Hearing the name Philip Bishchoff got us way too excited. For those who are unfamiliar, he’s no other than the German-born mixologist who rose to the top of the global drinking scene with Manhattan, the bar at Regent Singapore that currently sits at number 14 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. And he’s embarked on a new venture in Bangkok.
Bishchoff is bringing his expertise to cocktail connoisseurs at BKK Social Club, the vibrant new bar located in the newly opened Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The venue boasts an exciting concept inspired by the passion of Buenos Aires and the energy of modern-day Bangkok—two cities where great drinks, good friends and fun times are thoroughly celebrated.
Step into the bar and you will be immediately transported to a world that’s straight out of Great Gatsby. The splendor is courtesy of AvroKo, the design team whose magical touch brought to life Riva del Fiume, another Four Seasons Bangkok establishment. Gilded arches and rose gold columns reflect off a marble bar and tables, and camel-colored leather couches contrast nicely with rich green (the color of American money) touches, from the plush coasters to the cuffed sleeves and ties on the staff’s dashing raiment. Everything is tastefully done and marked with exclusivity, evocative of the lifestyle memorialized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s renowned fiction.
Back to the tipple master, Bishchoff has come up with a line-up of lip-smacking cocktails that does not disappoint. The drinks menu at BKK Social Club is broken down into three categories, representing Argentinian landmarks, icons and cultures. Highlights include Café Tortoni (B480), a whiskey-based cocktail mixed with a shot of robust espresso; Hand of God (B480), a spirits-forward drink that combines bittersweet tequila with a cordial of cacao and Malbec; and Carnaval (B450), the bar’s take on cachaça that’s resplendent with flavors of raspberry and elderflower.
But our praise is reserved for La Pampa (B450), a gin-based tipple that awakens all the senses with an extremely invigorating hit of homemade eucalyptus honey and a sharp twist of citrus. La Pampa once again justifies Bishchoff’s unparalleled skills when it comes to creating cocktails with a surprising twist.
We also commend how BKK Social Club serves bottled classic cocktails for groups up to four. You and your pals can all share familiar mixes like Social Negroni (from B2,400), piña colada (from B2,400), La Reina (from B4,800) and more.
Accompanying the drinks are a wide range of Latin American-inspired nibbles that round up the unique experience at this social club. Iberico Pluma Asado (B750), reminiscent of the homely Thai pork skewer is elevated by the use of black Iberico pork and peppery Spanish garlic sauce mojo rosso, while the baked puff BBQ Pork Empanadas (B450) takes on a powerful flavor thanks to mojo verde chili.
If the alcohol ban had not been imposed late last year, BKK Social Club would have easily made it to our list of 2020’s best bars. But now that the ban has been lifted, there’s nothing stopping you from experiencing its full glory and us from declaring it as one to watch for 2021.
