Eat, play, work: Crane’s new boho escape now open at Arab Street (Photos)

The ground floor of Crane on Arab Street. Photo: Carolyn Teo/Coconuts

By Carolyn Teo

Nov 26, 2021 | 11:47am Singapore time

All photos: Carolyn Teo/Coconuts

Eat, play or work at a new space on Arab Street that looks taken straight out of a bohemian fantasy.

Crane, a social club that does it all – dining spot, coworking space, homeware retailer, and events hub – is ready to preach conscious living and sustainability at its new branch at 148 Arab Street.

Like its flagship in Robertson Quay, Crane’s new space in the street’s line of shophouses is filled with boho-chic decor spread through three narrow stories. On the ground floor, the Arab Street Cantina serves up Asian and Middle Eastern dishes in an intimate dining area with shelves of the brand’s homewares stacked for sale. Up a floor, there is a coworking space with multiple work tables, a ping pong table, and rows of chairs for every mood. Up on the highest, a cozy corner for less serious business with a skylight and more comfy couches throughout the room.

You definitely won’t want to miss their Crane Living retail brand’s collection of unique decorations and everyday kitchen and dinnerware displayed on almost all the walls they could find including hallways and along staircases.

The food follows an Asian farm-to-table concept in which dishes are made with ingredients sourced fresh locally and portions kept just nice to minimize wastage, enough to, in their words, “keep it real without compromising on flavor.” Their specialties include the Red Curry Prawn Conchiglie (S$20) made with prawns, grilled greens, herb salad, peanuts and charred lime and comes served with conchiglie pasta. For sides, they have the Corn and Curry Leaf Bhajiya, Tamarind, Green Chili Chutney (S$12), aka fried fritters married with sweet and spiced flavors; and for dessert, a sugary Rose, Pistachio and Orange Almond Cake (S$6).

The limited space doesn’t stop the brand from hosting workshops and events promoting conscious living, sustainability and holistic wellness while prioritizing collaborations with local businesses. Current happenings include a wellness talk, an arts and crafts fundraiser and an open support group for victims of scams.

To work there and get discounted rates on food and events, daily passes are S$22. Monthly membership plans start at S$99.

Crane, which also has a retail store selling homeware and decor at Tanglin, is expanding to open a Joo Chiat outlet next month.