Sansanee Thoesomboon,

founder/design director of Sane of Molly

How did your brand start?
In Shoreditch, East London, where my inspiration grew. I cherished the freedom with which people there are exposed to culture and sub-culture.
How would you describe your design style?
People say it’s quirky; I guess that’s the stubborn, rock n’ roll side of me playing a role in my design. I’d say my design is "romantic rock," as it combines romance and a raw vintage style with chic touches.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a futuristic look back at the 80s. It features some graphics that came to me in a vivid dream. The next morning I sketched and created the collection. I like the silhouettes of the 80s. It’s a challenge combining vintage and futuristic touches.
What’s the next big thing?
I think fashion is going back to simplicity. Technology is going to play an important role in it—one day you might just click a remote to change your clothes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion business?
How you direct your brand identity with the utmost freedom without giving into market demands.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was overdressed at a New Year's Eve countdown house party. My friends told me the dress code was "celebrity" so I went as Marilyn Monroe, but in fact there was no dress code and everyone was very casual. They got me!
What more does our fashion scene need?
I want more designs that stand out and in a variety of styles. Fashion is not only about following… wear fashion rather than let it wear you.
Order online at www.saneofmolly.com

Ekrada Phunatphattharasin,

co-owner of Nisa and Friends

How would you describe your design style?
Colorful imagination yet realistic. Our customers love bright and unique colors.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Flowers, nature and having a crush on someone.
What’s the next big thing?
Something combining lots of materials with futuristic shapes.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trends change so rapidly, whether due to celebrities or magazines.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Donatella Versace.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
Huge headbands.
What do you want more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Awesome minimal designs, both patterns and textiles.
Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Rd., 081-705-0555. BTS Siam.

Rudi Jotikasthira,

owner of Rudimentary and Rudi Joti

How did your brand start?
After graduating from the London College of Fashion, I came to a crossroads in my life; call it a quarter-life crisis. The situation was not so great in Europe, with all the talk about recession, so I thought maybe I should start my own label. In the end I packed up my life and moved back to Bangkok.
How would you describe your style?
Rudimentary is all about youthfulness and fun; I want to create objects that are timeless but also feel contemporary, with just a twist of edginess.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
The latest collection is all about Americana; think That 70s Show! Just imagine a bunch of friends going on a camping trip. They have a picnic, listen to music on their portable record player and relax on the beach. I selected a group of prints that tell a story: kilim-style prints with some Navajo-inspired tribal patterns.
What’s the next big thing?
I think Asia is going to be big, what with fast-growing economies like China. We are also seeing some oriental trends returning to runways for next season.
What’s the most difficult thing about the fashion industry?
The prospect of starting my own label and being my own boss was quite daunting. Creatively speaking, I know I can do it, but I have less experience with business, PR and marketing, and all the other aspects that come with being a business owner. I am learning as I go along.
Who’s your favorite designer?
I dread this question because for me it varies all the time! At the moment, I am loving what Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are doing at Kenzo. I am a huge fan of Opening Ceremony, anyway, so to see them revive an iconic brand like Kenzo is very inspiring. However, one of my all-time favorites is Alexander McQueen. I had the opportunity to intern there when I was still in university. It was fashion at its most creative.
Silliest fashion trend?
Ugg Boots and Crocs.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I used to cruise down the 'sold as seen' rack at Selfridges in London, looking for bargains on faulty items which I could maybe fix up later myself. I bought a pair of trousers from Vivienne Westwood thinking I had bagged a pair of Westwood trousers for a fraction of the price. I wore it to a formal party the following week and as I sat down, the seam at the crotch just came apart—the more I tried to rescue it the worse it got, to the point where I could put my whole hand in my trousers. I spent the whole evening trying to find the right moment to leave without losing what was left of my dignity!  
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
I don’t actually know the fashion scene here as well as others, as I have always lived abroad, but I think it has grown so much in the last few years. I hope to see Thai designers receive more recognition overseas; I want buyers to see that there are a lot of undiscovered talents here with great potential.

Pitchaya Srirapong,

designer/co-founder of Pitch

How did your brand start?
I was a freelance designer for a Thai and international jewelry brand for five years. After creating my own watch collection, I got to know Ann Kositchana from Front Row Studio Singapore. She asked me to join her and her partners, Jurikarn and Sornkrit, and together we established jewelry brand Pitch in 2010.
How would you describe your design?
Simple and chic, but with hidden details. We don't like luxurious things but prefer things that have character or contain a surprise.
What’s the inspiration behind your latest collection?
It's called Hello, I Miss You, and is all about jewelry which serves as a promise of love, affection, and returning back to each other. During wars, soldiers send mementos home to their loved ones. This collection is inspired by wartime trinkets and mementos of bittersweet departures. We use military emblems and play around with the meaning of love.
What’s the hardest part about working in the fashion industry?
People get information from shows like Project Runway fast, so it’s easy to find knock-offs. The negative effects on the fashion industry are profound, because people can find similar products for cheaper prices. Decreased sales mean that the motivation to create new designs has been diminished.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Maison Martin Margiela, because its design is simple yet chic, and still implies great ideas. It expresses creativity through recycling, transformation and reinterpretation.
What trend must go?
Wearing counterfeit products. If you are a fashion lover, you should show your respect to the designers by only buying and wearing the originals.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
When I was a kid, I was looking for my own style. Many questions popped up in my head, like why can’t girls wear boys' shirts to create their own style and still look pretty? I experimented with this for years and the result is some people think I am a tomboy or weird. What I am today was formed from years of mockery and people not understanding my style.     
What’s the next big thing?
The current generation has more confidence to dress up. I think the hot trend from now on will be people to showing their personality through more mixing and matching of outfits.
What does the Bangkok fashion scene need?
Thailand has not only got more talented designers but also more quality materials for in-house production. Still, Thai young designers lack connections with big investors to support them in the international market. We will produce more well-known designers if we get more support from the public and private sectors.

Nantiya Saengwichit,

29, managing director/ design director of Hectorr

Describe your style.
Anti-trend. Hectorr’s pieces are for those who are not fashion victims and don’t alter their looks too much from season to season. On the other hand, Hectorr’s girls know themselves well and express their style subconsciously and instinctually.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Veronica Decides to Exist is our latest collection, inspired by a novel called Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. It blends fully nude and dark tones with simple sleek designs to express the “perfect imperfection" concept.
What’s the next big thing?
Minimal and simple designs with hidden details. A large number of people are now getting more interested in philosophy, so superficiality will become nonsense.
What’s the most difficult part about working in the fashion industry?
Some people prefer having many items in their closet rather than just one of a good quality that you can wear for many years. Some of my products go through many processes in the design production stage, so some people might not understand the pricing.
Who’s your favorite designer?
Damir Doma.
Silliest fashion trend?
Scrunchies. There’s no reason to ruin your personal style by putting strange things in your hair.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
Girls with a masculine style.

Toolapar Wadkhien,

35, designer/owner of Fresh Meat

How did your brand start?
I love bags and was thinking one day, why don’t I make one for myself. I just sketched it and found someone to help me with the cutting and sewing of the leather. After it was done, my friends asked me where I got it. They then asked me if I could design bags for them.  
How would you describe your design style ?
Basics with a twist. They are made for everyday use, but with add-ons like zips, buckles, fringes and studs.
What’s the inspiration for your latest collection?
Traveling to the countryside in a convertible car on the weekend. I saw an old movie where a couple do just this with a pile of bags on the backseat. The collection is mostly made up of quite big bags which are suitable for a few nights away from home. The curves reflect the form of a vintage car and there’s even a nod to the car’s headlights.
What’s the next big thing?
Style will be more individualized, more personalized and more customized. Now, due to globalization, online and new technologies, people can see everything from everywhere, so there are no boundaries, especially in the fashion world.
What’s the most difficult thing about working in the fashion industry?
Trying to stand out with your unique identity: to stay true to yourself and still answer the needs of your target audience. Nowadays, there are many brands that are hungry for fame, and will try every way to be distinct. Some do it through strange-looking designs that simply scream that they're just trying to survive in this industry—they forget who they are and who their customers are.
Who are your favorite designers?
Alexander McQueen, Nicolas Ghesquière and Phoebe Philo.
What’s the silliest fashion trend?
I’m more concerned that people wear the right attire on the right occasion.
What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment?
I went to a masquerade party by accident and I was wearing a short jumpsuit.
What do you want to see more of in Bangkok’s fashion scene?
People who appreciate original ideas and don’t just support copycats.
 

1. Banyan Tree Aloe & Lavender Body Lotion, B750/250ml

They say: A nourishing body lotion featuring aloe vera and lavender oil that is aimed at improving dull and dry skin.
We say: We’ve never seen a pairing of aloe vera and lavender before. But the result isn’t bad at all. While the lavender scent helps relax the nerves, the smell of aloe vera is refreshing and well suited to the current hot and humid weather. What we don’t like is its texture, which is a bit too light and runny to stay in place and you need be really careful when pouring it from the container.

2. Erb Lavender Lush,  B1,090/230ml << Lavender Loaded

They say: Contains lavender that helps soothe the skin, centella to boost collagen production and honey to restore the skin’s moisture.
We say: This lotion has the strongest lavender smell of the six, as it contains both lavender water and essential oil. The smell reminds us of the classic English powdery lavender fragrance our grandma uses. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the smell is so strong you couldn’t use it with any other fragrance, and it lasts for more than six hours. So perhaps it’s best applied before bedtime as lavender is said to provide a better sleep. 

3. Harnn Cymbopogon Body Soufflé,  B1,150/220ml

They say: Light but concentrated, this cream combines extracts of water lily stamen and hibiscus fruit, as well as lavender and lemongrass oils, to keep the skin moisturized, smooth and fresh, and increase skin elasticity. It also features natural antiseptic and anti-inflammation properties of natural essential oils.
We say: Cymbopogon is meant to be Harnn’s first line for both men and women (compared to previous lines which were sweeter and targeted ladies). The lotion is light but concentrated, as advertised, but features a strong lemongrass scent so that the smell of lavender is barely distinguishable at first. Leave it for five to ten minutes and it smells a lot more pleasurable with a perfect combination of lemongrass and lavender notes. The best thing? This East-meets-West aroma makes you feel like you are in a high-end hotel spa. 

4. Gla Skin Source Nourishing, B385/250ml << BK PICK!

They say: Among their three formulas, this is the one best suited to dry skin thanks to ingredients like rice milk, shea butter and botanical oils.
We say: Before we could only find Gla products at BIG+BIH fairs and when we hopped into Lemon Farms convenience stores at petrol stations. Now that they have a counter at Siam Center, though, making it a whole lot easier to buy. The lotion has a rich texture but is easily absorbed into the skin. After application you smell like a blend of lavender and lemon peel; a scent that is not too light nor too strong and very reminiscent of an Asian-themed spa. Once this note disappears, after a few hours, along with the moisture, you know it’s time to re-apply. This is our top pick, not just on price but also quality and aroma.

5. L’Occitane Lavande Body Lotion,  B1,355/250ml

They say: Originally from France’s Provence, one of the world’s most famous producers of lavender, L’Occitane is Lavande Body Lotion is among the esteemed brand’s most popular products. It contains lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence and organic shea butter, helping hydrate the skin and leaving you pleasantly scented.
We say: This is the most expensive lotion in the test, and given the brand, we expected a lot. The texture is light and smooth so it easily soaks into the skin. It gives a pleasant lavender smell at first, then the shea butter reveals itself a few minutes later. There’s also a slight citrus scent, but we don’t know where it comes from. Anyway, even though the texture is light, it surprisingly hydrates the skin for long periods. 

6. Panpuri Solitude Soothing Body, Balm B1,050/220ml

They say: This high-end body lotion combines aloe vera, chamomile, lemongrass and Tahiti butter to help heal and hydrate the skin. As it contains a lot of acidic extracts, it’s not recommended for use before direct exposure to the sun.
We say: Packaged in a tall bottle, the lotion is light but rich in texture, meaning it instantly hydrates your skin. It features a strong smell of citrus, thanks to extracts of lemongrass, lemon and grapefruit oils, so you hardly notice the scents of lavender or chamomile—perfect for fans of acidic scents.

Banyan Tree Gallery. Banyan Tree Bangkok, South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. www.banyantree.com
Erb. Try 5/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777. Facebook.com/erbasia  
Gla. The Selected, 3/F, Siam Center, 02-658-1000. www.glanature.com  
Harnn. 1/F and 3/F, CentralWorld, 02-613-1429/30. www.harnn.com  
L’Occitane. Try 1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777. www.loccitane.co.th  
Panpuri. L/F, Gayson, 02-656-1199. www.panpuri.com
 

Dance to your heart's content at Dance2Power Earth Hour, an event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which will also see stage performances, an eco-carnival and an outdoor movie screening you'll be powering with all your sleek moves. 

There's probably no better time to treat your friends to healthy comfort food as our favorite vegan burger joint opts for an eco-friendly light source to celebrate Earth Hour at Veganburg. All proceeds from meals served during this time will go to the Tzu Chi Foundation. 

Buy notebooks and stationery made out of recycled and recyclable materials at the Singapore Changi Airport's first Green Bazaar, a rare chance to see the place in varying degrees of darkness. 

Beervana Craft Beer Club

Fans of the beers on offer from this craft brew importer can save themselves the trouble of heading down to the nearest gastro-bar/restaurant, like Smith or Shuffle. It’s now free to be a member and you get a 25% discount on brews and free delivery on orders of 12 bottles or more within the CBD. Members also get invites to regular tastings and special events.
www.seekbeervana.com

Wishbeer

Set up recently by Frenchman Jerome Le Louer, they currently have around 50 beers and ciders from England, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Japan and America available, but are always willing to try and bring in your favourite tipple. Simply go to the website, register and then choose your poison. There’s a minimum order of six beers and it’s B150 for delivery (free if you spend over B2,000).
www.wishbeer.com
 

Brew Beer and Ciders

G/F, Seen Space, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366. www.brewbkk.com. Open daily 4pm-11am.
One of the main hubs for all things beer-related, it was set up by part-time beer importer and aficionado Chris Foo. The result is a laidback, slightly spit-and-sawdust place that offers intriguing brews from America, Britain, Belgium and beyond, with the added bonus of people-watching in the Seenspace courtyard.

Niche Beerville

482 Praditmanutham Rd., 02-515-1232-3. Open 4pm-midnight
For some reason the residents of the burbs seem to love their beer, the latest evidence being this spot. While we might not be big fans of the fake retro touches and cheesy photo opps on offer, we have to admire the big outdoor terrace, good pub grub and, most importantly, the choice of over 140 well-curated beers. Oh, and they offer a beer buffet (B777 for 3 hours) from Sun to Thu, and 2.5-l towers of Weihenstephan, Stella or Bavaria at B999.

Beerosophy 101

1/F, Mega Bangna (Event Zone), Bang Na-Trat Km. 8. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
The sister joint of CDC’s Beerology, this venue out at giant Mega Bangna has a distinctly cellar vibe (despite the mall setting) thanks to the checkered floor and preponderance of beer barrels. They have over 100 different lagers, ales, ciders, white and fruit beers to choose from plus staff who know what they’re talking about.

Beervault

Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000. Open daily 11-1am
An early embracer of the beer philosophy, it has managed to retain a pretty impressive pedigree over the last couple of years that allows it to transcend its location next to a hotel lobby. A well-curated and often changing specials list shows enthusiasm while a great 2 for 1 daily happy hour deal on selected beers (5-7pm) makes it well worth dropping by.

Danish Delights

Jakob Mørkenborg Rasmussen of Hopsessions, who import beers from cutting-edge Copenhagen-based brewer Mikkeller and the ultimate handcrafted beer, Bøgedal, as well as medieval drink of choice, Mead.

What’s your favorite beer currently available in Bangkok?
It’s hard to choose as there are more and more good beers arriving. If I had to pick one, then it would be BrewDog - Hardcore IPA. You can never go wrong with that! It’s a powerful beer, stuffed with hops. I love the freshness and bitterness. It also works great with spicy food.
Describe the taste in three words?
Citrus, caramel, hops.
What beer from your range would you recommend to Bangkokians?
If I had to pick just one, it would be Hvedegoop. It’s the hallmark of Craft Brewing, a collaboration between Three Floyds Brewing, USA, and Mikkeller, Denmark. It’s a powerful hoppy wheat wine at 10.4% ABV—same as a barley wine but based on red wheat. It’s so well balanced it’s crazy! The American release of this beer sold out in a few hours. Luckily, Mikkeller had a few cases left in Copenhagen, so we bought the last drops. This beer will never come again, so try it while it lasts.
What beer would you have for your last meal?
One that really stands out is Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel, which is a 10.9% stout brewed with Kopi Luwak. Unfortunately, it’s expensive, rarely brewed, and normally sold out before they even brew it.

Stateside Serenade

As one of the co-founders of pioneering craft beer importers Beervana, Aaron Grieser brings in American craft beers from the likes of Rogue and Andersen Valley US and has recently started importing a range of ales from Singapore’s oldest micobrewery, Brewerkz.

What’s your favorite beer currently available in Bangkok?
I’m loving Anderson Valley’s Imperial IPA, Heelch O’ Hops.
What makes it special?
Heelch (meaning “a lot” in the local dialect where it’s brewed in the mountains of northern California) is a hop-head’s delight. It’s 8.7% alcohol and has as much bitterness as your tongue can perceive, yet it’s also perplexingly balanced and easy to drink and packed with all kinds of citrus and tropical fruit notes. Delicate and dangerous.
Describe the taste in three words?
In. Your. Face.
What beer from your range would you recommend to Bangkokians?
I’m really excited to see the reception that Brewerkz Golden Ale has gotten in Bangkok. We just launched it a few weeks ago at Smith and the Roadhouse and it’s just killing it! It’s an excellently crafted ale with solid fundamentals and it’s lighter bodied so it’s good for the tropics. Also, I’m pretty sure it’s the freshest craft beer in distribution in Thailand; we get it only a week after brewing and it’s available in draft.
What beer would you have for your last meal?
The Aurora Australis from crazy Norwegian brewery Nøgne O. Its brewed in Australia, aged in red wine barrels and then matured at sea on the way to Norway.

Local Brews

Supavich “Kong” Vongvivat and Kan Navikapol are two Thais who set up Smiling Mad Dog Co., Ltd., running a series of beer-dedicated bars like Beerology and Beerosophy in Bangkok. After finding out what their customers really like, they have now started bringing in beers themselves, such as Scottish craft beer BrewDog, famous Belgian beers St.Bernardus and Chapeau, as well as Aspall Cyder (Premium English cider), available later this month.

What’s your favorite beer currently available in Bangkok?
It all depends on the time and the amount we’re drinking. After a hard day’s work, a pint of Aspall Cyder is very refreshing. But on the weekends, it would have to be BrewDog PunkIP. It’s indescribable; you have to smell the aroma, taste the first sip, and experience the finish. This beer is unlike any other beer in the market!
Describe the taste/flavor in three words?
Like it, love it, live it.
What beer from your range would you recommend to Bangkokians?
Everyone has their own personal preference depending on their character and taste buds so we’re going on beers to fit characters!  St.Bernardus is good for fresh young executives looking for a smart-confident look. BrewDog is well suited to arty hipsters wanting a punky look, while executives might plump for the classic Englishness of Aspall Cyder.
What beer would you have for your last meal?
I would definitely go for the BrewDog PunkIPA just because it is one of the “100 Beers to try before you die” but more importantly, I want to still have the taste of hops on the tip of my tongue once I reach heaven (or somewhere else?).

Find out where to enjoy these beers and more with our round up of the Best Beer Bars in Bangkok and discover how you can also have them delivered to your door with our guide to Bangkok's Best Beer Delivery Services.

To raise awareness for rabbit adoption, Rabbit Society Singapore will visit the Easter brunch at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante on March 31. Diners get to meet real live rabbits (that were rescued by the association) while digging into an Italian feast. It’s available 11:30am-3:30pm at $128.

Wake up early on March 31 for Easter Sunday at Au Jardin, a French brunch spread with a traditional egg hunt that lasts from 11:30am-2pm and goes for $88. Expect dishes like tempura of cod fillet with prawn beignet, cream of mushroom soup with foie gras ravioli and grilled Welsh lamb saddle with olive puree.

Celebrate Easter: The Italian Way at Basilico on March 31. The Italian spread includes a classic Easter cake Colomba Pasquale, as well as an egg hunt from noon-3pm. The buffet goes for $148, $188 (with free-flow of Prosecco and wine) or $228 (with free flow of Champagne and wine).

There’s the Easter weekend high tea buffet at Café Mosaic. The spread of international dishes includes seafood on ice, steak, local recipes such as laksa, scones, sandwiches and Easter-themed desserts. It goes for $55 and is available from noon-4pm, March 30-31.

Try Swiss classics including Landjaeger (semi-dried German sausage), chorizo, beef pastrami and eggnog tart at the Easter buffet (March 31) at Café Swiss, available for $64.

Chow down at the Easter at Edge buffet dinner ($98) at Edge on March 29-30 featuring Asian fare, with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options (in the ascetic spirit of Good Friday). On March 30, the eatery is also offering an Easter Sunday Brunch at $98 with a live roti prata station and Easter-inspired desserts such as Hot Cross Buns.

Dig into a luxurious brunch spread including oven-roasted beef, coca-cola ham and rack of lamb with mint pesto at the Easter brunch (March 31) at Equinox Restaurant. To wash the food down, there’s free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne, plus Easter-themed cocktails. The meal goes for $188.

The Easter Brunch in a Forest at Forest includes specialty canapés like chocolate covered cherry tomatoes on the vine as well as seafood on ice, dim sum and barbecue meats. It’s available on March 31 from 11:30am-4pm at $88 or $108 (with free flow of Heineken).

Get whimsical at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Easter Sunday lunch on March 31 at Hotel Fort Canning. Held at the Garden Terrace, the lunch includes sweets such as Hot Cross Buns, Easter carrot cake, and a chocolate fondue tower. It’ll be on from noon-3pm and costs $68.

Capella Singapore’s new executive chef David Senia presents Lamb Pascal and a free flow of Taittinger Champage as part of the Mediterranean buffet at The Knolls, which is on from 12:30pm onwards on March 31 and goes for $198.

For some inventive little bites, head to The Line’s Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet (March 31) including dishes like angelic eggs, Cumberland sausages in rosemary breadcrumbs, and yam nest with fried mozzarella stuffed risotto balls. The spread is priced at $108 (with unlimited fresh fruit juices) and $148 (with free-flow Champagne, white and red wine, draft beer and juices).

There’s free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne, fresh seafood, salad, antipasti, Japanese and Indian recipes as well as large format roasts at the Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch (March 31) at the Olive Tree. The buffet is on from 11:45am-3pm at $128.

Chef Steve Kaye has come up with a number of blackboard specials for the Egg-stra Special Easter at Picotin Express. Dishes include classic goat’s cheese salad, lamb shoulder and black forest gateau. The menu will be served from noon onwards from March 29-31.

The Easter brunch (March 31) at Senso Ristorante & Bar is a buffet including Easter bread, roasted lamb shoulder, rabbit ragout and homemade chocolates. It’s on from 11:30am-3:30pm at $138.

Dine surrounded by lush greenery at the Waterfall Cafe’s Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet (March 31) with festive Mediterranean-inspired items is priced at $78 or $116 (with free-flowing sparkling, white, rosé and red wine).

Communal

Two courses for $12.

Hard Rock Café

Three courses for $15.

NamNam

Three courses for $9.90.

Niji Japanese Restaurant

Japanese lunch sets (including coffee) from $8.80.

Shoebox Canteen

Three courses for $19.

Trattoria Gallo D’oro

Two courses for $18.

SOI 43

12.) The Swiss Choice

(EAT) It doesn't look like much with it's crudely painted scenes depicting the Swiss Alps and otherwise barebones decor, but this little cheese shop and restaurant has some of Bangkok's best fondue and raclette.
Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm. 02-259-0590

SOI 45

13.) Cabochon Hotel & Residence (STAY)
Thai Lao Yeh (EAT)
The Joy Luck Club (DRINK)
Wooden Submarine (SHOP)

Taiwanese interior designer Eugene Tan’s love for classical elegance is clear in the grandeur of the eight-room Cabochon Hotel, tucked down this quiet dead-end soi. Completed last year, the building offers an imposing white neoclassical façade while the interior recreates the home of a Chinese tycoon in the heyday of 1920s Shanghai. Inside you’ll find an Aladdin’s cave of vintage items from animal skulls to huge Louis Vuitton trunks. Even if you’re not staying here, The Joy Luck Club lounge and bar supplies an ambience that’s part speakeasy and part library, while the Thai restaurant Thai Lao Yeh is furnished with traditional wood, marble tables and old prints. It serves up dishes influenced by Lao, Northern and Northeastern cuisines. The newest addition comes in the form of Wooden Submarine, a clothing and accessories store that lets you browse vintage Americana from confederate flags to old prison vests (see more details on page 19).
Restaurant open 11am-2pm, 6-10:30pm. Rooms from B8,600/2 nights. 02-259-2871/-3. www.cabochonhotel.com

14.) Casa Pagoda

(SHOP) The airy 600-sq-meter, two-story space is filled with an eclectic mix of tasteful home decor items, ranging from French country style wooden dining tables to industrial-chic leather couches to hemp rugs sporting giant Baroque prints. But smaller decorative pieces are also available.
Open daily 11am-8pm. 02-258-1917

15.) Quince

(EAT) Just up the road from the Cabochon is the equally handsome Quince. One of the hottest eateries in town at the moment, its intriguing and inventive “market” menu has a real focus on sustainability, ethical eating and local produce. That means simple, but delicious treats like roast carrots with shallot, honey and poppy seed and whole shoulder of lamb. It’s all served in a space that mixes industrial elements with vintage touches like European furniture and posters.
Open daily 11:30-1am. 02-662-4478

SOI 47

16.) Rainhill

The five-story venue, clustered around an impressive water feature, offers plenty of dining options from Thai restaurant Som Tum Dok Rak (2/F, 02-863-8593. Open daily 10am-10:30pm) to Japanese Udon noodle venue Marugame Seimen and contemporary sushi bar Kinki, as well as some quirky shops. See the following individual entries for highlight venues.
www.rainhill47.com

17.) Him and Her 

(SHOP) Owned by couple and self-confessed fashionistas, Diloklarp “Him” Junthachotibutr and Ploy “Paloy” Horwang, Him & Her started off as a vintage clothing store where the two curated items from around the world. Since moving to their new location they’ve also started designing their own womenswear ranging from dresses to pants, which are proving popular with local stars and celebrities.
Open Tue-Sun 1-9pm. 2/F, Rainhill, 02-261-7233

18.) Apostrophe’s

(SHOP) This is Bangkok’s second branch of this Japanese-style zakka store, a small shop selling everything from cute tableware to linen handicrafts—all of which follow a similar theme. Browse through their collection of handcrafted pillow cases and tote bags, and then sit back and sip a bag of their homemade lemon soda.
Open daily 10:30am-9pm. G/F, Rainhill, 083-110-0445

19.) Shuffle  

(EAT)The décor follows an industrial chic setup with bare brick walls, steel painted black and lamps dangling from the ceiling—and gets extra points for the outdoor terrace overlooking Sukhumvit Road. The menu embraces comforting dishes like chicken wings and burgers but also offers more unique options like peach and prosciutto salad with brie or the “rustic quesadilla” with smoked salmon, mornay sauce and chive sour cream. They stock decent wines and a few American craft beers and also promise a special brunch menu soon.
Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-midnight.
1/F, Rainhill, 02-261-6992

20.) Kinki     

(EAT)(DRINK) Nestled on the 6/F of Rainhill, Kinki may offer only modest views of the Sukhumvit skyline, including the nearby BTS line, but this newly opened rooftop venue delivers on its promise of “urban attitude” through its combination of Japanese fusion fare, custom cocktails, walls covered in graffiti and regular DJ nights (including international acts). Imported from Singapore, the Japanese-themed bar and restaurant serves up signature dishes like tai carpaccio (B380) and foie gras and scallop sushi (B350) while the cocktail list includes such offerings as the Spicy Hachimitsu (B240). (See more details on page 27.)
Open Mon/Tue/Thu/Sun 5pm-midnight, Wed/Fri/Sat 5pm-1am.Rooftop (6/F), Rainhill, 02-261-7204. www.kinki.co.th.

21.) Near Equal 

(EAT) If you have the energy to escape Rainhill and walk a little further down the leafy Soi 47 you’ll come to this 60s-style former home. The second floor boasts wooden walls, floors and colored screens while downstairs there’s a selection of Thai furniture, handicrafts and knick-knacks for sale. The kitchen whips up artfully-presented Thai dishes like stir-fried pea sprouts with oyster sauce, tom yum kung and fried chicken with lemongrass.
Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm. 02-258-1564