BANGKOK, 16 DEC 2021 – The Land of a Thousand Smiles had another reason to beam as the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River reopens its doors to the public this month. Originally scheduled to launch in December 2020, the project has been hindered by strict Covid restrictions. Catapulting itself onto the global stage by entering at number 90 in the World’s 50 Best 2021, is the BKK Social Club, a glamourous hotel bar that speaks to Buenos Aires during its golden age of opulence, through the lens of energetic modern-day Bangkok.
Conceptualised in collaboration with Proof Creative and the renowned international Design Studio AvroKO, BKK Social Club offers Latin American-inspired drinking and a sense of escapism in the sanctuary of peace and quiet in this bustling hub of artistic Bangkok.
Earthy hues, plush fabrics and a feature vaulted & mirrored backbar at BKK Social Club
The lush interior was conceived by the award-winning team at AvroKO and centres around a stunning main room inspired by the Belle Epoque era, a dramatic and imposing mirrored backbar display and inviting velvet banquette seating for guests to enjoy. Flanking the main bar on either side are two semi-outdoor spaces; one, a haven for cigar aficionados, whilst the second is an ideal space for communal get-togethers.
The arrival experience at BKK Social Club brings you straight from the centre of Bangkok into the tranquil heart of the hotel. Large opaque glass doors open and transport you back to a snapshot of Argentinian history, while each team member engages you with a warm welcome. Plant-filled chandeliers, backrests that stretch to the ceiling, cigar rituals and a view of the hotel’s infinity pools entice guests to explore the venue at their own pace and allow for multiple interactions.
The stunning entrance atrium at BKK Social Club
The bar program at BKK Social Club is led by the innovative Beverage Manager Philip Bischoff, a renowned bartender hailing from Germany, as an industry trailblazer he has worked in some of the world’s most awarded hotel bars, including Manhattan Bar, Singapore, and the Amano Hotel in Berlin. Philip’s has a secondary role as Beverage Ambassador for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts APAC, providing concept direction, mixology training & menu guidance to the hotels and their teams.
Guests can expect one of Bangkok’s strongest bar teams under the tutelage of Bischoff. Drinks names and direction at BKK Social Club take their cues from the People, Places and Parties throughout the rich cultural history of Bueno Aires.
Bischoff says, ” Bangkok is putting its stamp on the world cocktail map, and I want to be right at the heart of it all – at the forefront of global mixology, innovation and craft.’
The cocktails showcase his love of traveling through their use of endemic Thai flavours; paired with artisanal spirits from throughout South America, focusing on Argentinian producers. Cocktails will be backed with an extensive offering of rare and much sought-after craft spirits, alongside a solid collection of vintage champagne.
The charismatic Philip Bischoff leading the team from the front
The Pistachio Margarita was first crafted by Philip for a cocktail event in Athens and has been one of his signature serves ever since. A vibrant and citrus-forward twist on a classic, with Arquitecto Tequila as the hero spirit and bolstered with zesty Thai lime, earthy pistachio orgeat and a tart, aromatic raspberry salt.
The Evita Cocktail is a homage to the ‘Spiritual Leader of the Nation” Eva Perón, who helped shape the country through her continuous charitable and noble works. A spirituous blend of Plantation Pineapple Stiggin’s Fancy Rum, Italian Bitters, endemic citrus and a hit of spice coming from cinnamon and bay leaf. This drink has the heart of a Negroni, but the soul of a sour.
The Pistachio Margarita
The Evita Cocktail
“The lives of people in Buenos Aires and Bangkok revolve around social gatherings,” says Philip; this space will be no different with bespoke communal cocktails coming in bottle sizes that scale up to magnum size and ensure a constant stream of the local high society from the city and international taste hunters.
The food offering at BKK Social Club shines a light on the culinary traditions of these two gastronomic capitals. An elevated snack menu that offers guests a glimpse of the strength in depth of the hotel’s neighbouring kitchens led by executive chef Andrea Accordi. A ‘must-try’ is the scallop & yellowtail ceviche, combining the traditional Leche De Tigre of South America with pan Asian flavours of Soursop and Lotus Root.
The opening of the new hotel and its expansive food and beverage offerings has been led by General Manager Lubosh Barta, alongside Director of Food and Beverage Vishal Sanadhya and Hotel Manager Jasjit Assi.
Director of Food and Beverage, Vishal Sanadhya
“We are excited about the reopening of BKK Social Club. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the industry, and we are thrilled to see life slowly return to normalcy, and are looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the bar. We hope for the bar to be a welcomed addition to the growing Bangkok cocktail scene and to join the ranks of the best in the world.”
BKK Social Club is a project that first kicked off between the Proof Creative team and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in early 2019 and further strengthens the collaborative ties between the teams, stretching back to the opening of Manhattan Bar in 2014 and includes the World’s Top 50 Bars Charles. H in Seoul and Bar Trigona in Kuala Lumpur and ARGO in Hong Kong. BKK Social Club developmental work was led by Senior Bar Consultant Bobby Carey, with support from Creative Director Jason Williams.
Says Carey, “Four Seasons have consistently pushed to create innovative bars, that are local institutions of the second golden age of fine drinking; and I have no doubt that BKK Social Club will continue in that tradition. Collaborating with Lubosh, Vishal, JJ, Philip and the team has been a great experience and I wish them all the best in this iconic Four Seasons launch.”
To keep up to date with all the current news from the bar, point your cursor towards https://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/dining/lounges/bkk-social-club/ or find them on their social spaces on both on Instagram and Facebook @bkksocialclub.
ABOUT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK AT CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
Make your way to Bangkok’s coveted riverside and discover our urban sanctuary in the city’s creative district. Surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés, our Hotel is a hub of energy and style. Take in sweeping river views from our outdoor lap and infinity pools, savor inventive cuisine in our collection of restaurants, find solace in one of our green courtyards or simply relax in one of our 299 guest rooms.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dan Schacter | dan.schacter@fourseasons.com
ABOUT AVROKO
AvroKO has established a new paradigm in the hospitality industry, encompassing a multitude of disciplines while creating thoughtful and engaging architecture, brands, products, and environments. Since its launch in 2001, AvroKO has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative design firms in the field, due in large part to the group’s integrated design process and focus on creating emotionally connected experiences. In the past decade, the firm has grown to four offices (New York City, Bangkok, San Francisco, and London) working on projects across 22 countries in 32 cities.
For media inquiries, please contact the Bangkok office:
info@avroko.com | +66 2 108 1777