Why I’m in love with Potato Head Folk

Who and what is Potato Head Folk

36 Keong Saik Rd is a beautiful art deco building (1939). It is home to Potato Head Folk, managed by the people that are behind the famous Potato Head Beach Club in Bali.

As seen from the street.

The building comprises four floors and houses a restaurant, a lounge bar and a rooftop bar.

Displays in one of the hallways/staircases.

Why I’m in love with Potato Head Folk

I would almost say: “What’s NOT to love?!”

Almost? No, for sure: “What’s NOT to love?!”.

As said, the building itself is an architectural gem, located in a charming street and area in Chinatown. In this area there are a lot of nice bars and eateries, like The Study at no. 49, The (secret) Library Bar at no. 47 (same people of The Study), and many more.

The building on the inside is very cool too and we have Australian artist David Bromley to thank for that. He did a beautiful job in decorating the whole building with whimsical wall paintings, festive banners, unique lights and delightfully weird objects and installations.

Even the staircases and hallways are a feast for the eyes.

You can go for dinner and/or for drinks, you can sit indoors an/or outdoors. Choice, choices, people…lovin’ it!

The art of Bromley

David Bromley’s art is in every space, nook, and wall of Potato Head Folk’s building. It makes the interior totally unique.

No, Frits is not behaving antisocial by playing with his phone. He just uses it as a flashlight in order to be able to read the menu;-).

His art is playful, whimsical, quirky, definitely ‘more is more’, colorful and fun. So totally my cup of tea.

Being intrigued by this artist who did a total-house-style, I searched for information about him. I read at least a dozen articles and checked out his website.

Dip-dyed cutlery with skeletal grips.

He comes across as quite the character! A self-taught artist, eclectic in his art (styles, materials), bold.

Critics find him way too commercial and too ‘popular’. What do YOU think? I don’t really care; I just like the playfulness and eclecticism very much.

Totally smitten by these paintings depicting flowers and birds.

Physically he is robust and handsome. Several wives and girlfriends behind him, resulting in four children. Plus one with his current wife.

He is familiar with mental issues and drugabuse (in the past) and his travels are limited due to his fear of flying.

I’m in love with these lampshades! I want them all!

The houses and studios he has (and had) look spectacular. Not only because of his art and his style, but also because he is an avid collectioneur of …of what not, actually? No, that’s not true. He doesn’t collect tasteless junk. His finds are special and often big and bold.

A colorful life and an interesting man, I would say. If you just got interested in the man, you can check out the following links:

• from The Herald
• from thepetitedit
• from The Design Files

Three Buns Dining Kitchen

On the second floor you find Three Buns. They serve burgers and cocktails. When I was there, a lot went wrong with my order, making my personal experience not a very good one. I hope that that was an exception.

The entourage, the decor, made up for that though. When I really, really like a place, when a place feels like: this could have come from MY hand, I always shout out: “Wow, can I move in here?! This is awesome!.”

On the bottom picture you see Frits at our table that night.

Well, in the Three Buns Dining Kitchen I did just that. Super cool!

Studio 1939 Lounge

On the third floor you find a lounge bar with comfy seats, cocktails and bar snacks. We only peeked inside, but did not go for drinks there (yet).

Rooftop Garden

On the fourth floor is an al fresco rooftop garden and tiki bar.

I loooooove this mural!

It’s small, intimate, cute and they serve quite feisty cocktails.

Tiki Bar on the roof.

Have you been to Potato Head Folk in Singapore? How was your experience?