Starker Fresh Beer Bistro: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation

Andy Tan's Award-Winning Design Brings Ancient Europe to Modern Singapore

Located in Katong, a region known for its authentic food and historical buildings, the Starker Fresh Beer Bistro stands out for its distinctive design. Tan's vision was to create a European back-alley bistro that offers consumers a stress-free environment to enjoy fresh beer. To achieve this, he used materials commonly found in Europe, such as stone pavements, rock houses, and natural wood, to enrich the atmosphere.

The unique properties of the bistro lie in its design philosophy. As Singapore lacks natural resources, it is challenging to convince consumers that the bistro serves authentic beer and food. Hence, Tan's design aims to create an authentic European experience in the heart of Singapore. The use of heavy stone and rock, mounted onto a specially customized heavy-duty cladding structure, adds to the authenticity of the space.

One of the main challenges Tan faced was creating an ancient building in a modern hotel. With Singapore rapidly advancing in technology and modernist concepts, traditional elements have often been left behind. However, Tan's design embraces these traditional elements, creating a landmark in the heart of the heritage road that symbolizes the value of tradition and culture.

The bistro, which spans approximately 2000 square feet, is located outside a newly built hotel, Hotel Indigo. It serves as the main attraction for the buildings around it, drawing attention to its unique design and concept. The design was completed in September 2016, after extensive research into the architecture of ancient Europe and how it could be integrated into a modern city like Singapore.

In conclusion, Andy Tan's Starker Fresh Beer Bistro is a remarkable blend of heritage and innovation. It not only offers a unique dining experience but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving tradition and culture in a rapidly advancing world. The bistro's success and recognition, as evidenced by its Silver A' Design Award, are a testament to Tan's innovative approach to design and his commitment to authenticity.