Fat Gut’z Saloon
1/F, Grass Thonglor, 264 Thong Lor 12,
Tel. 02-714-9832
Bangkok, 10110

Fat Gut’z on trendy Soi Thonglor in Bangkok, has overall, some very good talent performing on its small stage tucked under a stairwell at this usually standing-room only jazz club. On Tuesday nights, they feature a particularly good singer called (Khun) Fon, who as they say, can really, “Belt Them Out”. She is backed up by a couple of first-rate electric-guitarists and one percussionist. Fat Gut’z occupies one of the front spaces in a development called Grass, which goes so far as to try to authenticate its name by gluing imitation, plastic grass to the walls and various other empty areas where it could possibly do so within the confines of the property. If you think this sounds tacky? You would be right. It is!

JuJu
A chic cocktail lounge on the legendary Kings Road.
316–318 Kings Road,
Chelsea,
London,
SW3 5UH

Bar Red

5 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5PF.

Telephone: +44 0207 434 3417
This Soho favorite boasts some serious blending of cocktails. Spread over two levels, upstairs it’s all plush private booths and chandeliers, an ideal spot to relax and linger over a drink. For a livelier night go downstairs where live DJs play on most nights.

Icebar London

31-33 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BN.

Telephone: 020 7478 8910
The only permanent ice bar in the UK, it’s kept at a constant minus 5 degrees. The ice is imported from Sweden and has been turned into bar.  Ice stools circle ice tables in front of ice art while ski suited barmen make vodka cocktails which are served in ice cube glasses. There’s a cover charge but that includes your first drink. The ice bar phenomenon may no longer seem as unique as it once did – the idea has been reproduced at a number of locations around the world – but still a memorable night out.

Floridita

100 Wardour St, London, W1F 0TN.

Telephone: +44 020 7314 4000
Taking its name from the famous bar in Havana where Hemingway once drank. The clientele is the usual upmarket London lot, credit crunch or no (which is fortunate as prices veer towards the steep). The music is Latin and appealing and, daiquiris aside, the regular cocktails are also pretty special: excellent mojitos and some decent contemporary concoctions. Also, being a Cuban bar, they offer a large range of cigars.

The Connaught Bar

The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, London, W1K 2AL.

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7499 7070
The Connaught Hotel – the grandest of London’s grande dames – has had a bit of makeover. Already it has unveiled the divine Coburg Bar and now we have this, a glorious room designed by David Collins and housed in the hotel’s former American Bar. The ever so elegant space is bedecked in metals, marble and leather with art deco detailing. The cocktails are true classics, impeccably executed with the very best ingredients, and there’s also a large selection of champagnes and fine wines. Bar food comes care of the hotel’s new resident chef Helene Darroze. None of this comes at a low price, of course, but that’s to be expected: the Connaught is a world class bar in a world class hotel that has embraced 21st century style without sacrificing any of its considerable character.

The Library/The Garden Room

Lanesborough Hotel Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA.

Telephone: +44 0207 5599
Too often bars feel like bland copies of each other. These days retro-minimalism has been done to death and retro-futurism is not far behind; it’s at times like this you long for a return to a world of classic drinking. The Lanesborough has created The Garden Room, for those who believe the life went out of the London bar scene along with the smoke. An extensive collection of Cuban cigars is offered for those who want to complete their evening in style

Trailer Happiness

177 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY.

Telephone: +44 0207 727 2700
Think Tiki drinks and you immediately imagine the South Pacific. Although, when poured properly, there is nothing so delicious as a tropical cocktail and who better to bring the first authentic Tiki bar – Trader Vic’s apart – to London, than King Cocktail himself, master mixologist Dale DeGroff who trained staff at the Player and the Match bars. Set in terminally trendy Notting Hill on the boho-chic Portobello, the décor is palm-tree retro kitsch, with dark walls, bright splashes of colour to match that in the Sours and Sunrises, and the odd Tretchikoff on the wall – South Africa’s master of the kitsch genre. The crowd is typical Notting Hill cool – celebrities, media tarts and fashionistas are a dime a dozen in these parts – but the bar is every bit as laid back and fun as was intended. And well priced too: a masterful cocktail for £4 in Notting Hill?

Vanilla

131 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 5BB.

Telephone: +44 0203 008 7763
You’ll need to ring a door buzzer to be allowed into this elegant members’ club in Fitzrovia, but hold your nerve because it’s rather wonderful inside: all glimmering, glittering white with subtly shifting lighting and rippling water features. Long white curtains hang around each small table allowing a measure of privacy to those seeking an intimate evening. The cocktail list is full of exciting combinations; we’re particularly taken with the combination of gin, honey water and champagne. Staff are efficient and know what their drinks. The dinner menu is not cheap at £90 for three courses, but it is inspired (the head chef has a background littered with Michelin star establishments), think lobster tagliatelle with chilli and garlic or a dessert of chocolate brownie with salted caramel mousse and tonka bean ice cream

Rules Bar

35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7LB.

Telephone: +44(0)207836 5314
Rules is, without argument, a London institution. The oldest restaurant in the city (dating back to 1798), this Covent Garden survivor exudes the tradition and elegance of a past era. Rules cares not a jot for fads and fashions; it continues to serve its hearty English food to those who appreciate it, but while cocktails have always been served at Rules it is only recently that a dedicated cocktail bar has been opened on the restaurant’s upper floor. Glamorous in the most understated way, the bar is dedicated to the crafting of classic drinks; there are just ten choices on the list but they are all impeccably and lovingly prepared.

96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Bangkok 10110
Open 6 PM – 1 AM Daily
96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23
Bangkok 10110
Tel. 0-2261-3007

Glow is new “stand alone” lounge bar/club where the focus is on comfortable surroundings, drinks, moderate prices, good and friendly service, expert bartenders, innovative lighting, relaxing music with a good sound system. Open from 6pm-1am daily.

The owners are creating a bar where their customers can feel comfortable and where they like to meet their friends.

Nana Liquid
If you are looking for a place that stays open until early in the morning Nana Liquid is a good bet. This club has had many names over the years: Angels Disco, Nana Disco being just two of them. Nana Liquid is located in the back of the lobby of the Nana Hotel, just follow the sound of loud music. It is frequented by many freelancers who gather there after the clubs in the area close. This is a late, late spot!

Nana Entertainment Plaza, located directly across the street from Nana Hotel

Critical Info: Tel.‪02-652 7896 • Petchaburi Rd. 39‬  • Accepted: MasterCard‬‎‎, ‪Visa‬‎‎

Shock at Phetchaburi 39, Bangkok, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand‬
‪Email‬‎: ‪info@shock39.com‬‎
‪‬‎‪Parking Available‬‎: ‪Yes‬‎
‪Music ‬‎: ‪House, R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Reggea‬‎

SHOCK: Bangkok’s compelling, brilliant NEW Clubbing Must-See. ‪A nightclub with rooms filled with the sound of undulating music, where each night is another crazy fun affair . . . an amazing experience with a rotation of Bangkok’s best DJs who have turned up from all over the world. ‬ I must add, that a great percentage of the seething crowd is made up of single ladies. Open till Very, Very Late or Early! (depending on how you look at it)‬‎‎‪ Have Fun!

Superbly located in the heart of downtown, the luxuriously appointed rooms and suites at the first St Regis in Southeast Asia exceed expectation. Sophisticated, discreet, bespoke service is uncompromising at this seductive, landmark destination. Signature St Regis Butler services will cater to all of your desires and needs, be it a custom tailored suit, chauffeured Rolls Royce, business services or a rejuvenating massage at the wondrous Remède Spa.  

Nestled within its beauteous settings, with rich texture, you’ll find one of the finest private art collections in Asia and stunning floral arrangements. Here, one can indulge in a delicious pot of artisanal tea with a friend in The Drawing Room, or share a bottle of world class wine in an intimate setting at Decanter. The stylish Astor Bar toasts to the world famous King Cole Bar in New York City and is perfect for either business or pleasure. And should one yearn for a memorable Chinese meal, the elegant Yan Ting is a lavish, memorable experience.

Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: 5:30pm to midnight; Thurs – Sat 5:30pm to 2am

Head barman Vincenzo Marianella and his team at Copa d’ Oro use, for the most part, fresh organic fruit and vegetables from local farmers to create their drinks and cocktails. A limited food menu is on offer to accompany the drinks. Happy Hour Drinks prices $5.

Food Menu

Appetizer
Lemon Artichoke Dip
Fresh Lemon Juice, Chopped Artichoke, Gorgonzola Served with Toasted Crustini
Salad
Insalata Rucola
Apple, Goat Cheese, Dried Cranberry, Pine nuts, Lightly Seasoned and Tossed with Italian Olive Oil. Served with Grilled Sourdough Batard
Copa Chop
Ham, Turkey, Diced Salami, Chopped Egg, Shaved Parmiggiano, Arugula, Tossed with Italian Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar
Nicoise
Italian Tuna, Chopped Egg, Kalamata Olives, Chopped Green Beans, Arugala Tossed with Italian Olive Oil and mounted on a thick rustic slice of Grilled Sourdough Batard
Panini
Copa Caprese Panini
Fresh Basil, Mozzarella, Roasted Bell Peppers, Toasted on Fresh Baguette
Smoked Salmon Panini
Smoked Salmon, Arugula, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Pressed Sourdough
Prosciutto Panini
Prosciutto, Shaved Parmesan, Arugula tossed with Italian Olive Oil, Toasted on Fresh Baguette
Share Plates
Cheese Board
Goat, Brie, Manchego, Apple Slices, Toasted Baguette
Charcuterie Board
Chorizo, Prosciutto, Salami, Toasted Baguette
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Goat, Brie, Manchego, Chorizo, Prosciutto, Salami, Toasted Baguette