Helipad

I remember seeing on television this bar called Runway in the US. Located in close proximity to the airport, the interior design coupled with sounds of real planes taking off provided the background noise for this runway bar concept. Hence, sparked the interest in our Helipad visitation. Moreover, my entire party this night was previously from the Air Force back in our NS days. 

Helipad has a simple concept. Consisting of 2 different levels, the lower level is more or less a club setting while the upper level is more for bumming around, chilling and taking in the ambience. There is a large "H" in the centre of the upper level which doubles up as seats. If you are planning to chat, the upper level is for you. It's overlooking the Singapore river and has a nice panoramic view of Clarke Quay.

Being a Friday night, the upper level was having 1-for-1 happy hour till 9pm for all housepours. I took the house red which wasn't very smooth, similar to those found off the shelves at NTUC for $20. The crowd was typically made up of individuals in their mid 20s to early 30s and were probably workers from the nearby offices taking a well deserved end of week break.

Drinks here aren't exactly economical and feedback from my friends was that their vodka lime was diluted and the white wine wasn't good. Service was fine but I did pity the floor manager who was all suited up in a non air-con environment.

Bon Appetit!

   Went there for drinks after dinner and staff were polite and jovial. Drinks menu were alright but could have more selection.

    Would go back there again just to drink and chill out.

This is my second visit to Helipad and I was there just for a drinks with some friends to chill out. I ordered a bottle of Wolf Blass Chardonnay which was priced at S$60 before taxes and service charge.

When the bill came, the total amount with 10% service charge and 7% GST comes up to S$70.62. However the Helipad's billing system automatically rounds up the bill to S$71.00 no matter what mode of payment you are making.

Out of curiosity I asked the waiter for the reason on the mark up and if it is part of their billing system. The waiter was unsure and excused himself to check with the manager.

However he came back with the most OUTRAGEOUS reason saying that his Manager advised that it is the norm for ALL F&B OUTLETS to round up bills like that.

I was really shocked and disgusted at this reply but I did not want to create a scene because of S$0.38. However I vowed never to go back to them again and hope this serves as a warning to future customers of Helipad. ( I have attached a copy of the receipt as proof)

Seen an elevator before?
That's how the Helipad entrance looked like to me.

JC pressed a square button, the lights blinked "h e l i p a d" and the door opened. Pretty cool! There was a mirrored stretch of walkway leading to the insides. Twas dark, but there were these sensory sorta lights that followed where we walked. Pretty cool!

And because Wednesdays are Ladies' night, JC and I got to have free lychee martinis which tasted like... Lychee martinis. I'm nt much of a fan for alcoholic drinks. So it was just another beverage to me.

the interior was dim and tonight's Deejay was a certain Stephen Day guy whose choice of music I couldn't appreciate. I had to shout just so JC could hear me.

we explored Helipad a lil. There's a stairway that led to the second level which was open-air. Spectacular view.

wasn't too crowded tonight, but by the time we left (11pm), the crowd was slowly streaming in. Half of them were expats.

I thought the basins at the restroom were cute. I shan't spoil it by telling u how it operates but do check it out some time.

U know how guys like to pick up girls at the bars... well then, not at Helipad. Illumination's too dim, u can't even see anyone else's face unless u're at substantial proximity (say, 1 m).

But definitely a good place to chill after work (far from where the likes of Stephen though) or a long day of shopping.


I'd definitely be back if not for Stephen. Heh.