Common Man Coffee Roasters (Martin Road)

Common Man Coffee Roasters opened its first café on Martin Road in 2013, a short walk from the Singapore River at Robertson Quay. It has since grown into one of the best-known names in the city's specialty coffee scene, with several cafés across Singapore and a barista training academy, but the Martin Road flagship remains its home and its busiest outlet.

Coffee is roasted by the company, and the bar serves espresso drinks, filter coffee and cold options made with its own blends and single origins. Food is equally important here. The all-day brunch menu is generous and inventive, ranging from eggs and avocado dishes to heartier plates and house-made desserts, and the kitchen is known for big portions that suit a late, leisurely breakfast. Later in the day, the café also serves a selection of natural wines. The menu is largely the same across the group's cafés. If you like what you drink, bags of the company's beans are sold to take home, and the baristas can suggest one to suit the way you brew.

The café opens daily from 7.30am to 6pm. Weekend mornings are very busy, with queues for tables from late morning, so arrive early or come on a weekday for a calmer visit; the café's website links to its reservations system. It is fully cashless, accepting major credit and debit cards and contactless payments. Prices are typical of brunch cafés in central Singapore, higher than at a traditional coffee shop but in line with the quality and portion sizes.

Common Man suits couples, groups of friends and families looking for a relaxed weekend brunch, and remote workers who want good coffee on a weekday morning. The atmosphere is light, lively and friendly rather than hushed.

The café is at 22 Martin Road, in the quiet streets between Robertson Quay and River Valley. Fort Canning and Great World MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast line are both within walking distance, and Clarke Quay is about 15 minutes away on foot along the river. The riverside path is pleasant for a walk after brunch, leading past the restaurants of Robertson Quay towards The Warehouse Hotel in one direction and Clarke Quay and the city centre in the other.