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| PHOTOS: Ferraine Sek |
Block 5, Changi Village Road
#01-2021
Q’son Coffeeshop
Started by William Teo and Thomas Lam, Streets of London is set in the relaxed yet bustling beachfront estate of Changi Village on the far east of Singapore.
With eateries and restaurants nearby offering similar fare, what sets Streets of London apart is its concept of bringing tasty Western fare into the heartland at affordable prices.
The stall sits on a prime site, as its glass counter stretches across a corner of the coffeeshop—visitors are drawn to the ingredients neatly presented at the counter. The menu board sits on a pillar at the end of the glass counter, where customers can take their time to ponder their choices while observing the chefs at work. They can then choose to sit at the glass counter or any one of the coffeeshop’s ample seating.
Weeks before the stall’s official opening on Jan. 16, a loyal following had already grown for the babyback ribs, which are a steal at $6.80. Unlike most rib offerings, there is no need for wrestling with this dish, as the meat separates from the bones easily, making it easy even for ladies to savor the ribs elegantly. Diners were overheard commenting that the ribs were better than Tony Roma’s. Coupled with the sauce created by Lam, or Chef Thomas as he’s affectionately known, the ribs have easily become one of my favorites.
Customers who are not into meat may like the garlic cheese pizza—a thin crusted creation that Lam recommends that you eat rolled up. Generously spread with cheese and garlic, it offers a sense of comfort upon that first bite. The thin crust makes it easy to eat—it doesn’t cause bloatedness like some other pizzas do. For those who like to shoot the breeze at Changi Village, to “enhance your dining experience,” beer is available on the menu, alongside your mouthwatering order of fish n’ chips, chicken chop or bangers n’ mash.
The business was also developed with the aim to create more employment for the needy. As Teo explains, Streets of London was designed as a franchise chain with the vision to hire the partially handicapped, hearing-impaired and ex-offenders. Backed by a strong social cause, as well as good food, Streets of London looks set to grow fast in reputation and fan base.
