Bangkok: new 2011 -The Iron Fairies & Co- creative combination of workshop, bar & restaurant in Bangkok
Squeezed between the “normal” retail shops on the bustling Thonglor street front, with a facade of dark timber double doors, blacked out windows with 19th Century style gold leaf signwriting, The Iron Fairies & Co entrance provides some intriguing hints as to what lies inside. Entering the doors and passing through heavy black fabric curtains a spiral steel staircase is the immediate attention grabber. Then as one’s eyes adjust to the darkened interior, the cluttered layout of a 19th Century style iron workshop unfolds. During the day the workbenches are occupied by local craftworkers creating a range of handmade iron fairies and leather goods for retail and export sales. All kinds of old industrial euipment are hanging from the ceiling, walls and fixed to various benches around the workshop area.
After 6pm, the benches are cleared of the day’s production materials and the space morphs into a unique bar/ resaturant concept. The creation of Australian born Ashley Sutton- the concept draws on his eclectic background of working with metals, mining, and as an author of children’s fairytales, plus the more recent experience with operating a bar in New York. Since opening in 2009 The Iron Fairies & Co has proven a lasting hit with the both hip, trendy crowd that frequent the Thonglor nightlife area, and also a good mix of foreign residents and more discerning tourists.
In addition to the main downstairs workshop and bar area, there is an upper level reached via a timber staircase at the rear. The upper level has a number of low tables and upholstered stools and overlooks the top of the spiral steel staircase at the front- where local jazz musicians perch themselves and provide a musical compliment to the ambience of the venue. Across the rear wall of the upper level are old timber shelves and in one corner a hidden doorway opens to reveal the “secret room” behind- a small private space with antique sofa and assorted iron working equipment.
The Iron Fairies food menu is centred around gourmet quality, home made burgers, including the popular “Binzy beef burger” of Australian ground beef, bacon, lettuce and onions. Also available are fish burgers, tropical burgers and some other simple dishes and desserts. Draught beer, plus wine and ****tails are available from the small bar tucked into the back corner of the ground floor space.The concept is one of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to enjoy good quality food and drinks in a fascinating setting of functional industrial decor.
As The Iron Fairies & Co has limited space for guests, bookings are recommended to avoid a wait outside.
January 30, 2011
Bangkok: new 2011 - Fat Gutz Saloon- Fish & Chips and Rum & Whisky – innovative concept for Bangkok bar
FAT GUTZ occupies a compact space at the street level frontage of the new GRASS THONGLOR entertainment and lifestyle complex in the centre of the trendy Thonglor area of Bangkok. The concept of combining high quality fish & chips, together with innovative ****tails- and with some live music thrown into the equation, results in something rarely found in the Bangkok bar/nightlife scene- originality.
Approaching FAT GUTZ from the busy Thonglor main roadway, the dark sheet glass front and sides reflect back onto the outside street and add a sense of mystery as to what lies inside the entrance. The intial impression on entering does not disappoint- with a dark timber panelled interior and dimmed lighting providing a sense of warmth and comfort . The bar is placed prominently just inside the doorway- and then along the glass sided wall there are a series of grey granite topped counters and dark timber stools, and on the opposite side some leather upholstered seating and low tables. A small space under the stairs leading to the upper level is home to the house band, who play the “blues” nightly. The upper level has contrasting white timber wall panelling and white tiled floors with the dark timber ceiling and furnishings similar to the lower level space. A large blackboard announces the daily specials from the adjacent “Order Window” and kitchen. A large table adds to the dining space available downstairs.
The FAT GUTZ food menu is centred around “fish & chips” and other seafood dishes such as deep fried prawns, fresh oysters, and tuna salads. The serving sizes are generous and the presentation in small wooden “casks” adds some novelty. A takeaway service also is popular with local residents. As befits the “saloon” concept- the drinks are based around whisky and rum, and an extensive list of specially created ****tails featuring some exotic combinations of ingredients and visual effects. Two “stand out” ****tails are the “Lancastria“- which comprises vodka, sauvignin blanc, lychee and lemon juice- and with some vivid blue candy floss floating on the top as a visual highlight. The “Thielbek” is a mix of sour mash whisky, fresh strawberries, egg white and cane sugar. A full range of regular ****tails and spirits are also available, together with wines, champagnes and beers.
Since opening in 2010 FAT GUTZ has proven to be very popular, and together with it’s “sister” venue- IRON FAIRIES- located just a few doors up the street on Soi Thonglor, provides a clientele of both foreigners and local residents with a unique and entertaining nightlife experience. As space is very limited – bookings are definitely recommended.
January 17, 2011
Bangkok: new 2011 - Blue Sky- new rooftop bar & restaurant at Sofitel Centara Grand Hotel Bangkok
The opening of Blue Sky in December 2010 marked the latest addition to the ever popular- and continually expanding – rooftop dining and bar scene in Bangkok.
Located on the 24th floor rooftop of the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok hotel in the Ladprao area north of downtown Bangkok, Blue Sky provides panoramic views across the Bangkok skyline and to the adjacent Chatuchak park and market. The emphasis is on fine dining and relaxing ****tails in a casual environment. The main bar and dining areas are on the outdoor terraces, but there are also some smaller rooms indoors for those who prefer airconditioning (or if it rains). There are a couple of smaller private rooms with large screen LCDs for sports viewing. The decor- both indoors and outdoors- has a contemporary, stylish design. The dramatic entrance from the 24th floor lift lobby is along a dark, black walled and ceiling passageway- lighted by thousands of “stars”- and then opening out onto the rooftop space itself.
The main outdoor bar is situated in one corner of the rooftop space and commands a prominent focus for the entire rooftop. The background building wall colors are dark with blue LED lighting effects to create the “blue sky” feeling in the evening darkness. The dining area level is up a few steps from the bar & lounge area, and timber flooring and faux rattan dining chairs , with glass topped tables, provide a comfortable and elegant dining setting. Chest high glass panelling along the edges of the space provide protection from the sometimes gusty winds that occur at these heights. The lounge area adjacent to the bar features soft furnished sofas, and modern styled molded plastic chairs and tables.
Some of the highlights from the bar include the signature ****tail- the “Blue Sky” – comprising vodka, blue caracao, lime & lychee juice. Other popular ****tails include the “Cosmopolitan” and also mojitos. Many other ****tails are listed on the comprehensive drinks menu- and also premium spirits, liquers, wines and champagnes. A selection of local and imported beers- bottled and draught are available- and also mocktails and fresh juices.
The mainly western influenced cuisine has been created by French chef Jean-Claude Pichon- and the selections range from tapas and cold appettizers, to pastas, soups and mains of seafood and meat. And naturally a tempting variety of desserts. Feature dishes include appetizers such as seared Alaskan scallops on pipperade green pea sauce, and a combination Atlantic salmon and snowfish carpaccio served with salad encased in crisp pastry. The emphasis for the mains is fresh seafood and premium imported cuts of beef and lamb. An aged tenderloin of grain feed beef is served on top of a bed of crushed olive potatoes and balsamic bacon sauce- and topped with grilled lobster tail. A popular dessert is the generous slice of black forest cake accompanied by Cointreau sauce and wild berries.
A particular feature of Blue Sky is the pricing policy, where all dishes and drinks are priced at very competitive levels- and not with the typical “premiums” found at many other rooftop venues in Bangkok. This makes Blue Sky and a tempting choice for sunset or afterwork drinks, working business dinners, or just casual dining with friends. And there is the view….and cooler rooftop fresh air environment- definitely a compelling combination.
January 6, 2011
Bangkok: new 2011 - Club 87 Plus – contemporary night club and entertainment venue at Conrad Bangkok Hotel
Club 87 Plus is a modern, stylish night club located within the luxurious Conrad Bangkok Hotel in central Bangkok.
The club is styled in a contemporary oriental theme with red and orange lighting and plush furnishings. There are various areas within the club providing a differing ambience- from the more busy bar and dance floor area tables, to lounge seating along one wall of the dance floor, and private booths on the opposite side. An adjacent smoking lounge is on hand for those that have the need to puff on a cigar.
The club serves up live entertainment nightly from DJ’s and keep the music continous throughout the evenings. Each night of the week has a separate theme of entertainment for more variety in the clubbing experience.
The nightly happy hours from 6pm to 9:30pm are popular for after works drinks- the music is more chilled, and some delicious snack food offerings are available from the bar menu. For dinner, a full a la carte menu of international cuisine offers many choices for a satisfying dining experience.
On the beverage front, Club 87 Plus has an extensive offering of classic and signature ****tails, champagnes and wines, spirits and beers- local and imported.
One of the more dramatic signature ****tails is called the “87 Waterfall” and has flaming sambuca poured over a bottle of Galliano into a glass of Kalhua, brandy and Grand Manier.
The club attracts both in-house hotel guests and locals from the nearby office and residence towers, and of course residents and visitors from all over Bangkok looking for variety in their nightlife entertainment.
The club can be accessed either from the lobby level of the hotel, or alternatively from the adjoining All Seasons Place mall during operating hours.
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