We talk to Grant ʻUpbeatʼ Bosnick from Canada – an author and leadership keynote speaker – about his Robertson Quay condo and what it’s like living in this riverside neighbourhood of Singapore.
A snapshot of Grant’s Robertson Quay condo:
Condo name: Robertson 100
Facilities: Gym, pool
New or old? Old
Walking distance to supermarket: 1 km
Community vibe: “Relaxed and chilled!”
Robertson Quay fact file:
Once an undeveloped tidal swamp, Robertson Quay is today the largest of the Singapore River’s three wharf areas. It probably takes its name from a municipal counsellor around the start of the 20th century who is listed in different sources as “Dr J Murray Robertson” and “Dr Thomas Murray Robertson”. Robertson trained as a physician in Edinburgh before practising at a medical clinic at Commercial Square (today’s Raffles Place) with Dr Lim Boon Keng, a prominent Straits Chinese doctor (Boon Keng MRT station is named after him)
About your Robertson Quay neighbourhood
What’s the name of your street? Robertson Quay.
What’s a common myth or misconception about Robertson Quay? That it’s only expats here. There are more and more Singaporeans moving here too.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Robertson 100 in Robertson Quay. Please stop outside. No need to go in – it’s easier for you.”
Closest MRT station? Great World City (brown Thomson-East Coast Line).
How long have you lived in your Robertson Quay condo? Why here? Eight years. Before, when I lived in Japan, I would come to Singapore for many business trips and stay in different areas: Orchard, City Hall, Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay. And I always felt that I was on a business trip. One time, though, I stayed in Robertson Quay at the Riverview Hotel (now Four Points by Sheraton). When I stayed there, I felt like I was at home and I decided that if ever I move to Singapore, I want to move to Robertson Quay. And so I did!
Your Robertson Quay highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? Watermark Condominium and the “warehouse architecture” design on the building. And then Yoga Movement and Coffeeman.
What are the closest stores to your front door? Coffeeman and 7-Eleven.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? Buildings blocking my view.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? Yoga pants.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? When the tree cutters came and cut half of the tree in front of our balcony while we were on vacation, and removing our privacy in the process. Luckily, the tree grows fast, and it’s even bigger now than it was before! As a former gardener, I know pruning helps grow the plants and trees.
Things to do around the area
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? Limoncello has the best pizza in Robertson Quay; we know the managers and think they are great, all the staff are very well trained, and there’s a great view of the Singapore River.
Super Loco does excellent margaritas (same as I make!); I love Mexico and Mexican food, and this spot has great atmosphere and is good for people watching.
There’s a wide selection of wines by the glass at reasonable prices at Wine Connection. Many Singaporeans also come here to meet up, whether they’re from Robertson Quay or not.
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? New Bahru and Great World City
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Walk or ride a bike along the river, or watch early morning international sports games beside the river. Other neighbourhood highlights include Singapore Repertory Theatre and STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery.
What’s one thing you’d never change? Keep the cafés, bars and restaurants along the riverside, and retain the “warehouse architecture” design on some of the buildings to remind us of the history of Robertson Quay.
How about one thing you would change? Create more of a kampong spirit – I feel people are too separate here. It would also be great to see a live music venue open in the area.
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it? Paint some large murals on the outside of Watermark Condominium. With the historic “warehouse architecture”, it would look amazing. I’d also block off the street for a Street Party for all the residents of the neighbourhood. I think it’s a pretty good “kampong spirit” idea.
Things to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park, MacRichie Reservoir and Marina Bay Sands.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Kult Yard, The Projector or the Esplanade.
If you’re missing home, what do you do? Listen to Canadian music (we listen to Canadian radio every weekend).
Tell us about your neighbourhood!
Share what you love about your area of Singapore with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
This article on living in Robertson Quay first appeared in the September 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
