Drinks The Night Away

Bangkok’s nightlife scene is a vibrant melting pot of creativity, and the bar scene is no exception. We have witnessed a surge in design-forward bars that go beyond simply serving drinks on recent years. These stylish establishments are a feast for the senses, boasting innovative interiors, expertly crafted cocktails, and a unique ambiance that sets them apart from the ordinary. From speakeasies hidden behind secret doors to on the top of the building bar with panoramic city views, Bangkok offers a diverse range of drinking experiences that will tantalize even the most discerning bar-hopper.

Invitation Only: A Hidden Gem on the Rooftop with Bangkok’s Skyline
Imagine stepping into a world of exclusivity, perched atop the iconic Empire Building. Surrounded by the dazzling lights of Bangkok’s skyline, Invitation Only offers a truly unique experience. Born from a simple yet powerful inspiration – the breathtaking sunset over the Chao Phraya River as seen from the building’s 55th floor – this bar was created to share this extraordinary sight with others.

The concept of Invitation Only is straightforward: a place so special that it feels like an exclusive invitation. The name itself perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. As you step through the door, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a private world filled with warmth and camaraderie.

The bar’s design is a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements, with a vibrant red hue as its focal point. This particular shade of red is carefully chosen to evoke feelings of joy and playfulness rather than intensity, making it the perfect complement to the stunning sunset views. The soft lighting, plus thoughtfully placed furnishings like curved built-in sofas by the windows and plush red floating sofas in the center, creates a relaxed atmosphere ideal for socix

Designed by Kan Sivapuchpong, Design Director of Paradigm Shift, Rogues Bar reimagines the classic American speakeasy with a contemporary twist. The ambiance is a harmonious blend of sophisticated elegance and subtle rebelliousness.

Inspired by the secret bars of the Prohibition era, Rogues Bar exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. The interior is designed to evoke the feeling of being inside a large oak barrel, a vessel once used to transport illicit liquor. Warm tones and materials like rattan, palm, and oak stained to resemble the barrels create a Miami-California vibe.

Despite its casual atmosphere, Rogues Bar maintains a sense of luxury with the use of materials like marble and brass. The warm lighting, featuring oak and burgundy tones, creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. A grand central pillar not only divides the space but also serves as a focal point and defines the different zones within the bar.

The bar is divided into distinct zones to offer a variety of experiences. The main bar area, adorned with a wallpaper featuring a forest and flying birds, provides a relaxed setting for enjoying cocktails. Another zone is a private area designed for live music performances, featuring a small stage for jazz bands, a genre popular during the speakeasy era. The addition of vintage Persian rugs and brass lamps adds a touch of glamour to this space.

Rogues Bar is more than just a place to drink; it’s a social hub where people can come together and enjoy live music. The meticulous attention to detail, reminiscent of traditional speakeasies, makes this bar an attractive destination for both seasoned drinkers and those seeking a new nightlife experience.

Blessing Shophouse: A Blessing in Disguise
Tucked away in the bustling Asoke area, Blessing Shophouse is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends the charm of old-world Eastern aesthetics with contemporary design. This cocktail bar, conceptualized around “Ancient Modernism,” pays homage to the wisdom and design principles of ancient China while offering a modern and sophisticated drinking experience.

The story of Blessing Shophouse begins with Ekkapon Reungkitjanuwat, a descendant of a family with a long history in the antique furniture business. Inspired by his family’s legacy and his passion for cocktails, Ekkapon transformed his childhood home into a unique and inviting bar. Leveraging his background as an architect (from Sun Glitter design firm), he meticulously renovated the old shophouse, breathing new life into this historic space.

The bar’s design is rich in details and symbolism. The entrance, subtly tucked away behind the building, might be missed by the casual observer. A closer look reveals a discreet sliding door adorned with a stylized bat motif within a square frame. In Chinese culture, bats symbolize blessings and good fortune. The four corners of the motif represent the four blessings: happiness, success, longevity, and prosperity.

Beyond the sliding door, a short passageway leads to a circular moon gate, a traditional Chinese architectural element symbolizing rebirth and fortune. As guests pass through this portal, they enter a world that feels worlds away from the chaotic city outside. The interior is dominated by dark wood, dim lighting, and intricate details. The bar itself features a striking bat motif, repeated throughout the space on the walls, ceiling, and even the custom-made tables. The centerpiece of the bar is a large, reflective orb that adds depth and dimension to the space.

The second floor offers a more private setting, with a design that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western elements as downstairs. Antique furniture from the family’s business is juxtaposed with modern design elements, creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere.

The cocktail menu at Blessing Shophouse is as thoughtfully curated as the interior design. Each drink is inspired by Chinese culture and symbolism, and they are divided into three categories: Fresh & Bless, Heavenly Fruity, and Spiritual Forward. The bar’s signature cocktails are a perfect blend of classic and contemporary flavors, using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques.

Blessing Shophouse is a destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The combination of history, culture, and contemporary design creates a truly special atmosphere-not to mention the playlist that gets you into the groove. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply looking for a unique and memorable night out, Blessing Shophouse is the perfect place to unwind and indulge.

The O.S.S. : World of Secret Agent
Located on the second floor of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter -The O.S.S. Bar is more than just a bar, it’s a mini-museum that tells the story of Jim Thompson through a design inspired by his life as an Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) agent during World War II. HBA, a world-renowned interior design firm, has transported us into Jim Thompson’s enigmatic world with a design that employs deep, moody tones to create a mysterious and inviting atmosphere.

The soaring ceiling adorned with brass geometric chandeliers casts a soft glow, adding a touch of mystique and warmth. Leather sofas invite relaxation, while on the wall adorned with black-and-white photographs of Jim Thompson at various stages of his life, and spotlighted for dramatic effect, create the ambiance of an art gallery. The curved wooden bar, illuminated from beneath, reveals the wood’s natural grain and texture. A steel shelving unit displays an impressive collection of crystal glassware and rare spirits, exuding an air of sophistication.

A cascade of colorful silks, reminiscent of Jim Thompson’s iconic designs, drapes the space, contrasting beautifully with the dark, polished wooden floor. Meticulous lighting creates distinct atmospheres, from the intimate glow of the bar area to the brighter lounge. The bar’s logo serves as the focal point, with the lighting subtly shifting hues throughout the evening, mirroring the bar’s evolving ambiance. Inspired by Morse code, the lighting subtly hints at the bar’s espionage theme, further explored in the expertly crafted cocktails, each with a story inspired by Jim Thompson’s life.

During the day, the bar transforms into The O.S.S. Room, serving afternoon tea bathed in natural light and offering stunning views of the canal and lush tropical gardens.

Philtration: A Hidden Potion of Enchantment
Nestled beneath a 100-year-old heritage house once home to the renowned “Moh Mee” traditional Chinese medicine shop, Philtration offers a unique and immersive drinking experience. This speakeasy-style bar blends the ancient practice of medicinal herbalism with modern mixology, creating a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The name Philtration is derived from the word ‘philtre’, which means “a potion to make someone fall in love.”

Finding Philtration is an adventure in itself. Hidden from plain sight, the bar’s entrance is a well-kept secret. Descending into the basement feels like stepping into a vintage film, where hidden passageways and secret doors await. This underground space was once used by the Moh Mee family to produce traditional Chinese and Thai herbal remedies. Now, it has been transformed into a captivating bar, revealing a piece of the family’s long-lost history.

The interior design, a collaboration between WVS Interior Design and Production Camp PDC, is a harmonious blend of modern and vintage elements. Soft lighting illuminates the exposed brick walls and polished wooden furniture, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The sleek lines and curved shapes of the design elements add a touch of sophistication.

Inspired by the legacy of Moh Mee, the cocktail menu at Philtration is infused with a sense of history and healing. Signature drinks like the “Moh Meetini” blend the iconic “Uthai” herbal medicine with Broker’s Gin and a medley of Thai herbs. Other noteworthy offerings include “The Antique Cup of Tea,” a teapot cocktail featuring oolong tea, Roku Gin, and lime, and “The Merchant of Kasemsan 3,” a fragrant jasmine-infused drink.

Beyond the exquisite cocktails, Philtration also offers live jazz performances and themed events in collaboration with The Showhopper. These special events feature limited-edition cocktails inspired by popular musicals and plays, providing a multi-sensory experience for guests.

G.O.D: The Church of Innovative Mixology
G.O.D., a brainchild of YOLO GROUP, the team behind renowned Bangkok bars like Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, TAX, and Independence, offers a unique and immersive experience. Conceived by Godmother Studio, the concept revolves around the idea of a “Church of Cocktails,” a playful nod to the sacredness of the cocktail-making process without any religious connotations. The name itself, G.O.D., is an acronym for “Genius On Drugs,” a cheeky reference to the creative and innovative approach to mixology.

The bar’s design is as captivating as its concept. The exterior is striking with a large, imposing the holy phallus sculpture and a colorful glass facade reminiscent of stained-glass windows in the cathedrals. Stepping inside, guests are greeted by a raw, industrial aesthetic juxtaposed with luxurious elements. The building, a historic structure in the heart of Bangkok old town, presented a unique challenge for the design team. However, they transformed its limitations into strengths, preserving the original structure while incorporating modern elements. The result is a space that feels both ancient and contemporary, with exposed concrete walls, steel beams, and a sense of grandeur in quite limited space.

The interior is bathed in warm, ambient lighting, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Live piano performances accompany the crafted cocktails, designed to pair perfectly with small bites. The overall experience at G.O.D. is a celebration of creativity, design, and the art of mixology.