“Club 39” is the new exclusive town club perched at the crest of Duxton Hill. The number 39 isn’t yet familiar to most people. The number 69 would draw knowing grins, the pager generation would recall 89, and the amateur numerologist in every Cantonese auntie would give an approving nod to 98.
However, to Italian entrepreneur Andrea Radrizzani, this very number in this very form is of supreme significance. At 39 years old, the inspired Mr. Radrizzani decide to have a go at carpé diem and start his own business. The premises of this latest venture has an address that also shares this divine digit.
(from left) The founders: Mario Gierotto, Andrea Radrizzani, Nedine Vos, Massimiliano Sentina
Personally, I see no other way but for me to continue this article than to describe Club 39 at Duxton by paying homage to the number 39. Here are my 39 observations, descriptions, opinions and reasons to pay this club a visit that will hopefully help you to get acquainted with Club 39, put it on your “to-visit” list.
The Exclusive Private Club
1. Adopting a concept unique to Singapore but a growing trend in Europe, Club 39 is a boutique club that offers members use of private facilities in the heart of the city. The upper floors from the second to the fourth are areas exclusively reserved for the use of club members.
2. On the second floor, you will find the Champagne bar and club restaurant. With a selection of the finest oysters, fish crudité, Beluga and Mediterranean caviar, amongst other selectively sourced ingredients, even Emperor Nero would feel at home here.
3. The third floor houses the private gym, which allows the use of high-tech exercise equipment for one or two people.
4. Hate over-crowded gyms where everyone is people-watching? Or have you seen enough dancing pectorals at the local gymnasium? As a member at Club 39, you could, with advanced booking, discover the liberating experience of working out in a relaxing and serene environment.
5. Shower and changing facilities are located on this floor as well. With the tropical humidity and rising mid year temperatures, it’s a godsend having somewhere to properly freshen up in the city, not to mention having somewhere to go when you have to go is also a relief.
6. The fourth and top most floor is where the lounge is located. With the comfortable sofas, large screen television and library, this is where you can kick back and relax.
7. The conference rooms are also situated on the fourth floor and can seat up to eight people for private meetings
8. The fourth floor can be used as a single space for a reception, presentation or private screening. It can accommodate up to 10 seats in the lounge and 8 seats in the meeting area, or 30 standing people.
9. The club’s hours are longer than those of the large country clubs. On weekdays, the doors are open at 9 am, weekends start an hour later at 10 am. The club closes at midnight every day.
10. The club serves, breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner everyday. Food prices are fair – tapas range from $15- $25, Entrees from $18 to $40, desserts run from $15 and main dishes are about $20. Cocktails are a little pricier and start at $20, although the bar is another exciting topic unto itself.
11. The atmosphere of the four-storey conservation shop house is akin to walking into a medieval tower house. It is rustic, historic and oozes charm.
12. There are regular monthly events to keep members entertained.
13. The opportunity for networking and socialising with Singapore’s taste-makers and market-shakers is abundant as members are selected via invitation or a screening process. The club was envisioned to be a space where dynamic individuals buzzing with creativity can be amongst equally electrifying people.
14. There is a “family night” reserved on Wednesdays for dining with your loved ones and other like-minded members.
15. With a full 400 square metres of space and a membership cap of 200 in the first year, you will be sure that there will be sufficient space in the premises.
16. The attentive staff will be able to cater to your needs.
The Public Area
17. The first floor is bar area open to the public. It serves as a very open area where this otherwise private establishment drops its curtain to meld with the community outside.
18. The resident mixologist, Mark Graham Thomas, is the renowned genius behind the inventive cocktails at the first floor bar. He can read you like an open book and whip up a drink that virtually has your name on it. Mark Graham is knowledgeable, innovative and a lot of fun.
19. I found a new found favourite cocktail here.
20. Aside from being able to mix up a great cocktail, Mark and his crew are absolutely livewire. The fun and outgoing atmosphere here just about guarantees a good time here, every time.
21) The atmosphere in the bar was good fun, where strangers mingled and started conversations with one another. This was helped along primarily by the effervescent team behind the bar counter.
22) The song mix here included “Dr. Feelgood” by Motley Crue, Scorpions and stuff by The Smiths. That’s worth some points, in my book.
The Surroundings
23. The club is located in a picturesque part of town. The street leading to the club is cobbled, tree-lined and pedestrianised.
24. Convenient central location. It is close to town, the CBD, can be accessed by major expressways.
25. No car parking crunch: there are parking lots aplenty in the vicinity.
26. Dining options abound in the area, from famous hawker stalls to restaurant serving haute cuisine.
27. Interesting area with places of historical and cultural interest.
28. Safe, secure and clean surroundings.
Everything Else
29. The interior is designed tastefully, melding Spartan industrial with clean European and the classic oriental shophouse. There were candelabras with faux candles crowned with digital flames. That caught my attention.
30. A home away from home, when you find yourself in the middle of the island far from your own home. You can curl up with a book, find some alone time, take a breather from the dizzying pace of the city here. If nothing else, you could come here to beat a retreat from the enervating tropical heat.
31. It can be a nice private place to spend quality time with a loved one, with the family or even with friends.
32. There is an interesting open kitchen on the 1st floor which allows you to see everything that happens in a commercial kitchen. It was fascinating to watch the flurry of activities.
33. The chef is known for his Mediterranean fare.
34. The club fees are affordable, at about S$ 2,000 per year.
35. Bridging East and West: the management and style is decidedly Italian, but there is a focus on drawing the best from the melting pot that is Singapore’s community and creating a space for the two worlds to get connected.
36. It is a discreet place away from prying eyes.
37. Having built a successful career in sports media, the founder, Mr. Andrea Radrizzani, has strong links with the international sporting community. These links have enabled a visit to the club premises by sporting greats such as the Arsenal football team.
38. Being sports fans themselves and having the network, the founders plan to have similar visits by sporting teams.
39. Pleasant outdoor area for relaxing in the shade of trees, and for people watching, while you while your time away.
Club 39
39 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089617
www.theclub39.com
