BANGKOK BAR

Jacqueline

Channel Jackie Kennedy at Soi Somkid’s elegant cocktail joint.

The buzz: Phloen Chit’s elegant new cocktail joint takes influence from former First Lady, ‘60s style icon and rumored gin-tonic lover Jackie Kennedy. It also comes from nightlife impresario Sanya Souvanna Phouma (Cactus, Sing Sing), who’s this time partnered with property developer Sansiri to take over the top floor of its shiny new Siri House, a kind of hi-so members club where you don’t need membership.

The decor: A melange of mid-century and modern that anyone familiar with Cactus will recognize, though here served up under the pitched, tongue-and-groove roof of a residential townhouse—“We took influence from upstate, East Coast country houses,” says Sanya. Designer Shelley Kwok’s projects have twice won B.A.D. Awards’ Best Design award, and here she once more conjures that intimate yet just-that-little-bit unattainable vibe. Pull up a rattan barstool at the multicolor terrazzo bar—a sprawling kitchen island-type affair—or nestle into one of the mint velvet-upholstered seating nooks.

The drinks: From the “Signatures” menu, we went straight for the Paparazzo (B340) and did not regret it—a dirty negroni whose murky olive tang cuts right through the punchy mix of local Iron Balls gin, Campari and vermouth. Head barman Saranjes “Tum” Aiamudomchok is on great form with the classics as well. Our Frisco (rye whiskey and Benedictine herbal liqueur, B400) was more like a Frisco sour thanks to a sharp kick of fresh lemon, but nonetheless went down a treat. Prices from B280-400 are par for the course in a modern Bangkok cocktail lounge, but you can also satiate yourself with a Beer Lao for B180 or an Iron Balls tonic at B250.

The crowd: Heiresses, social page regulars and the people they’re dating—Soi Somkid is one of the poshest addresses in Bangkok, after all. You’re also likely to find the more creative end of the 30-something expat business spectrum. Oliver Irvine

 

 

Venue Details
Address: Jacqueline, 1/F, Siri House, 14/2 Soi Somkid, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: 094-868-2639
Website: www.facebook.com/sirihousebkk
Area: Phloen Chit
Open since: March, 2019
Opening hours: daily 4-11pm
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Jacqueline