Like many of us, Australian expat Miranda Hendra found her family needing a little more room when COVID struck. The owner and designer of Summery The Label shares with us what it’s like living in her landed home in the Coronation Road neighbourhood, which is within walking distance from Tan Kah Kee MRT station and close to shops and food at Coronation Plaza and the Botanic Gardens.
Why Coronation?
Like many roads in this area, Coronation Road takes its name from British royalty. In this case, it was likely named in honour of the 1911 coronation of King George V. Other roads in the vicinity with regal titles include Duchess Avenue, Kings Road, Queens Road and Prince of Wales Road. These all lead off Bukit Timah Road, west of Farrer Road.
The Specifics
What’s the name of your street? Coronation Road.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood? That it’s not central to anything – but I find it so central and convenient for our lifestyle.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Coronation Road, not Coronation Road West.”
Closest MRT station? Tan Kah Kee (blue Downtown Line).
How long have you lived at Coronation Road? We’ve been here for nine months now. We were in a lovely condo very close by for two years, but we found ourselves needing more space when COVID hit; my husband still hasn’t returned to the office full-time yet. I love the area – everything we need and use is so close by.
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? Houses and trees and people riding bikes.
What’s the closest store to your front door? Coronation Plaza, which has an NTUC FairPrice inside.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? At the moment, maybe Top Gun. I’m hearing and seeing a lot of fighter planes these last few weeks!
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? They’re great, apart from the building work that’s happening two doors down from us!
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? Most definitely activewear!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? Cute rather than strange, but I saw a dog wearing a raincoat and little shoes to keep his feet dry
The Superlatives
What are your favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? The food at My Little Spanish Place is amazing and it has such a great atmosphere, plus we can walk there in five minutes. My kids love the frozen yoghurt at Kara Cafe and Dessert, and their lunch menu is also very good (although I did just hear that it’s closing). Daily Ground does good coffee and ice cream. My husband also enjoys going to Orh Gao Taproom; he loves their beer and the food is really good too.
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Apart from Coronation Plaza my other favourite place is Cluny Court. Empress Markets and the new Little Farms at Tanglin Mall have me covered for meats and fresh produce.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Walk to and around the Botanic Gardens. Closer to home, there’s a huge grassy hill that is a dogs’ hangout each afternoon; I take my dogs there for a play.
What’s one thing you’d never change? I love the mix of old and new houses. How about one thing you would change? Better footpaths.
Beyond The ’HOOD
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? MacRitchie Reservoir to see some monkeys, or Bukit Batok Nature Reserve at night to try to catch sight of some flying lemurs.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Haji Lane is always a good bet.
If you’re missing home, what do you do? I grab a chicken sandwich from Simply Bread (they make the best old-school chicken sandwiches, just like at home!) and I go for a walk in the Botanic Gardens.
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This article first appeared in the August 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
If you are off for a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, then do make a pit stop at Cluny Court for some coffee and food! Here are our café recommendations!
