Happy New Year - with restrictions

IN previous years, the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore would end its food and beverage services on New Year's Eve at 11.30pm, so its guests could slowly make their way to the hotel driveway. Nearing midnight, shrieks of excitement would coalesce into a collective countdown from ten to one - culminating in whoops and cheers, as fireworks blaze the sky above Marina Bay.

This pandemic year, there'll be no countdown, no fireworks, no whoops and cheers at the stroke of 12. Mr Nicolas Bailet, executive assistant manager for food & beverage, says: "Due to government regulations in place since Phase 2, dishes will be individually plated and served directly to the table, while the service of alcoholic beverages will cease by 10.30pm."

The menu is still splendid, of course - freshly shucked oysters, king crab seafood platter, roasted wagyu beef and unlimited champagne. But the clinking of glasses to welcome the New Year will have to happen prematurely this time.