British Council

British Council is very close to the British High Commission in Singapore, and with the proximity comes the tight security which can be very imposing. Just tell the security guards you are heading to the British Council and you will be waved through. The parking lot has limited space, so it may be better to take the bus (bus stop right in front of the building) or the taxi.
The place is quiet and I guess most people go there for English classes and English examinations. You can also go there to find out about studying in the UK. The library is cozy and filled with students studying or doing their homework.
Some of the counter staff can speak Mandarin, so it is possible to request for someone to communicate in Mandarin, but you just have to wait for someone to be available. Get a queue ticket first and check with the receptionist.
There is also a small café selling a mixture of local and western fare. Just remember to clear your table after finishing your meal.
The elevator can be quite slow, so it may be faster to just get around using the stairs.