Setting up shop amid the seedy karaoke joints and noisy Korean eateries of Tanjong Pagar says something about you as a proprietor. In the case of newbie art-bookscafé space The Pigeonhole, it’s that you’re not afraid to do things differently.

Pre-loved books, furniture and fresh flowers dress an otherwise raw alcove carpeted in fire-engine red. There’s a drum set in a corner, a wooden counter displaying unconventional beers, a self-sufficient terrarium, and the entire shop is bathed in low lighting. The Pigeonhole, which recently hosted its official launch party, is the kind of hybrid establishment that you might expect off Arab Street or in Little India; not here. But this area around Duxton Hill is currently in the midst of a full-blown renaissance, and so what better place to set up an alternative space like this?

“Right now, the café is not open for business because of licensing issues. But if you come by to see the place for yourself and have a chat with us, of course we’ll serve you drinks. It’s the same when we open. I’m not going to push you to order something. If what you like is to sit down and work on your laptop with just a glass of water, we’re fine with it,” says co-owner and former lawyer Ave Chan.

Her boyfriend Rayner Lim, erstwhile film editor, explains how the space was put together. “Everything you see here, from the things we offer to the décor, reflects all the things we like. We source all the books from India and the UK. There’s no specific genre. We just show our picks to each other and agree on them.”

Their taste is certainly eclectic. On the shelves can be found Selected Works of Kim Il Sung, Vol. IV, The Book of Miso: Food for Mankind and Does Pornography Matter?—definitely not your average book titles. The owners’ eye for bargain collectibles also extends to the furniture. “This green lounge chair is a crowd favorite. We got it at The Salvation Army for $70 or $80. It’s amazing what you can find when you take the time to go to each outlet and scour their stuff,” Lim reveals. “Our friends also like the baby chairs, all bought from The Salvation Army.”

But this multi-faceted establishment is not just a place for people to hang around and sip drinks, browse books and daydream (although it’s definitely perfect for that). It also hosts events such as their Sunday Eclectica flea market (2nd and 4th Sunday of each month), Music Camp SG (Mar 19, 2pm), the ingenious Powerpoint KTV (Mar 31, 7:30pm), as well as talks co-organized with NGOs. “The key word here is ‘collaboration’,” says Lim. “We want to collaborate with event partners, not just rent the space out to them. I envision this to be a place where artists from various fields come together to meet and share ideas. We also want to participate in movements with NGOs, like in our Wednesday discussions with Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2).”

All of this was borne out of simple frustration. “I’d only been practicing for less than two years and was complaining incessantly about my job when Rayner suggested I quit,” says Chan. He asked me to think carefully about what I’d always wanted to do and this was it.”

The Pigeonhole is located at 52-53 Duxton Rd. Standard operating hours have yet to be announced. Contact them via [email protected] or through www.facebook.com/ThePigeonhole.

The buzz: A new, quite literally underground, vintage retailer next door to The Little Dröm Store.

The vibe: Its inconspicuousness only adds to the intrigue. You might miss it if you’re not paying attention. Green and white walls, parquet floors and neatly arranged racks of apparel bathed in warm lighting greet you at the bottom of two flights of stairs. The spacious layout of the store makes for a pleasant shopping experience, and friendly shop owners Jasmine and Ashley are always ready to offer recommendations.

The goods: We love that some of their clothes are arranged according to themes like colors and patterns, and that items are conveniently sorted into three categories—Thrift, Premium and Vintage. All thrift goods are priced at a pocket-friendly $16.95. A red Ferragamo satchel ($250) and a Christian Lacroix dress hang on the vintage racks, as do unisex vintage items such as plaid shirts ($39.95). Assorted thingamajigs like stationery and love candies are on offer too.

Why you’ll be back: To enjoy rooting out underground treasures, away from prying eyes. Ong Miaw Hui

#B1-01, 7 Ann Siang Hill. Open Tue-Thu noon-9pm; Fri-Sat noon-10:30pm.

Best New Handphone: iPhone 4

Steve Jobs and Co’s fourth iPhone iteration is by far the most impressive we’ve seen, and you evidently think so, too. Despite some minor setbacks at the start (signal strength and antenna issues), its sleek design, speedier processor and new features are hard to fault. Although, by the time you read this, you’ll probably already be playing with your shiny new iPhone 5.

Most Useful Local iPhone App: HungryGoWhere

You’ve got a date and desperately need to suss out the best place in town to make that important first impression. What do you do? Turn on your trusty HungryGoWhere app of course. Featuring over 6,000 restaurants, cafes and stalls with over 40,000 user-generated reviews, you will never go hungry again. www.hungrygowhere.com

Best Tech Store In Town: Challenger

Nineteen locations (and two more coming up) stocking all manner of the latest gadgetry to keep you tech junkies sated. Who else but the island’s biggest repository of all things tech and geeky was going to clinch this award? And from this month on, you will be able to geek out around the clock as Challenger will be the first dedicated IT retailer to open its doors 24 hours a day. Along with making its selection of IT gadgets available after dark, the store provides 24-hour customer service for late night tech support needs. www.challenger.com.sg

Most Overhyped Gadget: Apple iPad

We’re pretty sure most of you got sucked into the hype of a revolutionary new “magical” device, at an “unbelievable” price last year. Yeah. Although most of you probably use it to play Angry Birds or amuse yourselves with Talking Tom, no one can deny that this oversized iPhone has, over the past few months, been a game-changer in the world of tablet computing. Still, without features such as a USB port, Flash support and multitasking, it’s just a shiny paperweight. Sure, the iPad 2 comes with cameras, but there's still work to be done.

Best Camera: Canon Powershot S95

Boasting stellar image quality and professional-level features all in a pint-sized package, it's no wonder that you picked Canon’s Powershot S95 as your new favorite. In addition to boasting the 720p HD video people have long been asking for, the S95 also features an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode for easily creating those eye-popping shots.

Best Netbook: Sony Vaio Y Series

It’s not as thin or as powerful as some of the other netbooks out there but it sure looks good. In true Sony fashion, the little brother of the Vaio S-series comes in a rainbow of colors and the baked-in Vaio Media Plus software allows you to share media between the laptop and other devices, such as a PlayStation 3 or your TV.

Asia’s Best Airline: Singapore Airlines

Was there ever any doubt? From Bandar Seri Begawan to Barcelona and everywhere in-between (now including Sao Paolo), Singapore Airlines stands tall as one of the world’s premier carriers. www.singaporeair.com

Favorite Budget Airline: AirAsia

Tony Fernandes and company are never short on ideas. In less than a decade, AirAsia has gone from new budget carrier to one of the world’s favorite airlines, budget or otherwise. You know it’s a force to be reckoned with when you see its name on referee’s jerseys and billboards in the legendary stadiums of English football. www.airasia.com

Asia’s Best Hotel: Banyan Tree

With 16 resorts around the world, Ho Kwon Ping’s Banyan Tree chain has redefined the way people view luxury getaways. Private villas, exclusive locations and unrivalled views are hallmarks of Banyan Tree’s properties. Two new resorts in China will open this year, followed by six in 2012 spread across India, Vietnam, Portugal and China once more. www.banyantree.com

Best Boutique Hotel: Wanderlust

Hotelier Loh Lik Peng’s creation, which followed Hotel 1929 and New Majestic Hotel is a tribute to modern design and the theme of each floor here was conceptualized by artists and cutting-edge local design firms. With quirky furniture, rooms separated into categories like Pantone, Mono and Whimsical, an excellent French-ish eatery downstairs, Kiehl’s toiletries and an open-air Jacuzzi, this win is no surprise at all. 2 Dickson Rd., 6396-3322, www.wanderlusthotel.com.

Best Business Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

While it’s finely placed between Marina Bay and the CBD, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore offers much more than breathtaking views. Great dining options (Summer Pavilion), bars (Chihuly Lounge) and some of the best concierges in the business, the place has it all. 7 Raffles Ave., 6337-8888, www.ritzcarlton.com.

Best Weekend Getaway: Bali

Rabid dogs, overcrowded beaches and traffic jams that Jakarta would balk at haven’t put you off; Bali still comes out tops when you need to take a quick break.

Best Gym: True Fitness

We like the fact that they’ve got fitness facilities for every personality (varying types of gym equipment, a wealth of expertise, all types of dance classes and even separate cardio areas for the ladies) and aren’t ridiculously priced. So, it would seem, do you. #07-001 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6820-9000 and other locations, www.truefitness.com.sg.

Best Yoga Studio: True Yoga

Besides an extensive variety of classes ranging from Yogalates to Bollywood and fusion dance, True Yoga also boasts the most flexible opening hours in Singapore, with studios open daily from 7am to 11pm—perfect for those with erratic working hours. 4/F Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6733-9555, www.trueyoga.com.sg.

Best Spa: Spa Botanica

If you don’t have time for a real vacation, this opulent and well-equipped tropical spa getaway on Sentosa island isn’t a bad substitute. A day spent at the outdoor treatment pavilions equipped with their own gardens or in the Royal Spa Botanica Suite is a luxury like no other. 2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1318, www.spabotanica.com

Fitness Trend to Beat: Hot Yoga

It was everywhere this year and despite the fact that it can leave you feeling nauseous and that the room smells like intestines by the time you're done, its popularity shows no signs of letting up.

Best Fragrance: Calvin Klein Beauty

Fit for drama queens, this one’s gentle on the skin yet extravagantly floral—we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Concert of the Year: Singfest

Fifteen great acts for the price of one—including legends like Smashing Pumpkins, Kanye West, Ian Brown and Kool & The Gang. And Katy Perry. www.singfest.sg.

Director of the Year: Royston Tan

The enfant terrible of the local film industry may not have released a feature film since 2008's 12 Lotus, but his directorial debut on stage with Broadway Beng last year and the upcoming adaptation of 881 is testament to his broad appeal and staying power.

Best Band: Electrico

Singapore’s most popular and rocking pop-rock band, ever. www.electricomusic.com.

Best Arts Event: Singapore Arts Festival

From the obscure (Eonnagata) to the popular (Joshua Bell)—the longstanding arts fest is still the grand dame to beat. www.singaporeartsfest.com.

Best Museum: National Museum of Singapore

This is the only local museum which offers a consistent program fusing contemporary art shows (Christian Lacroix), classics (Pompeii) and movie screenings—making it a well-rounded and worthwhile visit every time. 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659, www.nationalmuseum.sg.

Artist of the Year: :Phunk Studio

The foursome have managed to bridge the boundary between high art, street art and graphic design—selling their much coveted screenprints from Singapore to Shanghai to New York, and back. Well done, boys. www.phunkstudio.com.

Best Blog: Mr Brown

Mr. Brown is not a ranter or raver, he doesn’t churn out posts about the parties he attends and he doesn’t put up photos of himself trying on clothes in a changing room. He offers his take on the important things that happen in Singapore, whether it’s the Budget, the General Elections, $200,000 stingrays, bringing up kids or, most recently, a purported letter warning NTU hall residents against masturbating in showers. That’s why you love him. www.mrbrown.com.

Favorite Brand: Hansel

Balancing wearability and fun, Hansel’s Jo Soh consistently turns out seasonal collections with gorgeous details, frills and colorful prints that are a hit among the young and fabulous as well as working professionals. Read our interview with the intrepid designer, Jo Soh of Hansel. #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, Meritus Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Rd., 6337-0992, www.ilovehansel.com.

Best International Label: Topshop/Topman

You can always count on British high-street label Topshop/Topman for the season’s choice cuts and trends at affordable prices, and their latest flagship store is the largest outside of the UK and US. #01-05/06 Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6733-8912, and other locations.

Best New Mall: ION Orchard

With choice new openings (Oroton) and classic staples (Dior) still packing in shopaholics, and a slew of lifestyle and dining choices, ION Orchard is Singapore’s best mall in a long, long time. 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-8228, www.ionorchard.com.

Best Indie Boutique: Blackmarket

Proprietor Jasmine Tuan has been peppering her indie fashion store with some of the freshest Asian labels like Nikicio and Sunday since her 2008 debut around hip Haji Lane. Proof of her success: The second, 1,500 sq. ft. space at Orchard Central, with even more new labels and finds. #02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-5201, www.theblackmarket.sg.

Best Fashion Trend: Preppy

Chino pants, check. Oxford shirt, check. Madras shoes, check. Preppy is the look of choice for our fashionably forward readers this year.

Best Bookstore: Kinokuniya

The troubled Borders may offer more competitive deals, but it’s Kinokuniya’s wide range of hardcovers, paperbacks and magazines that bowled you over. So what if you have to pay a little bit more? Check back next year to see if Books Actually's move to Tiong Bahru will finally see a triumph for indie retailers in this category. #03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021.

Best New Restaurant: Waku Ghin

The $400 a pop price tag evidently hasn’t deterred diners one bit from heading to Waku Ghin. An understated, elegant space that mirrors chef Wakuda’s approach to his exquisite food, expect impeccable service along with a most impressive wine collection. #02-02 Casino Level 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8507, www.wakughin.com.

Best Restaurant: Les Amis

Les Amis has continuously placed itself on the frontier of modern European cuisine in Singapore. Lauded by the World Gourmet Summit and voted as one of the world’s top 100 restaurants by Restaurant Magazine UK (among other accolades), its resident Austrian chef Armin Leitgeb never breaks his promise of indulging diners with gastronomic surprises—a truly exceptional dining experience. #02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225, www.lesamis.com.sg.

Chef of the Year: André Chiang

After a highly successful run at Jaan par André, chef André Chiang left to set up his own highly-anticipated restaurant, André. An intimate space in a three-storey shophouse that seats 30 with two prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner, chef Chiang’s focus on fresh artisanal produce is showcased in exquisite dishes that reflect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine. 41 Bukit Pasoh Rd. 6534-8880, www.restaurantandre.com.

Best Brunch: Privé

This port of call has a nice ambiance and is the ideal place for power breakfasts by the marina. Despite its stellar reputation, it manages to stay warm and humble without turning into a stifling, tight-ass brekkie joint. G/F Marina @ Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 6776-0777, www.prive.com.sg.

Trendiest Cafe: PS Café

This contemporary glass house in the woods is a perennial favorite (of both ours and yours, clearly). Half tuckshop, half living room, it combines homeliness with urban chic to winning effect. Watch this space next year, though. Runner-up, 40 Hands is already a real contender despite being barely six months old. 28B Harding Rd., 9070-8782, 6479-3343, www.pscafe.sg.

Best Alfresco Space: The Dining Room

You can literally taste the salt in the air when you dine alfresco at Tanjong Beach Club’s The Dining Room. With a smattering of lounge beds and deck chairs overlooking its swimming pool and the shores of Tanjong Beach, it's well worth the risk of taking a volleyball to the head. 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6270-1355, www.tanjongbeachclub.com.

Best Cocktail Joint: Martini Bar@Mezza9

This snazzy cocktail bar at Grand Hyatt Singapore houses one of the largest selections of martinis in Singapore. With over 30 martinis to choose from, expect a lipstick jungle of flashy patrons who do a good job of dressing up the bar’s sleek interiors. Not a place for teetotalers. Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd., 6738-1234.

Best Late Night Food Spot: Timbre

So many good things have been said about Timbre, but we're pleased to see them gain recognition as a great after-hours spot. Though there is nothing unconventional about the menu, it appeases night crawlers with a selection of delish thin crust pizzas, beers aplenty and a line-up of the best in the local music scene. Timbre @ The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6338-8030, www.timbregroup.asia.

Best Value Restaurant: Old School Delights

Kudos for bringing back our canteen favorites and making them cool again. With wallet-friendly selections like mee siam, nasi lemak and chendol, this unassuming place is great if you’re tight on cash and want to go back to basics. Bring on the nostalgia. 215M Upper Thomson Rd., 6458-4518, www.oldschooldelights.com.

Best Restaurant To Impress: Stellar at 1-Altitude

Gastronomy challenges gravity in this international restaurant at One Raffles Place, one of the tallest buildings in Singapore. From its open kitchen to the spectacular view of the surrounding landmarks, Stellar at 1-Altitude is bound to impress your dining partners. 62/F One Raffles Place, OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com.

Best International Chef: Tetsuya Wakuda

What sets Tetsuya Wakuda apart from the rest of the celebrity chefs who have set up shop over the past year? Top-notch, personalized service that pampers diners who’ve paid good money for chef Wakuda’s 10-course degustation menu, as well as a distinctive Japanese sensibility exhibited in his divine creations. #02-02, Casino Level 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8507.

Best Dessert Venue: 2am: Dessert Bar

Don’t expect your run of the mill crème brulee or banana split here. An intimate space for a late-night sweet fix, it redefines desserts with creations such as popcorn parfait, vinegar chocolate table and basil white chocolate with shiso and seagrapes and passion fruit puffs. 21A Lorong Liput Holland Village, 6291-9727, www.2amdessertbar.com.

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Party of the Year: ZoukOut

For its 10th edition late last year, the electronic dance music festival had ravers grooving till sunrise through tunes by the likes of Tiesto, Booka Shade and David Guetta. The only problem? They set our expectations higher every year. www.zoukout.com

Best New Bar: Ku Dé Ta

Expectations were high when this Balinese import landed atop the Marina Bay Sands, but with that killer view, a solid cocktail list and—most importantly—diverse musical offerings (including Depeche Mode's Andy Fletcher) it's safe to say they've been met. 57/F Sands SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.kudeta.com.sg.

Nightspot of the Year: Zouk

Having hosted the best DJs in the world such as Fedde Le Grand, Cosmic Gate and Bob Sinclar, Zouk upped the ante even further in 2010 with their “Zouk Live” nights, featuring acts like Chromatics and Crystal Castles. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.

Best Happy Hour: Harry’s Bar

From lunchtime till 8pm every day, enjoy housepour, draft, white and red wine and half pint of Harry’s beers for $7—just the way you like it. Harry's @ The Esplanade, #01-05/06/07 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6334-0132 and other locations, www.harrys.com.sg.

Best Rooftop Bar: Loof

Having celebrated their fifth anniversary recently, Singapore’s first rooftop bar on the third level of Odeon Towers still stands out for its easy charm and great cocktails like Gummi Berry. It’s nothing less than a happy high here. Loof, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Rd., 6338-8035, www.loof.com.sg.

Best DJ: Aldrin

This famous DJ-producer has been kept busy with his regional and international gigs, continuing to push the boundaries of Singapore’s dance music scene with releases through his indie label, onewithaldrin. Also, his ONE nights at Zouk are now the stuff of legend. www.onewithaldrin.com.

DJ Gig of the Year: Carl Cox

The iconic British techno DJ-producer ripped Zouk’s dancefloor to shreds in October last year with his impeccable set, fusing epic moments with deep mixes that had hundreds with their hands in the air through the night. Now that’s what we call euphoria. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.

Best Live Music Venue: Timbre

With establishments at The Substation, The Arts House and Old School, Timbre has gone from strength to strength with their delicious bar snacks, attractive drink promotions and, of course, their stable of quality local musicians such as Michaela Therese, 53A and Raw Earth. Danny Loong and Danny Chia's hard work has certainly paid off. Timbre @ Old School, #01-05 Old School, 11 Mount Sophia, 6338-0800 and other locations, www.timbregroup.asia.

Best Theme Party: Disco:Very

Funk, soul and disco are the main sounds at this much-loved night, where Zouk residents djB and Jeremy Boon, together with a lineup of special guest DJs and live musicians, drop quality classics that are a hit among more discerning punters (yourselves included, obviously). Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.

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