BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Cover BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel

These art deco-inspired bars capture the spirit of a bygone era with opulence, elegance and sophistication

The term “art deco” evokes a certain nostalgia for the style and flair associated with The Great Gatsby era: the Roaring Twenties. The design language is elegant, opulent and decadent, often defined by geometric shapes and motifs, bold jewel tones, streamlined forms, and rich fabrics. Now, art deco culture is making a comeback in Bangkok’s bar scene, the aesthetic melding with contemporary sensibilities to charming effect. Here are five stunning art deco-style bars in Bangkok that exhibit vintage glamour and beautifully channel that bygone era.

See also: 5 old-school street food favourites in Banthat Thong

1. BKK Social Club

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Photo 1 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Photo 2 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Photo 3 of 7 BKK Social Club's beverage manager Philip Bischoff
Photo 4 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Photo 5 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Photo 6 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel
Photo 7 of 7 BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel

Recently ranked 13th on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list, BKK Social Club at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is the definitive destination for an elegant night out. The allure of Belle-Époque-era Buenos Aires meets distinctive Bangkok vibe here: think tasteful, intricate design featuring geometric arches, rose gold columns and touches of dark green that transport you straight to The Great Gatsby. Thai cocktail culture thrives here, with an expertly crafted drinks menu inspired by South American drinking culture infused with local Thai touches. Sample mixologist Philip Bischoff’s skills through an extensive selection of bespoke cocktails, or choose from a list of artisanal spirits and champagnes. Whisky lovers, try the signature Café Tortoni cocktail, or if gin is more your thing, La Pampa hits the spot. For something sweeter, order a Criollo, a refined version of sangria. And do try the Latin American-inspired nibbles, which pair brilliantly with the spirits.

BKK Social Club
Address: 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok, +66 (0)2 032 0888

2. The Loft

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Photo 1 of 3 Level 56 cocktail at The Loft. (Photo: courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok)
Photo 2 of 3 Candy Cat cocktail at The Loft. (Photo: courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok)
Photo 3 of 3 Just Drop It cocktail at The Loft. (Photo: courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok)

Situated on the 57th floor of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, The Loft is a nostalgic ode to the historic Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. The New York-style bar has been given a nod in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023; with its romantic aura, this bohemian hideout is the perfect setting for deep conversations over delicious cocktails. Walk up the grand spiral staircase and step into a classy interior steeped in art deco glamour, with beautiful soft furnishings set against the backdrop of stunning skyscrapers twinkling on the horizon. Sip on forgotten cocktails recreated from vintage recipes from the original Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book of 1935, curated and crafted by Italian bar manager Michele Montauti, but updated with a hint of Thai character: the Waldorf, a herbal mix of bourbon, Thai basil sweet vermouth and chocolate bitters, for example, or the Astoria, a take on the Martini with orange bitters and a blue-cheese-stuffed olive.

The Loft
Address: 151 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 (0)2 846 8851

3. ABar

Tatler Asia
ABar at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Above ABar's wide range of refreshing drinks at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. (Photo: courtesy of Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park)
Tatler Asia
ABar at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Above View from the top of ABar at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. (Photo: courtesy of Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park)

Perched on the 38th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, ABar Rooftop is a decent spot for a sundowner with panoramic view of Bangkok’s luminous cityscape from every direction. This stylish alfresco space with a hint of Art Deco flair feels like a glamourous garden in the sky: with marble tables, oversized black and white cushioned seats and green shrubs. 

On the menu, guests have a wide range of refreshing drinks to choose from, including one of the largest selections of gins in the city, with a hundred different varieties including many craft labels from all over the world. Feeling a little peckish? The snacks here are prepared by Akira Back, the hotel’s Asian dining restaurant located just on the lower floor. The bar comes alive later in the night with upbeat music, with live DJ sessions every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 21.00 to midnight.

ABar
Address: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Sukhumvit soi 22, Klong Tan, Bangkok, +66 (0) 2 059 5999

4. Crimson Room

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Photo 1 of 5 Crimson Room at Sindhorn Village. (Photo: Facebook / crimsonroombkk)
Photo 2 of 5 Crimson Room at Sindhorn Village. (Photo: Facebook / crimsonroombkk)
Photo 3 of 5 Crimson Room at Sindhorn Village. (Photo: Facebook / crimsonroombkk)
Photo 4 of 5 Til the End of the World, signature Cocktail from Crimson Room at Sindhorn Village. (Photo: Facebook / crimsonroombkk)
Photo 5 of 5 Live jazz performances at Crimson Room, Sindhorn Village. (Photo: Facebook / crimsonroombkk)

Nestled in the heart of Langsuan in Sindhorn Village, Crimson Room harks back to the 1920s via a gorgeous medley of plush red velvet furnishings, black marble tabletops, opulent chandeliers and dark timber panelling evocative of the sophistication that mark the glorious decade. Live jazz performances take centrestage at this theatre-style speakeasy brought to you by the same folks behind Rabbit Hole and Liberation; it showcases Bangkok’s finest jazz musicians as well as up-and-coming talents. Its signature cocktails are just as exquisite: Til the End of the World is a symphony of flavours made with Hibiki “Japanese Harmony” whisky, Cocchi Torino vermouth, Port wine, elderflower liqueur and orange bitters, while Love of Velvet is a delectable blend of Cocchi Americano, Campari, elderflower liqueur and rose lemonade. Seats are limited, so reservations are highly recommended.

Crimson Room
Address: Velaa, 87 Lang Suan Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 (0)2 259 2525

5. Penthouse Bar + Grill

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Photo 1 of 6 Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)
Photo 2 of 6 Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)
Photo 3 of 6 Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)
Photo 4 of 6 Johnnie Walker Depth of Blue Room, Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)
Photo 5 of 6 Johnnie Walker Depth of Blue Room, Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)
Photo 6 of 6 Open balcony, Penthouse Bar + Grill at Park Hyatt Bangkok. (Photo: courtesy of Park Hyatt Bangkok)

Perched on the top three floors of the Park Hyatt Bangkok, Penthouse Bar + Grill is a multi-venue space inspired by the lavish titular apartments found in Chicago and New York. Start at The Grill, the main restaurant, where a Royal Enfield motorbike takes pride of place at the entrance, and tuck into a huge Wagyu beef Tomahawk, then head up to the chic Cocktail Bar, styled along a vintage motoring theme, with shining chrome fixtures reminiscent of that most art deco New York building of all, the Chrysler. On the same level you’ll find The Mezzanine, a distinguished space draped in luxurious leathers in shades of brown and bronze, with objets d’art scattered around, while in the Johnnie Walker Depth of Blue Room, you can savour the finest whisky as well as four special, Thai-inspired cocktails made with Blue Label against a Tiffany-lamp-inspired setting. Finally, the pinnacle of the triplex penthouse is the Rooftop Bar from which you can enjoy magnificent sunsets and the glittering city lights with drink in hand in an alfresco garden setting.

Penthouse Bar + Grill
Address: 34th-36th Floor, Park Hyatt Bangkok, 88 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 (0)2 011 7480


This story was originally written in Thai by Kornpath Parn-on, with additional reporting by Manta Klangboonkrong. บทความต้นฉบับนี้เขียนภาษาไทยโดย กรพัฒน์ ปานอ่อน และเพิ่มเติมรายละเอียดโดย มันตา คลังบุญครอง


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