Finding a caffeine fix before a movie usually means settling for whatever is available at the popcorn counter. Or do you still watch movies in cinemas?
Anyway, the appearance of Centro Espresso & Matcha Bar on level five of Shaw House is a refreshing change.
Located right outside the entrance to Shaw Theatres Lido, this open-concept space feels worlds apart from the usual dimly lit cinema foyers.
I found that the design makes good use of the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a sweeping view of the busy Orchard Road junction and ION Orchard on one side.
Makes a good stop if you want a short break from the bustle of Orchard Road.
But do note this cafe and bar section is more of a grab-and-go concept.
The coffee selection is curated by Toby’s Estate, the Australian-born roastery that helped shape Singapore’s early specialty coffee scene.
Do you know Toby’s Estate Australia’s Chippendale flagship was crowned The World’s Best Coffee Shop at the inaugural World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops?
Anyway, specialty coffee options include Latte ($5), Espresso ($4), Long Black ($4), Piccolo or Macchiato ($5), Mocha ($7), and a Ready to Drink Iced Long Black in a can ($7).
There’s also the Salted Caramel Popcorn Latte ($7 hot only), a fitting nod to its cinema setting.
They feature their signature Woolloomooloo blend, which many regular café-goers will recognise for its bold, chocolatey profile.
Matcha lovers are also well served through a collaboration with Matcha Project, a local specialist known for sourcing ceremonial grade powders directly from Uji, Japan.
Matcha options include Signature Matcha Latte ($6 hot, $7 iced), Dirty Matcha Latte ($6 hot, $7 iced), Hojicha Latte ($6 hot, $7 iced), and the Pomelo Oat Iced Matcha Latte ($7 iced only).
I had the Pomelo Oat Iced Matcha Latte and found that the pomelo added a bright, citrusy lift that cut through the earthiness of the matcha.
Maybe I have had too many strawberry matchas lately, so this felt like a refreshing change. The oat milk also gave the drink a creamy, slightly toasted base that carried the bitterness of the tea well.
While the bar operates as a café during the day, the restaurant side also has a more substantial “Main Event” menu for those dining later.
Despite the prime location, the seating area remains relatively peaceful during off-peak hours. The price point is slightly higher than a standard café, but the view helps justify it.
Centro Espresso & Matcha Bar
350 Orchard Road, Level 5, Shaw House, Singapore 238868
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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