End of an Era: Singapores Iconic Laurent Cafe & Chocolate Bar Bids Adieu after Two-Decade Run

After two decades of serving artisanal chocolates in Singapore, Laurent Cafe & Chocolate Bar is set to close its doors on August 10 due to escalating costs and financial strain. The renowned Robertson Quay-based chocolatier made the announcement on Facebook, marking a significant day of melancholy for the team. Originally, closure was set for the day of the announcement, however, the final day of operation was later adjusted to August 10.

The inception of Laurent Cafe & Chocolate Bar in 2006 came via French pastry chef Laurent Bernard and his wife Iveta. Their establishment has been instrumental in moulding Singapore’s artisanal chocolate industry, long before local specialty chocolate brands gained popularity. The cafe earned recognition for their handcrafted chocolate bonbons, soufflés, and cakes.

Bernard disclosed to the media that the business could no longer sustain the financial weight of running the cafe after being given a week’s notice to clear the premises due to overdue rent. The change of ownership for the building brought additional challenges to the business, as the new landlord demanded a year’s rent upfront. A decrease in footfall in the Robertson Quay area, coupled with increasing rental costs, contributed to the cafe’s struggles.

Bernard expressed his emotional loss over the impending closure, stating that it’s far more impactful than any financial detriment. He appreciated the empathy shown by his customers and acknowledged the significance of the cafe to many local residents. Despite the closure of the physical cafe, Bernard confirmed that the brand, Laurent Bernard Chocolatier, would continue to operate online, offering delivery and self-pickup options from the company’s central kitchen on MacTaggart Road. With no immediate plans to open a new cafe, Bernard’s focus will shift towards expanding the online business.

In related news, Pantler, a River Valley patisserie renowned for Japanese-French pastries and desserts, also announced its closure slated for August 30, unless a new owner steps in. This announcement came over an Instagram post, in which they extended gratitude to their loyal patrons for their support over the past 12 years. Escalating operating costs and a challenging business environment were the primary reasons behind the planned closure.

These closures underline the growing pressure on Singapore’s food and beverage industry, where increasing costs and decreasing consumer spending have become frequent concerns. Singapore has seen 1,267 food business closures between January and April this year, nearly half the total number of closures recorded in the previous year.