Let fantasy fly in Ekkamai’s kink-forward speakeasy ‘Playroom’

By Coconuts Bangkok

Dec 22, 2020 | 5:39pm Bangkok time

New to Ekkamai is a sultry speakeasy made for fancy date nights and celebrations that we all survived the rough ‘n tough 2020.

Set atop her crowd-pleasing French restaurant Stage, former Robuchon chef Jay Sangsingkaew welcomes diners into her Playroom, a swanky, incredibly seductive speakeasy recalling posh Russian cocktail dens.

Like Stage, the luxurious interiors were designed by Paradigm Shift (Crimson Room, Rabbit Hole, Susie Q), with dramatic, curved gold accents meeting sensuous red hues. Step inside the mysterious, dimly lit venue to find a sleek black marble bar with a show-stopping liquor shelf backdrop. There are plenty of leather-clad seats at a bar beckoning the city’s pretty people to sit elegantly and strike siren poses for Instagram, while cozier booths can be found across for canoodling couples or babbling buddies.

Playroom also houses a private room for large gatherings and VIP guests, plus a cigar room tricked out in leather belt fetish festooned on the walls. Playroom claims to be a Fifty Shades of Grey-themed bar, so don’t be surprised if you spot other S&M decor like chains and handcuffs. The unmissable neon sign (and popular photo spot) declaring “You are My Favorite Dirty Thought” drives home the venue’s naughty-but-nice inclination.

Expect a curated selection of 10 drinks with a sensual bent. Start with the Porn Star Martini (THB360), a photogenic mix that consists of Ketel One vodka, passion fruit, lychee, lime juice, sugar, and egg white; then move on to Sitting on the Thorn (THB400), a Tanqueray-based cocktail mixed with Campari, dry vermouth, and lemon juice, all garnished with a rose lollipop.

Go steady with Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald (THB400), a mix of Bulleit bourbon, wax gin, honey, lemon, bitters, and raspberry paste, before taking it up a notch with Mr. Grey (THB400), another bourbon-based drink combining mezcal, yuzu, honey, and cranberry. Out for a night of serious drinking? Don’t miss the Manhattan Transfer (THB440), which hits the spot with its mix of Bulleit bourbon and rye, sweet and dry vermouth, cherry, and a splash of bitters. Beyond the signatures, the bar also boasts a wide range of classic cocktails, champagnes, and rare whiskeys from world-famous brands. Light snacks are provided by Stage, including uni toast with Kristal caviar (THB400), truffle hot dogs (THB380), foie gras sundae (THB250) and wagyu short ribs with truffle rice (THB500).

Upbeat and smooth jazz from vinyl records spun by various DJs each Mon-Wed, and live jazz performances from up-and-coming crooners and bands every Thursday through Saturday.

Jazz fans, photo-seekers, and deep-pocketed cocktail yuppies on fancy date nights.

Don’t let the dramatic setting fool you. Even if you’re new to the cocktail scene, you’ll totally feel at ease here thanks to its awesome jazz tunes, great cocktails, and DJs who really know how to set the right mood.