Soi Thong Lor has transformed from being a mere connector between Sukhumvit and Petchburi to a high end bridal street, then into a luxury furniture and kitchen district, and finally into the food and bar haven it is today.
The most fascinating transformation thus far, however, has been the emergence of a constant stream of cozy and inviting bars that have taken this short 2.5 kilometer road by storm; and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight as new establishments trickle into the inner sois and sub-sois.
With an abundance of options at your fingertips, making a decision on where to go with friends can become extremely frustrating.
You want to ensure the place is lively, upbeat, and has a great crowd to match the ambiance of the venue, especially for a big night out at the weekend. However, the decision can be made easier by looking at the one special value-adding service by Thong Lor bars that never fail – live music.
How tired must everyone be of hearing bad covers being played at coffee shops and restaurants from a generic CD? There is a different energy in the air when you experience live music being played for you; as you enjoy the night away with your friends, simultaneously conversing and randomly interrupting the conversation to belt out choruses to the songs you know.
Four venues in Thong Lor – some of which are mainstream and some underground – have mastered the concept of delivering live music to their patrons exceptionally well.
Roof Hideaway
Thonglor Soi 10
Sitting above Muse Restaurant, Roof Hideaway – a semi-open air rooftop – is the perfect escape into a magical world. The décor speaks volumes for its ambiance; 30-seater long wooden tables, a 10-meter mounted wall covered in exotic plants, huge lazy boys and lounge chairs adorning the floors and, of course, the live band, are just a few of the sights that you will spot right away. The band’s focus is the main female vocalist with the instruments taking more of a back seat. Expect to hear unique covers of popular music, both Thai and English.
Fat Gutz & Iron Fairies
Rocking the night away @ Fat Gutz
Fat Gutz: Thonglor Soi 12
Iron Fairies: Sukhumvit Soi 55
Ashley Sutton, the creator and visionary behind Fat Gutz and Iron Fairies, sets the standard for bar and saloon interior design in Thong Lor. A fisherman slash sailboat inspired blues saloon, Fat Gutz redefines the meaning of cozy. The décor and ambiance of this vintage-style hole in the wall will take you back in time to a 1920s speakeasy setting.
The vibe at Iron Fairies, on the other hand, is one of a fantasy world of ore miners. Iron is boasted throughout this 2-story lounge, including within the spiral staircase that makes its mark on the mezzanine with hanging bicycles, piping and cogs. Vials of fairy dust can be spotted on the rustic tables, and along the walls.
Both bars feature the same high caliber of live bands every day of the week (including Mondays), starting around 10:00pm onwards. Showcasing various genres of live music including Jazz, Blues, Beatles’ cover bands and soloists, amongst others, Fat Gutz and Iron Fairies have set their standard without compromising; regardless of the tiny 2 square meter stage area available at both locations.
Seen Space
Thonglor Soi 13
This F&B open-air lifestyle mall is the place to be at the weekends. Shared seating between the enclosed bars and restaurants creates a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere to enjoy drinks with your friends. The live music here will take you right back to the 90s with DJs every weekend and old school Hip-Hop DJs every Tuesday.
Not a day goes by without live music playing somewhere on Soi Thong Lor. Might I add, all these bars are within a 500-meter radius, so if one venue doesn’t tickle your fancy, simply walk over to the next!
The choice is unlimited, and the choice is yours when it comes to Soi Thong Lor.
Featured image is from www.mirror.co.uk
