There are places you visit once out of curiosity, and then there are places you find yourself happily returning to. Art Werkx falls firmly into the latter category for me. This month marked my second visit to the creative café at River Valley Road, and if my first experience left an impression, this one truly cemented why Art Werkx continues to stand out in Singapore’s lifestyle scene.
This time, I went specifically to experience Art Werkx’s newly launched Chef’s Menu and to try one of its latest creative activities – punch needling. I left feeling relaxed, inspired and genuinely nourished, both creatively and physically.
Art Werkx isn’t an art school, and that distinction becomes clear the moment you step inside. There’s no pressure to “get it right” here. Instead, it is a judgment-free zone where the focus is entirely on the process rather than the outcome. The studio is thoughtfully designed with different “mood stations,” allowing guests to choose how immersive or sensory their experience will be while they dine, sip and create. It’s the kind of place that gently encourages you to slow down, something many of us don’t realise we desperately need.
The new Chef’s Menu reflects this same philosophy. Built around a “sip and mess” concept, the menu pairs handcrafted flavours with tactile, grounding experiences that complement the creative process. I started with one of their signature handhelds, and it was anything but ordinary. Thick-cut toasted sourdough was generously layered with premium, house-cured fillings and vibrant, unexpected spreads. It was hearty, satisfying and wonderfully textural, the kind of sandwich that makes you pause and savour each bite.
For something sweet, the “Sweet Relief” waffles lived up to their name. Freshly ironed and crisp, they were served with indulgent toppings that strike a balance between comfort and creativity, from seasonal fruit compotes to velvety creams. It felt like a small reward mid-session, especially as my hands were busy working on my art.
The beverage menu deserves just as much attention. I opted for one of the botanical-infused teas, designed for slow sipping. Smooth, aromatic and calming, it created a gentle sensory backdrop to the studio, the soft chatter, the clinking of cups, the quiet focus of people immersed in their projects. The coffee and other beverages were equally well-executed, making this a place you’d happily linger in for hours.
Creatively, I chose punch needling, and I absolutely loved it. There’s something deeply therapeutic about the repetitive motion of threading the needle, pressing into fabric, and watching patterns slowly take shape. It’s meditative in the best way, allowing your mind to quiet while your hands stay busy. Sitting there, completely absorbed, I was reminded how healing it can be to simply let creativity express itself without overthinking or self-judgment.
Art Werkx offers an impressive range of activities beyond punch needling, including acrylic pour painting, mosaic art boards, candle-scent crafting, clay and sensory sand therapy, leather DIY keychains and mini accessories, as well as wooden nameboards. Whether you’re creatively confident or a complete beginner, there’s something reassuring about knowing you can just show up and start.
What makes Art Werkx particularly special is how naturally it brings people together. This isn’t a traditional restaurant where conversation pauses when food arrives. Instead, it’s a space where friends gather to eat, drink and create side by side. It’s social without being loud, interactive without being forced, ideal for catching up meaningfully or even meeting someone new over a shared creative moment.
It’s also a fantastic spot for tourists and visitors to Singapore. Rather than buying a generic souvenir, guests can create a personal memento of their trip: something handmade, tactile and infused with memory. In a city known for its fast pace, Art Werkx offers visitors a slower, more intimate way to connect with Singapore’s creative side.
Beyond the experience itself, Art Werkx carries a strong social purpose. Founder Ravi has built the studio as a self-sustaining platform for meaningful impact. Through its Art with Heart programme, Art Werkx provides free creative sessions for children with Down Syndrome, focusing on non-verbal expression and sensory play in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association. Meanwhile, the Hands That Give initiative empowers children from underprivileged backgrounds to create art that is sold at the café, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly towards their welfare and education. It’s rare to find a space where creativity, community and compassion coexist so seamlessly.
By the end of my visit, I was reminded why I enjoyed my first experience here so much — and why I’ll definitely be back again. With excellent food, thoughtfully crafted drinks, a calming ambience and genuinely therapeutic creative activities, Art Werkx is a place I wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to unwind, a group of friends wanting something different from the usual café meet-up, or a visitor hoping to take home something meaningful, Art Werkx delivers on every front.
Art Werkx is located at 232 River Valley Road, Singapore 238290. Phone: +65 9627 5050. The Café’s Opening Hours are Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun & PH: 9 am – 10 pm, Fri & Sat: 9 am – 11 pm, and they are closed on Mondays.