If you’re unable to get F1 tickets or if you’d prefer to enjoy the buzz away from the races, here are places to live it up amid the party atmosphere
The Formula One Grand Prix season is roaring into town and, try as we might, there’s a party vibe that many of us can’t ignore.
If you’re not so interested in the races or not able to get tickets, here are other places around town where you can have a blast with your friends and loved ones. We scope out the best alternative haunts to allow you to join in the F1 revelry.
1. Have a savoury speedy buffet
Besides offering a breathtaking view of the race, Mandarin Oriental is also gearing up with special buffet rates at Melt. The Speedy Lunch Buffet is going for $45 per person (for 45 minutes) and the Speedy Dinner Buffet is priced at $60 (for 60 minutes).
The buffets feature quality offerings such as freshly-sliced sashimi (all meals), Australian beef striploin (lunch only), Wagyu beef, Maine lobster and snow crab (dinner only). You can bet I’ll be speeding my way to this buffet line!
If you’re in a more indulgent mood, head down to the classy Raffles Hotel on race day (Sep 20) for the Formula One Champagne Brunch. Be spoiled by unlimited Billecart-Salmon Champagne alongside a lavish spread of fresh seafood, carving stations and more. This buffet is available at $308 per adult.
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue & Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd
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2. Dance with celebrities like F1 racers and LMFAO’s Sky Blu
If you couldn’t catch a break scoring Grandstand seats or Grand Prix concert passes, here’s how you can still get close to the stars in town — perhaps even closer!
The Grand Prix After-Party at The Podium Lounge is the place to be on the F1 nights. It’ll be revved up from the get-go, with “Game of Thrones” actor and DJ Kristian Nairn opening the party on Sep 18. Fierce Angel will turn it up a notch on Sep 19, and race night (Sep 20) will hit a climax with LMFAO’s Sky Blu bringing the house down.
Look out for other exclusive features at The Podium Lounge, such as Andy Warhol pop art and fashion showcases. Celebrities from the F1 race teams and concerts may even make an appearance!
The Podium Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue
Also read: Top 8 F1 events to book now
3. Snag a cheap staycay
If intimate and private get-togethers are more your cup of tea, take advantage of these hotel staycation offers during the race weekend.
Fairmont Singapore is knocking 25 per cent off its bill for stays (on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) until Dec 30 with 20 per cent off selected restaurants and massages at Willow Stream Spa.
Or take your party to the historical Fullerton Hotel, where there’s a lounge with exclusive access to the rooftop viewing platform that directly overlooks the F1 racetrack. Along with Fairmont, Fullerton is offering some premier Grand Prix track-view packages too, if you’ve got some spare cash.
Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd & Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square
4. Make a splash at an F1-themed pool party
If you’d like to be far away from the Grand Prix crowds, hit the pool at Sentosa Cove’s Splash & Dash event on Sep 19. Held at W Singapore’s Wet Deck, the party will feature Grammy Award-winning duo Dirty Vegas pumping out the beats to keep your engines running.
If you’re a Grand Prix super fan, be sure to swerve by because the flashy race car Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 will also be making a pit stop there.
W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way
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5. Cheer on your F1 favourite at a sports bar
Catching sports on TV with your best buds (be it friends or a beer and chips) is a simple yet magical recipe for the perfect Grand Prix night out.
O’Leary’s Sportsbar & Grill serves up an all-American vibe, complete with Tex-Mex bites, live-action screening and cheers and high-fives all around when your favourite racer clinches the championship.
O’Leary’s Sportsbar & Grill, Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave
By Pamela Chow
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