Glad You Came Up: Loof Hunts For A New Home As It Exits Odeon Towers After 17 Years

A sign that seasoned partygoers would recognise (Credit: Loof, taken before the pandemic)

Aren’t you “Glad You Came Up”? For 17 years, this was the indelible, neon-illuminated message that lingered in the minds of satisfied punters and patrons as they ended their hedonistic evenings at Loof.

A valued institution of the scene, the rooftop bar helped carve the terrain for electronic music to thrive in our city, leaving a legacy that can’t be denied or second-guessed. Tragically, Loof is now the latest casualty in the deluge of loss regarding local nightlife spots, and it will be closing on 27 February 2022. This, however, isn’t an outcome of the relentless pandemic, but a consequence of the demolition of Odeon Towers where it has been based. In the meantime, they have announced that they will be looking for a new home.

Well, aren’t you? (Credit: Loof, taken before the pandemic)

The darling of The Lo & Behold Group, Loof has been a cultural anchor for the community with its myriad offerings. It’s become a communal hangout for gourmands and guzzlers with its adventurous menu, putting a twist on local favourites like kaya toast and chilli crab. It’s also a champion of Singaporean heritage, famed for its charming Mama Shop that peddles old-school memorabilia and tchotchkes. But beyond all that, Loof is remembered for being an avid advocate of music with its then-regular string of homegrown gigs and guest acts.

As the music director of The Lo & Behold Group, Keith Colaco AKA DJ KFC was instrumental in shaping the identity of Loof (Credit: Loof, taken before the pandemic)

While Loof stopped organising shows at its premises years ago, it amassed a remarkable track record that raised devotion for genres like nu-disco, indie dance and house. Phenomenal past headliners include the likes of Detroit Swindle, French Kiwi Juice, Anoraak, Pete Herbert, Gigamesh, RAC, and Kartell just to list a few. Loof was also pivotal in honing local acts with its residencies and series, such as Wax On Wax Off, Pops Of The Top, Jack’s Hit, and its riotous Loofapalooza nights. If you used to go to one of these open-air parties – prancing the night away in the heart of the metropolis – you’d know that there’s no vibe quite like it.

“Right from the get-go, Loof was conceived as the place to celebrate local culture in all its wonderful idiosyncrasies. 86 DJ parties, 69 ‘merlions’, two chicken wing eating competitions and one lawyer’s letter later, we are deeply heartened to see how the #supportlocal movement has taken root,” the Loof team shared on a social update.

With over two months left to go, Loof will continue functioning as a f&b establishment, and promises to organise “one final hurrah” with a pop-up radio station on New Year’s Day. So if you haven’t yet, it’s time to head back up.