How nightclubs in Singapore are adapting in times of closure

The popular basement nightspot has since transformed from a music club to a supper club. Called Cherry Diner, the underground space now functions as an eatery that comes complete with snazzy hip hop tunes and dim mood lighting.

Safe distancing rules might have forced Cherry to pivot, but the transition feels natural. “It was hard to come up with the right food that suited the vibe of our space,” says Wayne Chiam, managing director of Cherry Discotheque.

Existing neon fixtures lend well to complement the American diner theme, and the menu features hearty grub of hotdogs, pizzas, and other finger food. The best part? Cherry Diner opens till (very) late, just like the old times. Night owls can look forward to a supper line-up of mocktails (the no booze after 10.30pm rule still applies), ice cream waffles, churros, cakes, and more.

So while nightclubs typically enforce a smart-casual dress code, it’s now possible to swing by Zouk while being decked out in just athleisure wear and sport sneakers. As part of its latest pivot, adrenaline junkies can swing by the dance floor for a new heart-pumping adventure: rhythmic cycling.

So instead of dancing on the floor, club-goers can now groove on a bike. Come daytime, Zouk has partnered Absolute Cycle to transform the cavernous space into a two-storey pop-up spin studio – jazzed up with the club’s dramatic light display and sonorous sound system.

“We knew quite early on that gyms and fitness studios were becoming increasingly hard to book due to capacity issues,” says CEO of Zouk Group, Andrew Li. Utilising the dance floor, thus, made for a win-win situation: the unused space can now house some 50 bikes, all while adhering to safety regulations. Classes also come with the added perk of light and visual effects, synchronised to the beat of the music.

“By utilising the audio-visual and lighting effects, we could also elevate the experience to the next level,” adds Andrew.

Come nightfall, the bikes then make way for Zouk Cinema Club. Beyond just a romantic spot to catch a flick, the movie-watching experience is now elevated with snazzy light effects and quality sound system that changes according to the scene on the screen.

On the inspiration behind this new-age theatre-going experience, Andrew shares: “With our huge LED screen, world-class sound and lighting, we felt that a cinema experience would make great use of the space.”

Themed nights that change up bi-monthly will feature cult classics and new releases alike. This month, the theme For The Love of Music will see the screening of Moulin Rouge, complete with a replica of the Red Mill.

But how will these novel lifestyle offerings change in light of the recent nightlife pilots?

“The pilots don’t change any future plans for the Zouk Group,” says Andrew. “If anything, the pandemic has sped up our expansion into new territories and new verticals that we are building.”