Forty Hands – A Cafe that Had to Say Goodbye
Back in October 2010, a little coffee joint called Forty Hands opened its doors in Singapore’s Tiong Bahru and East Coast neighbourhoods. Over the past 12 years, it grew from a simple specialty‑coffee spot into a buzzing hangout where folks could catch up over a latte and a slice of cake.
Today, the team has given all the social‑media alerts with the news that the two outlets will close on September 12th. The announcement came on September 6th via a Facebook post – there’s no official reason given, just the fact that the shop will be shutting its doors for good.
The Story Behind the Caffeine
Forty Hands always set out to bring high‑quality, bean‑to‑brew coffee into the local scene. From day one, there was a real intention to forge more than just a transaction: “We’ve had the privilege of building countless friendships with many who have walked through our doors, becoming a warm welcome from your second home,” the shop noted in its post.
And it’s true. Regulars poured about the closure in the comments, saying things like, “Community cafes should be cherished and not closed. We’ll miss you all.” Those words were amplified by a heartfelt tribute from a YouTuber who revealed that she and her husband first shared a date there in April 2019. There were more dates, and the couple even chose Forty Hands as the backdrop for their pre‑wedding photoshoot.
What Happens Next?
The good news? In the words of the cafe, this isn’t “a full stop” – it’s more like a “pause.” The coffee beans that once gave life to Forty Hands are now roasted by its sister brand, Common Man Coffee Roasters. If you’re looking for a place that still feels like home, check out Common Man and you’ll find familiar faces and that same delicious brew.
In short, while the coffee house itself is closing, the spirit of it lives on. So next time you grab a cup somewhere around Tiong Bahru or East Coast, take a moment to remember the place that helped make your coffee adventures memorable.
Remember the Good Times
From countless friends you’ve met there to sweet moments that turned into life‑changing memories, Forty Hands has left its mark on Singapore’s cafe culture. Though the shop is shutting down, the brew—both the beans and the stories—remain in the city’s espresso‑filled heart.
