In HONCHO, DJ KoFlow combines local culture, great grub, artistic unity, and nightlife under one roof

Revered Singaporean turntablist and producer Wayne Liu aka DJ KoFlow has turned his focus onto a new foray - nightlife establishment and cultural hub HONCHO. Billed as a lifestyle venue, the new introduction to the Singaporean cultural circuit is located at a district that's befitting its ethos.

Nestled at the pally corner of 12 Ann Siang Hill (the cornershop which most recently housed Catchfly and The Screening Room), the locale boasts an illustrious history of hip brick-and-mortars and discotheques, which plays very much into what the spanking new haven wants to dish out.

Chiefly, HONCHO pivots on three axes to compliment its bustling suburb - exquisite grub and food, art and music, and connection - although the three aren't mutually confined to just any one level. With its three axes comes three different floors that encapsulates the over-arching ideology firmly.

First from the entrance is HONCHO itself; the ground floor is home to a maximalist-tiled izakaya and omakase dining experience that's decked out in future-wave lighting. Its character is bold but not obnoxious, and chowing down on its Japanese-centric curations amidst swanky cocktails and soul music, one can imagine the room packed in decadence.

Notably, all levels come with its own menu and music programming, something which Liu explains as he dashes within the establishment himself to greet punters, as we indulged in the Honcho A4 Wagyu Brioche Toast and Truffle Tai Carpaccio from their endless Asian-Western offerings.

Take the elevator up to its rooftop for a breather but be charmed by Jō, an open-top bar that salutes and pays homage to some of our island's best breweries and liquere makers, on top of brazen displays from some of our most celebrated street artists. 

Here is where guests can indulge in scenic sights of Ann Siang over Asian cocktails and classics alike, whether that's post HONCHO or a nightcap hunt. Famed mixologist and one of our most celebrated female bartenders Noreen Dunzo heads the cocktail palette throughout, but take a closer look at Off Day Beer Company and Tanglin Gin for several off-left selections as well. The Blackforest Flambe below, as well as the Devil's Tongue and Tanglin Spark took our vote for cocktails. 

And if you're in the right circles, Social@HONCHO commands the basement as an invite-only reprieve. Its limited seating alongside subdued decor is a recipe for bottomless conversation and connection, prioritising intimacy and seclusion that's rightly tucked beneath the surface. 

On it's whole, the entirety of HONCHO bills itself as a hot hub for the everyday creative, or those yearning for a proper hustle and bustle, a palace where grandiosity intertwines with culture to present the best of and for all parties. But for most anyone, the hip-hop champion says, there's plenty in store regardless. “I view it as an inclusive destination with a bit for everybody. Whether you’re a creative, into food and drinks, or into design, art and performances, or really just to have a wonderful drink, this is the space for you.”

“A lot of people say they support local, but few actually follow through,” Liu says. “The local artists are often taken for granted. The relationship isn’t truly collaborative, and they don’t get enough credit, or even proper remuneration.”

It's a testament to Liu and entrepreneur Amos Poh, a collaborator that strikingly was bandmates with the DJ himself, coming together for a hurrah within a circuit that's seen many similar hives alike shut down. It's a much-welcomed rhetoric that the circuit's constantly aching for, one that combines different disciplines and celebrates a coming together of local brains and boldness. 

With HONCHO it seems like the buck doesn't stop here, as Liu teases the possibility of collaborations abroad. And while that might not be on the horizon just yet, head on down to their digs for a fantastic coming together of food, drinks, music, and people - the head honcho himself would love a toast.

Located at 12 Ann Siang Road, HONCHO is ready for dine-ins and reservations. To visit, head on over to their Instagram and Facebook pages.