Year-old bistro and bar Fordham & Grand has won the palates – and hearts – of discerning diners with great food, delightful cocktails and a handsome concept styled after the speakeasy bars of the 1920s that takes guests into the wee hours of the morning.

Step through the deliberately discreet entrance and into a bygone era made new, where a cleverly crafted menu offering modern contemporary fare conspire with an unassumingly stylish interior, holding the promise of a fabulous evening ahead.

Much to customers’ delight, the 45-seater space exudes the winsome personality of its owners Timothy Lim, 31, and Sharon Chio, 24, who are often found interacting personally with guests at this casual dinner and late-night supper venue, which opens from 6pm to 3am daily. 

“The namesake of Fordham & Grand is the street intersection at the Bronx, between Fordham Road and Grand Central, which was one of New York City’s most colourful and vibrant areas. We liken the vibrancy of this street to the way we run our first establishment – with verve and passion,” offers Timothy, who oversees the restaurant operations.

Passionate and hands-on, Timothy brings to the table impressive F&B credentials that include a stint at Tetsuya’s in Sydney. After which, he moved to Singapore in 2010 to assist in the opening of the much-anticipated Waku Ghin at Marina Bay Sands and later continued honing his skills at Restaurant Andre. In January 2013, Fordham & Grand was born and Timothy finally achieved his long-held dream of opening his own restaurant.

Evoking the old-world glamour of the speakeasy bars during the Prohibition-era of 1920s New York, the restaurant features a long, narrow dining area characterised by dark walls, leather banquette seats and cool concrete floors – all bathed in the warm glow of overhead glass lamps. At the entrance, wooden wine racks line the wall, housing a carefully curated collection of wines selected by the owners themselves. Tucked in a corner near the bar, a set of high tables and chairs make an ideal spot for chilling out after work over bar bites and a plethora of innovative cocktails.

The sense of exclusivity, however, belies the uncomplicated dining experience that awaits.