Food truck innovators and burger upstarts The Goodburger have taken over the former Three Buns Robertson Quay outlet with former Potato Head executive chef Adam Penney joining the group to create Carnaby, an exciting new British diner and music bar. Having opened its doors this July, Carnaby marks a significant expansion for the group, following the successful launch of Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis.
At the helm of Carnaby’s kitchen is celebrated Chef Adam Penney, who brings his signature flair to elevate classic British comfort food, creating a menu that showcases the finest local and imported ingredients. Nestled in the vibrant locale of Robertson Quay, Carnaby promises to be a haunt for elevated British comfort fare and handcrafted drinks against a quintessentially British soundtrack.
Sited at the Quayside locale in proximity to the buzzy riverfront Robertson Quay neighbourhood, Carnaby’s interiors are a harmonious blend of edgy and elegant. The restaurant retains the raw, industrial aesthetic of its predecessor with its exposed chipboard while infusing it with a modern British charm with the addition of themed wall decor. The aim is to create an inviting and relaxed dining room where guests can savour exceptional food and drink without pretence.
With a seating capacity of up to 85 pax, diners will have the option of choosing between outdoor and indoor seating with a mixture of regular, sofa and high tables perfect for dates and smaller groups. Taking its cue from the eponymous, culturally significant Carnaby Street in London, the restaurant’s ambience is a celebration of retro British music and culture. Once the epicentre of alternative music and edgy fashion, Carnaby Street in the swinging 60s was well-frequented by rock ‘n roll royalty like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
“We’re incredibly excited to unveil Carnaby alongside Chef Adam Penney whose expert take on uplifting and refining British classics offers diners a fresh experience in a dining scene that is lacking proper British representation”, says Sophia Shen, Co-founder of The Goodburger. “With our focus on exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a vibrant atmosphere, we’re confident Carnaby will be a place where regulars can get their weekly dose of comfort food”.
Reminiscent of Chef Penney’s childhood in Dublin & the UK, the central vision at Carnaby is to lay bare exquisite produce in an extraordinary way. Having honed his craft in various top restaurants back in London, Penney brings a wealth of experience and innovation to his latest endeavour after 10 years of dishing out the best burgers in Singapore.
“British cuisine has often been unfairly stereotyped as bland and uninteresting,” says Chef Penney. “At Carnaby, we’re challenging that perception by demonstrating the versatility and deliciousness of British flavours. We’re using simple, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting.”
Approaching classic British fare with a touch of elegance and refinement, the menu is a testament to Chef Penney’s passion for showcasing the best of British and local produce, from smoked haddock from Scotland, fresh locally-farmed fish and vegetables and a carefully curated selection of award-winning English cheeses. By placing great emphasis on often overlooked condiments and accompaniments with the inclusion of house-made ketchup, hot sauce, mayos and ice cream all made from scratch, the level of attention to detail also exemplifies Chef Penney’s ability to elevate humble and classic dishes.
