What happens when seven prominent purveyors of F&B and nightlife establishments in Singapore come together to create a new concept? The result is Cotu, an unabashed love letter to partygoers. An acronym for Centre Of The Universe, the sprawling 18,000 sq ft venue is located on the 38th and 39th floors of CapitaGreen.
“It’s about being the centre of your universe in one extraordinary place. We designed it to blur the lines between work and play. Whether you’re here for a meeting, a getaway, or a night out, our goal is to create a perfectly tailored experience—all under one roof,” says its co-founder Sarissa Rodriguez- Schwartz.
Together with husband Joshua Schwartz, she counts Pangaea, Bang Bang, LuLu’s Lounge, and Employees Only, among their pride and glory. The duo joined forces with five other nightlife mavens (and former rivals) for Cotu, including Phillip Poon and Cedric Chong of Providence Kuala Lumpur, Filter, Mink, and Empire; Cher Ng, owner of Iron Fairies, Zouk, and Amber Lounge; Mikey M.S., Co-founder of Attica, Attica Shanghai, and Le Noir; and Sanji Van, Co-founder of Barouv Rooftop Bar and Abriza Rooftop Bar.
With decades of experience between them, the entertainment scene is poised for shake-up. Through Cotu, they hope to revitalise Singapore’s nightlife, which took a severe hit during Covid-19 pandemic.
“In Singapore, there is no multi-concept lifestyle destination like Cotu outside of a hotel or shopping mall. Bringing together five distinct, carefully crafted experiences under one roof, Cotu is entirely unprecedented—not just in Singapore, but throughout the region,”
Rodriguez-Schwartz emphasises.
As a standalone venue at a prime location, Cotu hopes to set a new standard by offering luxury amenities, tailored dining and cocktail experiences, and a stunning pool lounge accessible to everyone. “This isn’t just a venue, but a dynamic destination poised to elevate Singapore’s nightlife and lifestyle scene to new heights.”
Collaboration with award-winning Threaded Creatives resulted in the design of each of Cotu’s five distinct concepts and members club. The multidisciplinary design studio envisioned a cohesive narrative that flows seamlessly from one concept to the next once you step foot in the space.
“Threaded Creatives designed a layout that maximised our building’s unique location and architectural features. Symbolising the centre of the universe concept, Little Birdie serves as a welcoming point of arrival. Enso steakhouse and The Whisper Room are positioned to fully embrace the expansive views through full-height windows, creating a stunning backdrop for dining and social gatherings,” she explains.
A striking double-height back bar, grand piano, and stage set an opulent, intimate tone in The Whisper Room. In Enso’s design, visual drama meets warmth. A ripple mirror ceiling and suspended mirror sculpture command attention, while cove-lit leather wall panels soften the space and enhance its acoustics. Dashi Go-Go features retro-inspired club lighting and strategic mirror placements to create a dynamic party atmosphere for a full night of partying.
The Whisper Room is a special place for Rodriguez-Schwartz. “It’s a funky disco house reimagined in a paradise setting, blending two of my favourite influences: the timeless allure of a New York City jazz club and the vibrant warmth of up-tempo bebop.”
She sees Cotu as a transformative experience beginning at The Whisper Room, a serene escape from the bustle outside. While enjoying rifts on beloved New York classic cocktails, guests immerse themselves in the glamour of New York’s Jazz Age.
Embracing Japanese sensibilities, Enso steakhouse offers a refined take on American steakhouse cuisine. Executive Chef Alex Craciun’s goal is to “reimagine the art of steak”. The cuts he selects embody a balance of flavour, texture, and quality. “With our walk-in dry-ageing facility, we experiment with different ageing techniques and timeframes to maximise the flavour of each cut.”
He is especially excited to highlight dry-aged beef using Koji. Traditionally used in miso, soy sauce, and sake fermentation, the Japanese fermenting agent brings out that
umami taste, tenderises meat, and imparts unique, nuanced flavours that make each bite exceptional.
Steak connoisseurs shouldn’t miss out on the Chef’s Passion tasting menu. “Guests get to savour several cuts side by side, highlighting the perfect fusion of Japanese precision, as well as bold, layered flavours that define our approach,” Craciun adds.
Aside from steak, the chef also recommends the Dry-Aged French Duck. A dish meant to be shared, the duck is roasted over a wood fire to bring out its rich, deep flavours. A glaze of citrus infused honey, lime leaves, and aromatic spices adds layers of complexity and subtle sweetness. A caramelised onion tarte tatin, duck sauce, and refreshing pickled apple round out the dish’s harmonious flavours and textures.
Rodriguez-Schwartz recommends taking a leisurely break near the Dashi Sky Pool after a satisfying meal at Enso. As day turns into night, unwind with Little Birdie’s cocktails before capping off the perfect evening with pulsing music and entertainment at Dashi Go-Go.
ONE VENUE: FIVE CONCEPTS & A PRIVATE SOCIAL CLUB
Little Birdie
Cotu’s lift opens at Little Birdie for good reason. The cosy 38th-floor bar seats 20 for pre-dinner drinks or casual catch-ups. The everchanging menu includes six playful and theatrical cocktails created by renowned mixologist Elliot Pascoe of Sydney’s Bulletin Palace and Singapore’s 28 Hong Kong Street.
Enso
Expect a classic American steakhouse experience with a Japanese twist. Amid sprawling views of Singapore’s Central Business District, the restaurant serves bold, premium meat cuts with precise Japanese culinary artistry. Executive Chef Alex Craciun oversees the dry-ageing of beef in a specially designed ageing room to enhance its flavour and tenderness.
The Whisper Room
Taking inspiration from New York’s sophisticated hotel bars, The Whisper Room is a high-energy jazz lounge best enjoyed with a sunset. Enjoy throwback tunes and signature cocktails during the day. As night falls, immerse yourself in DJ sets, jazz performances, innovative drinks, and delectable snacks.
Dashi Go-Go Ultra Lounge
Straight out of a sci-fi dream, neo-Tokyo Bladerunner aesthetics abound at Dashi Go-Go Ultra Lounge. Hip-hop and R&B beats fuel an electrifying experience as you enjoy the glittering nightscape while dancing, sipping cocktails, and unwinding.
Dashi Sky Pool
There’s nothing more relaxing than taking a dip in the Dashi Sky Pool on a lazy evening. You can spend your time lazing around in cabanas under the stars, watching floating film festivals, or even taking a dip in the pool to cool down from a hot day.
Members’ Only Social Club
Sign up for the private membership programme if you want ultimate exclusivity. Cotu’s Hidden Room is included along with priority reservations, private wine storage, a personal concierge service, and global culinary experiences. A tailored dry-aged beef programme is another highlight. It is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience, since every member receives a bespoke cut, aged to perfection, and prepared exclusively for him.
