Gulp Chan: Alcoholics’ paradise erupts in Bangkok’s Nanglinchee

A whisky blend workshop on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee

Apr 1, 2022 | 2:55pm Bangkok time

The Nanglinchee scene has a new spot – and it’s filled with booze.

Kicking off with a grand opening earlier this week is Gulp Chan, an ever-shifting alcohol playground that is a liquor store, bar, restaurant, and space for boozy events inside a vibrant yellow house off Chan Kao Road.

Driven by a philosophy of “Don’t sip it, just gulp it,” Gulp is not a total newcomer. Its first store, Gulpbkk, opened in Soi Sukhumvit 49 after founder Vikram Arunagiri got it off the ground as a bar service at Indian weddings, and is now also a bar consultant and booze distributor.

Expect a fair amount of stock on the shelves – including a variety from very well-known bottles to rarer, fancier selections. Some bottles are offered in sets to stock a home mini bar. The Negroni Set, for example, is available for THB2,700 and comes with three bottles: Cinzano Vermouth, Campari Bitter, and Tanqueray Gin.

A Negroni Set at Gulp Chan. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok

Most are sold relatively affordable – just 20% above retail.

“We don’t want you to drink bad stuff,” Vikram said.

Vikram Arunagiri, founder of Gulp. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok

Level up your mixology skills with on-site workshops. Learn how to make household items that smell as good as your favorite drinks, such as a gin-scented candle workshop or wine & soap workshop – each priced at THB990 per person. Wine-tasting workshops are THB1,200 to THB1,800 per person, depending on the wines.

Whisky enthusiasts can learn how to make their own blends. The whisky blend workshop (THB1,499 per person) is led by Chivas brand ambassador Polly Elizabeth Brooks, who will walk attendees through Whisky 101. Make sure you’ve eaten something before the workshop, or else you’ll get sloshed in the process.

Polly Elizabeth Brooks leads a whisky blend workshop on March 30, 2022, at Gulp Chan. Photo: Gulp BKK

Want to join the hottest fitness trends but refuse to do anything without a bottle by your side? Gulp sees you. Try pairing wine with killer yoga moves at regular wine yoga events.

Since the venue is already soaked to the bone, it’s a good idea to have some bites to give your liver some hope. Chef Leonard Nigro – whose culinary career has traversed Hong Kong, New York, and Tuscany – is there to whip up juicy, finger-licking burgers and fries. You cannot go wrong with a tasty mushroom beef burger filled with truffle sauce. Vegans and vegetarians won’t be left out as some meatless burgers are also on the menu.

Gulp Chan is located on Chan Kao Road in the Nanglinchee neighborhood. It’s open 11am to 10pm every day except Monday.