The Charoen Krung creative district has welcomed a classy new cocktail and jazz bar from the ever-stylish Siwilai brand. Picture a marriage between a New York City jazz club and a Tokyo-style vinyl bar but with a Thai twist.
Situated on the ground floor of Central: The Original Store, the audiophile venue’s atmospheric, dimly lit space is partly illuminated by sultry crimson lights. The sophisticated interiors were designed by Tripster Inc., the design company of renowned Japanese creative Kunichi Nomura, which used local materials to transform a Chinese shophouse into a handsome, after-dark destination.
The bar is split into two floors. In the “Live Room” on the first floor, find a grand piano centerpiece. As the name suggests, one can expect world-class jazz performances from some of the finest instrumentalists and crooners in town here. The “Audiophile Bar” on the second floor is equipped with a custom, high-fidelity Ojas 816 speakers, shelves packed with more than 1,000 carefully curated vinyl records, and a DJ booth spinning tracks throughout the night.
Start the night downstairs with a drink (or two, we won’t judge) from their “Special Cocktail Series” menu, currently featuring concoctions inspired by Mazu, a sea goddess of Chinese mythology. Don’t miss the Godmother Dragon (THB350), a vodka drink featuring red dragon fruit, lychee yogurt RTD, lemon juice and honey. For something a little punchier, try the Clarified Ruby (THB350), which sees Campari, white rum, and pomegranate extract mixed with pomegranate and lime juice, sugar syrup and a dash of milk. Upstairs, the cocktail menu at the Audiophile Bar comes in the theme of “Rhythm & Legends.” The menu boasts a number of modern cocktails inspired by music icons, like the Salted Peanuts Painkiller (THB330), an ode to American jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie consisting of spiced rum, orange and pineapple juice, salted peanut cream, and grated peanuts. End the evening with the Billie Holiday-inspired Lynchburg Holiday (THB350), a mix of Jack Daniels, Falernum, Angostura bitters, dark rum and a splash of lime.
Make sure you come with a full stomach, though, because they don’t serve food.
Serious jazz fans and young urbanite couples looking for intimate date nights. Soothing jazz classics and contemporary rhythm and blues come from the likes of pianist Roykhien Wanglert and multi-instrumentalist band Sirawet’s Trio at the Live Room, while even more vibrant grooves can be found at the Audiophile Bar courtesy of DJs like Nanziee and Toru. While waiting for their sets, ask the bartender to dip into the impressive vinyl collection and play that favorite song of yours by Bill Withers or Chet Baker.
All in all, the venue is a great backdrop to tasteful evenings with friends, but it’s just as appealing if you’re in the mood for some quality alone time.
Siwilai Sound Club is located inside Central: Original Store, a five-story shophouse on Charoen Krung Road. It’s best reached from BTS Saphan Taksin or the Oriental Pier.
FIND IT:
Siwilai Sound Club
1266 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak
6pm-1am daily, except Monday
02-116-8680
BTS Saphan Taksin, Oriental Pier
