Nestled in the balmy residential neighbourhood of Upper Serangoon, a diner that goes by the name of Jane Provision Shop has been making steady waves in the local scene. While unassuming at first glance, its high level of foot traffic in the evenings proves that there is more to it than meets the eye. Originally a cafe specialising in homemade bakes and teas, the space underwent a rebranding early last year and is now positioned as a friendly neighbourhood diner and craft sake bar.
At its helm is 39-year-old chef and baker Jane Chung, who co-founded the space with her partner, 26-year-old photographer Samuel Foo. Shares the duo of the decision to pivot and rebrand: “After travelling around the world and experiencing a wide range of popular restaurants and bars, we were yearning for a place that melded serenity and taste. Combine that with a lack of quality sake bars in Singapore and it was the perfect opportunity to fill a gap in the market.”
A quick glance at the current interior and one would immediately notice the Japandi influences that pervade the homey space, its earthy modernity nicely contrasted with an assemblage of antique cups, vases and assorted trinkets that have been collected through the years. Neatly arranged and displayed throughout the diner, many of these pieces are sourced locally from popular haunts, such as vintage furniture store Aa Furniture.
“We wanted to create a third place where people could unwind and enjoy the same things we do.”
However, what distinguishes Jane Provision Shop from its hole-in-the-wall counterparts is the fusion of fashion and music within the dining experience. Apart from the mouth-watering bites and refreshing tipples offered, Chung and Foo also bring in a curated selection of pre-loved luxury garments and rare vinyl records from indie musicians. The latest instalment sees a rack of archival treasures hand-picked by the duo from local archive store Milieu, paired alongside handmade linen pieces from Foo.
Chung and Foo were also quick to acknowledge the affiliation that food has with the creative scene, specifically fashion. “The matrimony of food and fashion is undeniable; many big houses have attempted to bridge the two worlds through various collaborations.”They cited Junya Watanabe’s collaboration with English heritage restaurant St John in2019 as a prime example, where the esteemed Japanese designer released several work jackets and bags, each emblazoned with the restaurant’s logo.
Below, the partners go into further detail on their ethos, the role fashion and music can play in experiential dining as well as their plans for the future.
How would you best describe Jane Provision Shop (JPS) to someone who has never been?
Imagine walking into a warm and cosy room, the ambience one of tranquillity and melancholy. Inside the candles shine bright, accompanied by bottles of artisanal sake and the hypnotising chords of Shida Shahabi playing in the background.
What was the remodelling process like?
We didn’t change the layout of the shop very much. It was more of a mental remodelling as we wanted to present a new experience. The space places an emphasis on intimacy and nostalgia. Why was that a focus? We set out to create a third place for people to unwind and enjoy the things that we like. We want all our customers to feel comfortable and to forge deeper connections. Authentic interactions with people and the surrounding environment is something that we try to cultivate here at JPS.
How was the food and sake menu conceptualised?
Our bread and butter is craft sakes, so we serve light plates that pair well with these drinks. Our menu features dishes that are less commonly found here but known for their unique flavours and textures, such as sardine pâté, tea leaf rice and grilled stingray. Similar to the ambience of the space, we want this to be a go-to comfort spot for many.
“Fashion and music subconsciously dictates how all of us live our lives, and the way people perceive us.”
What is the role that fashion and music plays within JPS?
We believe that fashion and music subconsciously dictate how all of us live our lives. What we choose to wear or listen to often determines the company we surround ourselves with and the way people perceive us. On the storefront end, we will continue to bring in styles and designers we enjoy, along with treasured pieces from our personal wardrobes.
What are some of the challenges faced as an emerging homegrown business?
Apart from being consumed with up-keeping inventory and daily operations, striking the right work-life balance has been a constant work in progress for us. We try to remind ourselves to take time to pursue other interests outside of running JPS.
Where do you see the future of experiential dining within a local context?
Singapore has come a long way, but we believe that more progress could be made. There is a need to outgrow ourselves, to continue pushing creative boundaries and offer something different.
What are your dreams and aspirations for the space?
We are looking to collaborate with more creatives, like-minded individuals who share similar interests and ideologies. We will continue to be urban nomads, sharing spaces that we love with those around us. We believe that the physical manifestations of one’s visions are impermanent, but the essence and impact of those ideas can have a lasting and profound influence.
Photography Sayher Heffernan
Styling Bryan Ho
Hair and make-up Zhou Aiyi/Makeup Entourage using Burberry Beauty and Keune Haircosmetics.
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