Cocktail Bar Menu Styled Photography
Art Directed Food & Drink Photography for Chandu Cocktail Bar, Robertson Quay
Client: Chandu Cocktail Bar
Location: The Robertson Quay Hotel, Singapore
Photography & Art Direction: NLS Creative – Leading Food Photography Studio in Singapore
Project Type: Styled Drinks Photos
Tucked inside The Robertson Quay Hotel, Chandu Cocktail Bar is a hidden gem inspired by the mystique and glamour of an early 1900s private opium den. With an interior rich in antique details, moody lighting, and vintage textures, Chandu needed visuals that would match the elegance and opulence of its identity.
They engaged NLS Creative, one of Singapore’s top food and beverage photography teams, to produce a visually arresting set of food and drink photos that would reflect their distinctive concept and elevate their brand for both social media and web presence.
Case Study: Art Directed Cocktail Menu Photography for Chandu Cocktail Bar, Robertson Quay
Client: Chandu Cocktail Bar
Location: The Robertson Quay Hotel, Singapore
Photography & Art Direction: NLS Creative – Leading Food Photography Studio in Singapore
Project Type: Styled Drinks Photos
Objectives
Highlight Chandu’s signature cocktails and curated bar bites in their authentic setting
Capture the ambiance and unique design of the space through careful art direction
Provide high-resolution images for social media, website, menu, and PR use
Our Creative & Art Direction
The photography was designed to mirror Chandu’s concept of an exclusive, mysterious opium lounge with a luxurious, retro twist. Our team developed a moodboard of vintage noir tones, rich shadows, and warm backlights, drawing inspiration from 1900s speakeasies.
Creative Direction Highlights:
Signature cocktails shot in different vignettes of the bar (by the velvet booth, dark wood tables, near stained glass backdrops)
Carefully styled food items placed to complement the moody lighting and textures
Use of vintage props and custom surfaces to evoke an immersive, cinematic feel
Production Details
On-site recce to plan lighting setups and shoot angles that preserve the natural ambiance
Half-day photoshoot covering:
Hero drink shots with steam, garnish, and movement
Food flatlays and close-ups in atmospheric lighting
Environmental compositions to tie food/drink with Chandu’s interior
On-the-spot art direction and food styling to get every detail perfect
Post-Production
Professional retouching with an emphasis on texture, tone, and warmth
Output in both high-res for print and web-optimized formats for social and digital marketing
Edited to suit Chandu’s brand aesthetic: elegant, bold, and timeless
Result & Deliverables
A cohesive library of Pinterest-worthy food and drink photography
Visually stunning content that elevated the bar’s presence on:
Instagram & Facebook
Google Business Profile
Website & Online Menu
Helped position Chandu as one of Singapore’s most unique cocktail experiences
Why Work With NLS Creative?
At NLS Creative, we specialize in cinematic, art-directed food and drink photography that doesn’t just capture your dishes—it tells your story. We’re trusted by restaurants, bars, and F&B brands to deliver visuals that stop thumbs and build appetite.