What it is: A sleepy cluster of bars, restaurants and furniture shops tucked away near St Andrew's Junior College.

Turn left into Malan Road from Alexandra Road, then take another left at Lock Road and you will be transported into a nostalgic corner consisting of former army barracks.

Why it's hot: For those who crave the old-world charm of Singapore's colonial past without the makeover in the mould of Rochester Park and Tanglin Village, this is the place to go.

No parking woes or chi-chi crowds here, just a relaxed ambience missing from other revamped enclaves.

Why it's not so hot: Its biggest strength is also its biggest weakness.

The fact that it has remained under the radar means that it lacks the buzz that makes an enclave 'come alive'. Proper signage, due in the next few months, should help to draw more people in.

Crowd it attracts: Nearby office workers, expatriates, businessmen and young couples.

Check out:

• Villa Bali (9, Lock Road, tel: 6473-6763), a gorgeous, sprawling restaurant and bar set amid trees that makes you go "Am I in Singapore?".
• Handle Bar (1, Lock Road, tel: 6475-9571), one of the oldest F&B outlets in the village, popular with bikers for its unpretentious atmosphere.
• The Turquoise Room (main head pciture, 7 Lock Road, tel: 6473-3655), a pretty Mediterranean-style restaurant perfect for that lazy Sunday brunch.

Rating: ***

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