Water sports, ‘premium’ convenience store among new offerings opening soon on Lazarus Island

A “HYBRID” CONVENIENCE STORE

The island will soon see its first convenience store by the end of this month, but it will be more than just that, said its operator Bespoke Dining Club (BDC).

“It’s a hybrid of a day-to-day convenience store and a food truck,” said BDC’s chef-owner Samuel Quan.

Currently, rows of biscuits, chips, drinks, as well as health and beauty essentials, have already been put up. Microwaveable ready-to-eat meals, ready-to-grill food items and barbecue pits that utilise eco-friendly materials will also be available.

The finishing touches are being added to a “food booth” section. When ready, premium offerings such as cheese, meat and oyster platters will be served. Also on the menu are fresh locally-sourced produce like barramundi from a nearby hatchery and Singapore-farmed mussels.

“I think the fun and enjoyable part is being able to offer island goers a much (more) premium experience on the island, such as things they wouldn’t expect in terms of food,” said Mr Quan.

In line with the eco-friendly theme, the storefront is repurposed from shipping containers. 

Customers who require bags for their purchases will be offered a sustainable option made with cassava starch. These plastic alternatives are biodegradable and can even be broken down in seawater into food for fish, Mr Quan said.

The convenience store officially opens in end-October and operating hours are 10am to 6pm on Fridays to Sundays. 

LOW-CARBON “TINY HOUSES”

Since its official launch in May, there has been huge demand for the five “tiny houses” operated by home-grown firm Big Tiny.

More than 1,000 people have spent the night in these cabins, located a stone’s throw from the jetty, which offer a relaxing view of the seafront. The site is “almost fully booked” until next February, said Big Tiny’s co-founder Jeff Yeo.

While these standalone units – each between 150 and 170 sq ft in size – look tiny from the outside, they are well-stocked with the amenities of a regular hotel room.

They are air-conditioned and come with a queen-sized bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom equipped with a hot-water shower. The bigger units have an additional sofa bed for two more people. Wi-Fi is also available in each room.