Star in the Sky

After delays to the initial planned opening, Singapore's tallest rooftop bar - Nova - is fully operational. Men's Folio spoke to general manager Wayne Lee a week before the Formula One weekend about the bar's unique offerings, secret off-menu and more.

- Asaph Low

CONGRATULATIONS ON NOVA’S OPENING! IS IT A HUGE BURDEN OFF YOUR SHOULDERS NOW THAT OPENING IS OUT OF THE WAY?

I wouldn’t say it’s a burden but more of a positive relief because we have been working on this project for quite a bit, and there were delays due to reconfirming the interior design.

THERE IS FORMULA 1 WEEK; I BELIEVE YOU GUYS WERE TRYING TO MAKE IT IN TIME FOR THE RACE WEEKEND, EVEN WITH THE PUSHBACKS. IS THERE AN ELEMENT OF PRESSURE AND STRESS?

Yes, you’re completely right. We’re pushing for the National Day Parade, but you know how construction works, right? We didn’t make it, but we’re thankful that F1 came about and we’re operating now. It also helps HighHouse because our concept is fluid in movement. Guests who pay a cover charge can experience HighHouse and Nova in one go.

THE REAL WORK STARTS AFTER THIS WEEKEND. HOW ARE YOU GETTING INTO THAT PORTION, TAKING IT WEEK BY WEEK?

Planning is always done every month, especially for programming for the subsequent month. F1 would be the first big event that we’re dealing with within the first two weeks of opening. The team is prepared; most of the Nova team have been on board with us for a bit, so they bonded quite well. A lot of prep work has been done early, and we should be able to wing it. [Grins]

NOVA STEMS FROM THE LATIN WORD NOVUS, WHICH MEANS NEW. WHAT WAS THE REASONING FOR THE NAME?