Shophouses to Speakeasies
A BAR-HOPPER’S GUIDE TO BANGKOK’S BOHEMIAN NEW FRINGE
Destination 2 minute read
A short taxi ride from COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is the Thai capital’s most evocative new neighbourhood: Soi Nana Chinatown.
Once a neglected cluster of abandoned shophouses, Soi Nana is now the heart of Bangkok’s alternative arts and culture scene. With pop-up galleries hosting contemporary exhibitions, family-run street food stalls and a string of enticing bars serving fresh coffee in the day and complex cocktails after dark, this is the perfect place to escape the crowds for something a little cooler.
All a short stroll from each other, discover the best of Bangkok’s newest nighttime hotspot by settling in for the evening, or go bar-hopping to sample all three.
01
WALLFLOWERS UPSTAIRS
Follow the winding wooden staircase up above an actual working flower shop and you’ll find Wallflowers Upstairs, a secret rooftop oasis serving delicious coffee and baked goods by day, and innovative cocktails by night.
Plants cascade from the ceiling and down the exposed brickwork, adding to an understated, rustic decor. Don’t rush your way to the rooftop, there’s so much to take in on the way.
The drinks are both thoughtfully crafted and beautiful to behold, with fresh flowers adorning custom concoctions, and mixing aromas of espresso, mandarin, rosemary and burnt cinnamon. Don’t miss the superb programme of local live music throughout the week.
Image credit: IG @wallflowerscafe.th
02
TEENS OF THAILAND
Credited with kick-starting Soi Nana’s ascent into a true hipster haven, Teens of Thailand is Bangkok’s first specialist gin bar and — probably — its worst kept secret.
Don’t be misled by the name: behind a heavy set of time-worn wooden doors hides a tiny and unpretentious hangout popular with locals and expats alike – none of whom are actually below 20.
Amid the vintage Thai movie posters that adorn the walls, drinkers compete for one of the fifteen seats as two expert bartenders sling the finest gin and tonics in the city. Be sure to sample one of the specialist ‘ginfusions’ with flavours inspired by the neighbouring Chinatown spice shops.
Image credit: IG @teens_of_thailand
03
TEP BAR
Almost impossible to spot unless you already know where to look, Tep Bar is one of the most coveted drinking spots in Bangkok. From the menu to the music, it wears its new-wave Thai identity proudly on its sleeve.
If you’re savvy enough to make your way past the unmarked doors and into the garland-strung interior, you’ll find a menu of potent cocktails full of playful twists on traditional Thai herbal liqueurs.
The kitchen specialises in small plates that showcase classic Thai ingredients, whilst the soundtrack is provided live by traditional Thai musicians packed in among the bartenders. Bookings are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Image credit: Provided images
For the best recommendations on where to dine and drink during your stay at COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, speak to our dedicated concierge.
