BANGKOK | Despite a country-wide ban on alcohol sales between 2pm to 5pm since 1972 because “drunk civil servants will not work productively” (I kid you not), Bangkok has a vibrant bar scene. There’s loads of great spots in town on which to find a post 5pm tipple, some of them amongst the world’s best. One of these is BKK Social Club.
The bar, part of Four Seasons Hotel, currently sits at number 10 on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” list. It’s a swish place, inspired by the vibrant bar scene of 1970s and 1980s Buenos Aires. Drinks and snacks draw upon Argentina and wider Latin America for influences, with some Thai influences too.
The team is led by respected bartender Philip Bischoff, who has helmed some of the world’s best bars over the years, and it shows in the attention to details here. The atmosphere is classy but not stuffy, upmarket yet fun. Service is exceptional, and the cocktails are quality. Gracing the 4 metre tall back bar are a selection of artisanal spirits, top notch wines, and bubbles.
Be sure to try the signature cocktail ‘Evita’. It’s a blend of Plantation Rum pineapple rum, Campari, Aperol, a citrus mix, bay leaf, and cinnamon syrup. I’m also partial to the ‘Bananzo’; which blends Michters Whiskey 1 Straight Bourbon, salted ripe banana, and chocolate bitters, served with caviar for good measure. Definitely one to try it you’re an Old Fashioned fan like me.
BKK Social Club
300, 1 Charoen Krung Road
Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
Telephone: 02 032 0888
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 5:00pm to 12:00am