1942 Alfresco @ Changi - Restaurant. Bar. Museum

1942

1942 - That year signified the start of World War 2 in Singapore.

It was also the year when this tiny nation had fallen and was captured. That bit of history is all but faded memories in history books. Youths of today and even middle age folks like me would have little inkling of what the war would be back then.

1942 Alfresco

Fast forward to 2014.

The boys are into the movie Ah Boys to Men. Granted, it is not a classic movie, but it effectively introduced National Service for the little ones. However, there was one burning question the boys had asked. " Why must we be in the army when we are not fighting anyone?"

That is where 1942 Alfresco @ Changi comes into the picture. This restaurant, hidden in the Far East, is the perfect place to bring little ones to introduce the concept of war ( we do not promote war passe, but we treasure the lessons that history has taught). So on the day, we had the CITROËN Grand Picasso for a ride, we decided to bring the boys together with their cousins to explore 1942 Alfresco @ Changi since we had ample space in the car.

Finding the place proved to be a challenge. First, of course, your topography must be top-notch. Alternatively,  the car GPS should suffice to help you locate it. Located deep in the bowels of Cosford Road with Changi Prison as its neighbour, the road trip was entertaining as the children were perplexed as to why we chose the prison as our dining destination.

Their fears subsided when we turned into the Battlefield, the car park. The entrance was flanked by a guard post and a lookout post. On the far side was a war bunker rumoured to be originated from Anderson.

Ship

A lone soldier on an Eiffel Tower structure guards the fields. He is there to protect and honour the souls of those departed in the war.

A point to note. 1942 Alfresco was said to be built near the site that was said to be on the beach that served as a killing ground during the Sook Ching massacre during World War 2.

War History

No, we did not make it up. It was told to us by the Uncle who designed this venue. Neither did we hear strange noises during the evening while we were there...

However, the boys were not spooked by the news. The big guns were pretty good distractions for them.

As mentioned earlier, this place is an excellent place to teach young people about Singapore's past. For a start, there are boards with past war stories for them to read along the perimeter of 1942.

War Museum

The kicker would be the War Museum purposely set up to hold the war period relics. However, this differs from the official Changi War Museum on the main road.

The Little Brick Man @ War Museum

Even The Little Brick Man could not resist a shot with some of the soldiers there.

(By the way, this, Little Brick Man keeps popping up in our posts. You can follow his adventures on Instagram)

As authentic as it may look, some props are not from World War 2 ( save for those housed in the glass cabinets). For one, the boys can pose with some of the support there, which gives away the fact that it may not be a war relic.

The War Museum @ 1942

This a bonus for those who like a different dining experience. You could also choose to have your meal in the war museum. A little creepy with all the guards around, but for that world war experience, it is a charm.

218 Squadron flag

A Look at the Past

This is an excellent place to start National defence education. Time to explain to the kids that these are guns are not toys and the symbolic meanings behind the displays.

Other than war 'relics', this place has other slightly modern entertainment, such as darts, a snooker table, a half-working pinball machine and a pink scooter which coincidentally place under some disco lights for kids to boogie around it.

Board games are also available for those who want a game of Scrabble or RISK to re-enact the war period (Actually, we are not too sure if RISK is general, but given the setting, it would be perfect if they have the game)

Modern games are available too!

After a long, long time exploring the place, it is time to place our orders!

Please order at the counter.

You can order your food at the counter or via a staff... Just try not to make an order with the one in an army uniform.

1942

Take your pick from Western to...

Western dishes

Eastern dishes.

We recommend the in-house burger special.

Food prices are reasonable, with some selections for kids. It is not exactly a culinary classic, but quality suffices. With 3 adults and 4 kids, the bill came in at a reasonable $80.

Hokkien Mee

Seriously, you only travel some ways to the end of Changi just for food. The main selling point for this place would be the unique and historic concept 1942 promises. For that, it delivers the ambience on its own.

Take your pick of a place to eat, indoors at the colonial house, outdoors in the open area or in the War Museum. Indoors would be more suited for kids simply because it is air-conditioned. However, outdoors(especially next to the forested area) can be a mosquito-feasting zone. There are mosquito coils on request, and we suggest you use them if you intend to sit outdoors.

Dining area

For authenticity, having a drink at the 'bunker 'is a great idea, especially when a band plays on stage. Do check with 1942 on the timing of the band's performance.

Full bar

There were quite a few interesting finds indoors too. We spotted the plane propeller above the bar, some Roman shields, and a gas pump. Of course, not all the homes are from World War 2, but they are a sight no less.

Petrol sir?

Most of the stuff isis for sale. There are jackets, guns, old books, 'old' helmets and even $5 Grenades with a "kaboom" sound for sale.

For sale!

Overall, the children enjoyed themselves that evening. There were sufficient distractions to keep them occupied at every turn. As a war theme restaurant, 1942 does adequately in the overall presentation. However, if you meant to take this outing to educate the younger ones, the Changi War Museum may be a better place to do so. If you are looking for a kid-friendly restaurant, this will make it to the list.

1942 is a unique restaurant on its own. It takes you back in time and exudes a certain old-school charm. In modern Singapore, this itself is a rarity and worth a visit.

Good night!

1942 Alfresco @ Changi

30 Cosford Rd, 499550

6542 4492

Opening: 11am-12am (Close on Tues)