Corner House is shaped by many inspirations. The strands of history, science, memory, art, passion and gastronomy come together to create a luminous experience in a singular setting.
The Botanist
Eldred John Henry Corner, a British botanist specializing in mycology (the study of fungi), was Assistant Director of the Botanic Gardens from 1929 to 1945. Corner developed the use of ‘botanical monkeys’ to collect botanical specimens from tall forest trees, and propounded the controversial ‘Durian Theory’ which posits the durian as one of the most primitive of fruiting trees.
Corner helped establish the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in the 1930s and popularized local flora through public lessons and the writing of books such as Wayside Trees of Malaya, published in 1940. In 2013, his son John K Corner wrote a book about his life, My Father in His Suitcase: In Search of E J H Corner the Relentless Botanist.
The Botanist
Eldred John Henry Corner, a British botanist specializing in mycology (the study of fungi), was Assistant Director of the Botanic Gardens from 1929 to 1945. Corner developed the use of ‘botanical monkeys’ to collect botanical specimens from tall forest trees, and propounded the controversial ‘Durian Theory’ which posits the durian as one of the most primitive of fruiting trees.
Corner helped establish the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in the 1930s and popularized local flora through public lessons and the writing of books such as Wayside Trees of Malaya, published in 1940. In 2013, his son John K Corner wrote a book about his life, My Father in His Suitcase: In Search of E J H Corner the Relentless Botanist.
The House
Corner House was home to a fascinating man who made critical contributions to Singapore’s history.
Not only was E J H Corner responsible for the ‘greening’ of Singapore by means of the nature reserves, the Botanic Gardens and roadside trees, he also helped safeguard the scientific and cultural possessions of Singapore during the Japanese Occupation, particularly the collections of the National Museum and the National Library.
Named after him, the CORNER HOUSE, in which E J H Corner lived, was built in 1910 and is a fine example of the Black and White bungalows built to house officials and administrators during the Colonial era. In 2008, it became a protected conservation building. Today, it remains steeped in Corner’s presence.
The House
Corner House was home to a fascinating man who made critical contributions to Singapore’s history.
Not only was E J H Corner responsible for the ‘greening’ of Singapore by means of the nature reserves, the Botanic Gardens and roadside trees, he also helped safeguard the scientific and cultural possessions of Singapore during the Japanese Occupation, particularly the collections of the National Museum and the National Library.
Named after him, the CORNER HOUSE, in which E J H Corner lived, was built in 1910 and is a fine example of the Black and White bungalows built to house officials and administrators during the Colonial era. In 2008, it became a protected conservation building. Today, it remains steeped in Corner’s presence.
The Restaurant
Founded in 2014, Corner House is the articulation of a culinary vision by creative restaurateur and wine aficionado Renny Heng. Recognising the potential of the conserved Black and White Colonial House, he set about putting together a team that was as passionate as himself to create a distinctive destination for dining.
Spaciously appointed for up to 46 guests, the two-storey house surrounded by nature seems purposed built for relaxation and comfort. Its wide welcoming verandas and vestibules have become beckoning nooks, whether for business hosting or intimate get-togethers, with luminous natural light during the day and the soft glow of lamps in the evenings.
Since the debut of the Singapore Michelin Guide, Corner House has been awarded one Michelin star each year from 2016. It was also listed in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2016 and ranked 42nd in 2020.
The Restaurant
Founded in 2014, Corner House is the articulation of a culinary vision by creative restaurateur and wine aficionado Renny Heng. Recognising the potential of the conserved Black and White Colonial House, he set about putting together a team that was as passionate as himself to create a distinctive destination for dining.
Spaciously appointed for up to 46 guests, the two-storey house surrounded by nature seems purposed built for relaxation and comfort. Its wide welcoming verandas and vestibules have become beckoning nooks, whether for business hosting or intimate get-togethers, with luminous natural light during the day and the soft glow of lamps in the evenings.
Since the debut of the Singapore Michelin Guide, Corner House has been awarded one Michelin star each year from 2016. It was also listed in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2016 and ranked 42nd in 2020.
The Flora
Botany is celebrated at CORNER HOUSE in visual motifs such as the logo, graphics, tableware and artwork on the wall, with incorporation of ‘botanical’ monkeys that were pioneered by E.J.H. Corner. It is further honored by the birth of the orchid Dendrobium HCH Corner House welcoming customers at the front door.
Just as the Botanic Gardens brings together lush green specimens from around the world, Chef David Thien has woven an East-meets-West tapestry that joins global produce on the table. Botany is ever-present in the kitchen’s philosophy and its inspiration derived from nature gives a special resonance throughout the courses served in this garden sanctuary.
The Flora
Botany is celebrated at CORNER HOUSE in visual motifs such as the logo, graphics, tableware and artwork on the wall, with incorporation of ‘botanical’ monkeys that were pioneered by E.J.H. Corner. It is further honored by the birth of the orchid Dendrobium HCH Corner House welcoming customers at the front door.
Just as the Botanic Gardens brings together lush green specimens from around the world, Chef David Thien has woven an East-meets-West tapestry that joins global produce on the table. Botany is ever-present in the kitchen’s philosophy and its inspiration derived from nature gives a special resonance throughout the courses served in this garden sanctuary.