Previously, social and culinary life in the area revolved around Colbar, the cult local hangout and eating house that has been around, in one form or another, for over half a century. It was relocated a few years ago to its present tree-lined site and has now been integrated into Wessex Village Square, the just-opened multi-purpose space that master developer JTC hopes will become the heart of the Wessex Estate community.

The Village Square, comprising a couple of single-storey buildings that were disused for many years and the spruced-up open courtyard between them, is made up of an arts-themed space and a three-pronged F&B component, that already has eager residents licking their lips in anticipation. The estate is already home to many people in the creative industry and The Village Square is seen as a natural extension to the existing community.

Laurent's Cafe & Chocolate Bar

IT'S been almost two years since Laurent Bernard, the man behind those distinctive turquoise boxes and some of the best hand-made chocolates in Singapore, opened his cafe and chocolate factory at The Pier in Robertson Quay. When a space in Wessex Village Square came up, he grabbed the opportunity to expand the business and increase production.

'For me to work as an artisan, it's the best place,' says Bernard, citing the artistic environment, the greenery and a sense of like being in a small town in France, where locals gather in the village square for coffee and to pass the time away. Here, he will focus on chocolate production, which has increased five-fold since he started business. 'Since the beginning, we've only had good problems,' he says.

The larger space will also enable him to devote a section of the cafe to displaying and promoting works by local artists, specifically those who live and work in Wessex Estate. Bernard also plans to move to the area when living space becomes available later on this year.

Customers who drop by can select from a menu that offers the likes of hot chocolate, chocolate souffle and a variety of cakes - not to mention those delectable chocolates, of course. 'The environment is calm and beautiful,' says Bernard. 'When I first saw it two years ago I fell in love with it. We are artisans - I'm not into mass production. I'm happy to work in this kind of place, where, there is something for the eyes (art), the palate (chocolate) and ears (music from Klee, the new bar next door).'

Pietrasanta

NAMED for the Tuscan town where the owners come from, Pietrasanta is the latest family-run Italian neighbourhood eatery to open. Loris Massimini, his wife Jennifer and his brother Giuseppe have created a little slice of Tuscany in Wessex Village Square. It's the sort of place that works well in Singapore, appealing to people in search of a casual trattoria that serves decent Italian fare.

Pietrasanta - the restaurant - is the personification of rustic charm, and there is also a strong connection to art. Its 1,200-year-old namesake in northern Tuscany is famed as the place where Michelangelo sourced the marble for his sculptures. 'I've been in Singapore for 12 years and for the last 10 years, I've wanted to do something in this place,' says Massimini, who like Laurent Bernard, also plans to live in the neighbourhood. 'For my wife and me, it's a dream come true.'

Steaks, pastas and pizza take precedence on the current menu, but owner chef Loris Massimini, who worked previously at restaurants such as Portofino and La Braceria, plans to gradually introduce a full slate of Tuscan food and wine. 'Sixty per cent of high-end Italian wines are produced in Tuscany, and it's the same for food,' says Massimini. 'Tuscany is the mother of culinary culture and we will slowly turn this place totally Tuscan.'

Klee

KLEE, the cocktail bar located in a separate building next to Laurent's Cafe and Pietrasanta, is the third piece of the new F&B puzzle at Wessex Village Square and like its neighbours, seems to have captured the mood of the place. Housed in a building that used to be the caretaker's lodge for Wessex Estate, it exudes an easy sense of laidback cool and savoir faire that people with artistic intent do so well.

Klee, which opened last week, is run by the people who own the Timbre F&B outlets at The Substation and The Arts House. It may be a neighbourhood bar, but don't expect it to serve wine or beer and peanuts. According to co-managing director Edward Chia, the bar will feature specialty cocktails, made with freshly squeezed fruit juices and premium brands of alcohol.

'The main aim is to lift cocktail culture,' says Chia. 'We will go back to the basics by offering bespoke cocktails, focusing on the product, the level of service and creating a sense of intimacy between the bartender and the customers.' Customers sit in retro-style chairs alongside a bar that runs the length of the room.

By next month, there will be live entertainment as well, and weekend barbecues are on the cards. There is also a gallery component, with works by local artists displayed on the walls. It may be a different generation from Colbar a stone's throw away, but Klee, and the rest of Wessex Village Square, has retained the original spirit of the place.