Yesterday, Colbar Restaurant closed its doors for the last time. News of its closure spread fast and furious and many people, most of whom its customers, streamed into the place throughout the day. Its most popular dish - Chicken Curry available at S$7 - was sold out by mid-day. 

These people were there for a last look. Some asked to buy souvenirs, such as pictures of the restaurant which went for S$3.50 each.

We were there too, for last-day pictures of Colbar for the benefit of those of you who either couldn't get away from work or were overseas and therefore couldn't make the trip.

Colbar has through the years found a place in the hearts of many, from locals to expatriates. It is located at No. 1 Jalan Hang Jebat, off meandering Portsdown Road which is home to some army camps and black-and-white bungalows of the colonial days.

In its 55 years of existence, it has served the British army, and expatriates who populated the area after the British withdrawals which took place from 1968 - 1971.

It appears that the Land Transport Authority needs the surrounding land to build a new road linking Queensway to Ayer Rajah Expressway. There was construction work going on just after the road in front of the restaurant.

It was our first visit there and what we saw was a laid-back place without air-conditioning - only fans to cool it - and plenty of foldable chairs which hark back to the moods of the 70's and earlier. But, the prices on the menu did not reflect the lack of ambience in the restaurant which was more of a coffeeshop than a restaurant. So, we were wondering to ourselves what exactly was the magic in the place that has mesmerised so many expatriates and locals since 1948.

Then it dawned on us that we were total strangers in that quaint shophouse, for we did not belong to it, having had no memories of the place's past. And Colbar didn't try to grab our attention either  - it was dated and firmly entrenched in the past, unaffected by the progress of the times. 

Perhaps that is the magic of Colbar - its ability to let its regular customers conjure up memories of past experiences, of a time not so long ago when they, as well as Colbar, were younger. That's a shared memory that's closed to outsiders like us. And that's what makes Colbar so precious in the minds of many. As outsiders, we can only stand and envy this relationship.

Pictures.....

Colbar has since been relocated. It is now at 9A Whitchurch Road Wessex Estate Singapore.