The beginning of this year saw us bidding temporary farewells to an iconic coffeehouse outlet—the first of what would be an accrescent international franchise in Singapore for the years to come. A month and much anticipation later, Starbucks at Liat Towers has finally been revived, reborn and revving to caffeinate.

For 23 years, the bistro served as a sanctuary for tired feet belonging to city dwellers along the restless streets of Orchard Road. Fans flocked to the 24-hour cafe for a quick recharge mid-shopping spree, a late night’s cram, or that gathering you’ve been promising an old friend forever.

This particular Starbucks was designed as an alfresco cafe, with sheltered outdoor seating that lined the pavement in a patio-esque layout. Coupled with its basement location, the cosy space allows for an ideal people-watching sesh with a steaming mug or icy frappe in hand when the conversations die down.

With the reopening of a store that has arguably introduced Singaporeans to their quintessential corporate morning brew, also comes a refurbishment of the classic dual-levelled coffeehouse; all while retaining the best and upgrading the rest. The adored patio arrangement, for one, survives the revamp. And integrating the concept of an art gallery into the store, a massive feature wall displaying 100 hand-drawn cup art designs by baristas all over the island headlines the opening.

For your daily dose of caffeinated nostalgia, revisit a piece of history that has stood against time since 1996.

Starbucks at Liat Towers is located at #01-10A Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd. More info here.