What you see is (not) what you get

When we read about the new Marina South Pier, we were impressed! If you had read it, you would be too… here’s why..

“THE new Marina South Pier, which opened last year to replace Clifford Pier, is so close to the Central Business District but yet, the minute you turn off the East Coast Parkway, it feels like you're taking a trip to the countryside. It's a quiet and deserted drive to the futuristic-looking complex from where you can take a boat to the Southern Islands.

The spanking new waterfront maritime building covers about 5,000 sqm and features a striking wave-like roof shelter. At night, the soft blue lights from the roof cast a romantic glow in the nightsky and beckon visitors from afar.

A new restaurant, Pier Eleven serving modern European and Mediterranean seafood has opened on the 2nd level. Pier Eleven believes in providing food in an interesting setting. Its main draw is the waterfront view and secluded - and if you get to dine on the outer deck, romantic - feel. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Modern European fare but chef Alan Koh has in fact given a broad Asian interpretation to it.

Over on the roof garden, The Edge Bar & Bistro is also a nice place to chill-out under the starry sky and shimmering sea. At night, the blue fairy lights on the wooden deck create a romantic mood. You can also rest your feet on the benches facing the sea while you watch the ferries dock below at the jetty.”

Lured by the charming description, we drove there last night after dinner at Clarke Quay. Indeed the shimmering lights did beckon us from afar but boy, were we disappointed when we got there. It’s just a ferry terminal. Period. (Don't let the pictures above fool you)

The restaurant and bar look out of place in the pragmatic building that had ferry operators using walkie talkies alongside serious customs officers in uniform. Do you think people would be able to chill out in such an ambience. I don’t think so.

Nevermind. We went to the second storey and found the much glamourised Pier Eleven restaurant sandwiched between a tiny food court (which was already closed at 9.30pm) and an office. Hmm, doesn’t look very inviting.

So we went up to the roof garden and hey…not so bad. The timber deck floor and steel railing make one feel like you’re on a boat deck. The Edge Bar & Bistro was pretty quiet and low key. Not that happening yet, I guess. We hung around under the starry sky and looked out at the glittering lights in the distance. We peered at people boarding and disembarking from the ferries docked at the jetty below.

Sadly, the Pier lacks the oomph. Maybe it’s still new. It will take a while before it becomes vibrant or maybe it's just destined to be a ferry terminal and nothing else. That I believe has got to do with fengshui. Take Clarke Quay for instance. We have seen it gone through various transformations before it became what it is today. When we were there yesterday, it was just filled with people, lots to see and do around there. Simply lively!