediterranean salads
• Mediterranean dips
• Home-baked breads
• Mediterranean mains
• Housemade cakes, tarts and pastries

Hortus will be taking over the space vacated by Fennel Cafe while another new concept will be replacing the former Pollen Restaurant and it is slated to open in the next few weeks.

Hortus
18 Marina Drive, #01-09 Level 2 Flower Dome
Singapore 018953
Wed – Sun: 10am – 9pm

Fennel Cafe is a garden-themed cafe at Flower Dome within Gardens By The Bay which offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore Flyer. It is easily one of the prettiest places to have afternoon tea in Singapore.

The Afternoon Tea Set is priced at S$45++/pax (deposit is required for reservations).

Here’s what you can expect from Fennel Cafe’s Afternoon Tea Menu.

Savoury

• Egg salad sandwich with tomato chutney
• Chicken liver parfait cherry
• Salmon rillettes and cucumber sandwich
• Gruyere cheese gougeres
• Buttered leek and cheddar quiche

Sweet

• Mandarin choux
• Peanut butter and jelly macaron
• Salted caramel and pine nut tart
• Mango cream doughnut
• Whole wheat shortbread with chocolate and marshmallow

Devonshire

• Homemade scones with clotted cream & berry jam

Coffee/Tea Selection

• English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos Vanilla
• Espresso, Macchiato, Long Black, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Mocha

At S$45++/pax, we were perhaps expecting more from the afternoon tea set, but it wasn’t the most impressive spread. The sandwiches, scones and doughnuts were great, but everything else wasn’t that memorable.

It is also worth mentioning that Fennel Cafe offers free-flow coffee/tea for the Afternoon Tea set (one beverage per person to be served at a time).

Having said that, we would still return to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea for the ambience and the complimentary access to the Flower Dome. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a leisure afternoon tea and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Do take note of the following if you are planning to go to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea.

There is a free buggy service from Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza to the Flower Dome and the service runs every five minutes from 11.30 am onwards.

You can also get complimentary access to the Flower Dome without paying the entrance fee which saves you S$12/adult. Make sure to take a stroll in the Flower Dome after having your afternoon tea at Fennel Cafe.

Fennel Cafe
S$45++/pax
3pm – 5pm (last seating at 4pm)

A charming, beautiful dining spot that’s a surefire way to impress a date, POLLEN Terrace astounds with its lush botanical surroundings, stellar service and delicious French-Mediterranean food that presents itself in the most vibrant of colours.

POLLEN Terrace takes up a large space in the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay and you can get there by hopping onto a personalised buggy ride at the arrival plaza—how fun is that?!

All POLLEN’s guests are also given complimentary access to the flower dome so you really do get so much more out of your meal there!

While the main draw of POLLEN is the restaurant at level one that offers multi-course dining, the terrace bar on level two is equally worth visiting too. Unlike many open bars in Singapore where you will have to bear with the midday heat, the temperatures at POLLEN will always remain at a cool 20 degrees Celsius.

It is always a great time to have a tipple at POLLEN; the curated beverage menu comprises their signature cocktails, wines and beers from both international and local brands.

Have a starter to whet your appetite. POLLEN’s couscous, duck ham, date and pomegranate salad (S$19++) is a visual feast that is refreshing and palatable on the taste buds as well.

One of our favourites on the menu, the Saffron risotto with beef cheek (S$34++) came with a chunk of juicy beef cheek placed on a bed of creamy saffron risotto that reminds us of the Spanish paella. We would, however, recommend this only for the light eaters or for sharing with other mains as the serving size is not substantial.

POLLEN’s 1,000 Guineas Shorthorn Beef (Striploin – S$38++, Ribeye – S$48++) is a treat for the senses.

From the perfectly seared edges to the medium pinkish interior, this one is for all the meat lovers. Accompanied on the side is a serving of fluffy, buttery mashed potato and a grilled portobello mushroom.

Pollen Terrace
18 Marina Gardens Drive
#02-09 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6604 9988
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay – Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair - is probably the most talked about attraction in Singapore this Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland is for everyone – young and old, lovers and friends. The Garden lights up in full glory when night falls, and it is a picturesque sight that is nothing short of stunning. It is little wonder everyone is putting this on their Christmas to-do list.

It runs from 27 November 2015 to 03 January 2016, and is open from 4pm to midnight daily. If you are planning a trip, here is a simple guide on What To Expect At Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay.

THE PARKING SITUATION IS CRAZY

Set off earlier, because chances are, you are gonna be stuck in a queue – a queue to turn in to the car park, and a “queue” to park your vehicle. We joined the long line of cars at about 7pm, and only got an unofficial lot at 7:45pm.

There are various car park and entrances, but we suggest turning in to the Meadow car park because it is a relatively shorter walk to the rides and carnival games area. There is also a “designated area” for unofficial parking – if you know what we mean.

Of course, the main entrance sees the longest queue, so those with more patience can turn in from that entrance.

WEAR LIGHTER CLOTHES

Singapore doesn’t have the kindest humidity level; we all know that, yes? Even more so at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay, where the human density is high and being less than one arm’s length apart from another human means it is going to be even hotter.

Go dressed in lightweight apparels and fuss-free clothes. Breathable sportswear works best, as with a pair of good walking shoes. You are gonna walk a lot, so ditch them heels. It may be a Christmas Wonderland but we ain’t gonna survive with furry capes and high heeled boots.

Skirts and dresses aren’t advised unless you do not mind the “exposure” when you take the rides and fool around on the Trickart set (we will talk about this in a bit).

DO NOT BRING BIG BAGS

This is not a rule, but it is always easier to move around with minimal baggage, yes?

And when it is going to be so crowded, all you want is to simply enjoy the night without having to worry that someone might stick their hands into your bag through your blind spots.

ADMISSION TO CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

is free. Yay!

But rides and games are payable – optional, of course. Strolling around the beautiful compound is still free, so is snapping a thousand and one photos.

PREPARE (LOTS OF) CASH

While admission is free, you should still be prepped with cash on hand – for the rides, for the games, for the food, for candy floss, for souvenirs…

The rides and carnival games are payable via tokens, and generic tokens are sold at various token booths across the compound. To give you a gauge, a go on the big slide costs S$8 per person, and a carousel ride is S$10 per person. Yes, that is why you need lots of cash.

CARNIVAL GAMES

Expect many booths of carnival games that are suitable for both young and old. They are mostly kids-friendly, but of course, the help of an adult may increase your chances of winning that Minion/ Toy Story stuffed toy.

We tried most of them, and let’s just say there is a reason why we could easily count the number of visitors who walked away with prizes with a pair of hands.

LUMINARIE

Light sculptures after light sculptures, these architectural gems are handmade in Italy and can be spotted throughout the Garden.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

The 20.3-metre wide Ice Palace is a highlight of the Christmas Wonderland, and it features both a Snow Playground and an Ice Skating Rink.

Open from 4pm to 11pm daily, it costs S$12 for a 30-minute session at the Snow Playground (inclusive of boots) and S$14 for a 45-minute session at the Ice Skating Rink (inclusive of skates). The admissions are payable via tokens only, so get your tokens ready (buy them at the Token Booth) before you queue up!

You should bring your own socks and gloves, though. Otherwise, they can be purchased at the booth.

FOR THE YOUNG ONES

The kids will have a ball of a time with the many rides that are favourites at typical European Christmas fairs.

The vintage Carousel is the most gorgeous, and makes a perfect backdrop for photos! Hop on for a ride at S$10 per ride per person.

There is also a big slide that is 14 metres tall. Toddlers are not advised to take the ride unless it is with the company of an adult. It costs S$8 per ride per person.

Kids will also love the Magic Swing – a safe ride with harness and the accompaniment of the evening breeze. It costs S$8 per ride per child.

And something for the whole family is a ride on the Christmas Train, where you will be taken for a spin around the Garden to admire the festive lights alongside all the other happy souls onboard. It costs S$6 per ride per person.

Do note that for all the above, the payment mode is via tokens and the tokens have to be exchanged at the Token Booth prior to the ride.

FOOD AT CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND – YOU CAN GO WITHOUT DINNER

Lots of dining options are available at the Garden, including food trucks, pop-up restaurants and a food court.

Some names include Harry’s, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano by Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and Culina.

PICNIC, MAYBE?

But of course, you are more than welcome to pack your own basket and have a picnic on the many grass patches and corners at Gardens By The Bay. That is quite some unadulterated fun you can enjoy under the Christmas lights with your loved ones!

TRICKART

Have fun with the original 3D optical mirror-illusion at the TrickArt corner and create a portrait that is one of its kind! This is probably the only time you get to “sit on Marina Bay Sands”, and go on a Sleigh Ride. *cues Christmas carols*

PHOTO BOOTH

Otherwise, there are regular photo booths that you can have fun at and get some photos taken. They are at S$5 per session.

Have fun at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!

Singapore has always been known as a ‘Garden City’, and with the opening of Gardens by The Bay, it further strengthens and positions Singapore as a city in a garden. Some people have compared it to London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park, and while the comparison is flattering, Gardens by The Bay is very much different and has its own character and X-factor.

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by The Bay is made up of three waterfront gardens – Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden – and it houses over 250,000 rare plants. Alongside other main attractions like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and the skyscrapers at the Marina Bay area, Gardens by The Bay has become an iconic part of the beautiful Singapore’s skyline. In years to come, I am sure it will become one of Singapore’s prominent national icons.

Gardens by The Bay also has a conservatory complex which comprises two cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome – the worlds largest columnless glasshouse – and the Cloud Forest. Entry admission to the two domes for local residents is S$20 per person, while the standard rate for all other visitors is S$28 per person. Besides the two domes, you can also take a walk on the OCBC Skywalk (S$5 admission fee), a 128-metre long walkway at the Supertree Grove with a height of 22-metres.

Another reason to visit Gardens by the Bay is to dine at the restaurants and eateries in the park. From fine dining restaurant such as Pollen by Jason Atherton – owner of Pollen Street Social in London – to popular local chains Canele Patisserie and Bakerzin, to casual eateries at Supertree Dining like Casa Verde, Peach Garden Noodle House, as well as the new open-air food court Satay by the Bay – it is a good excuse to visit Gardens by the Bay to have a meal, and take a long stroll after dinner.

Gardens by The Bay Singapore
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Nearest Station: Bayfront