Sipping cocktails at sunset and nibbling on tapas while enjoying a sky-high view is a year-round activity as far as we concerned, so we always welcome a stylish new spot where we can do exactly that. Naturally, then, you can understand our excitement when we heard about the signature bar and restaurant inside newly opened Park Hyatt Bangkok, so let’s dive in to everything this chic new spot has to offer.
The Penthouse Bar + Grill sits atop Central Embassy, comprising a total of six dining experiences: The Grill, Chef’s Table, The Cocktail Bar, Whisky Room, The Mezzanine and Rooftop Terrace. Occupying the top three floors of Park Hyatt Bangkok, the iconic triplex penthouse was designed and styled by AvroKO, a celebrated, New York–based design and concept firm.
Upon arrival at the 34th floor, you’re immediately greeted by an antique motorbike poised at the entrance. You might be wondering: Why a motorbike of all things? Allow us to explain. The design concept of The Penthouse revolves around a fictional character best described as a world traveller with an immense love for adrenaline and art, explains Pannisa Leetavorn, the senior designer at AvroKO. That’s why, within the glass cabinets and on the modern chandelier by the staircase, you’ll find his most prized motorcycle gear, vintage parts and other related accessories. This is his penthouse, after all.
At The Grill, the urbane interior, with leather banquette seating and floral arrangements, contrasts with clatter from the open kitchen. Here, you can delight in a gourmet brasserie menu, and ensconce yourself in the plush bergère chairs. The restaurant offers traditional French cuisine made with high-quality produce, including a delectable selection of grilled mains.
On the same level, there’s also a stunning private dining room hidden in a corner. To get to this secret spot, you’ll have to cut through the kitchen where chefs are busy cooking, which is where the room gets its name: the Chef’s Table. Adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and an entire wall cabinet of semi-precious stones and gems, the dining space boasts impressive city views and exudes a sense of refined elegance. Behind the closed soundproof doors, the Chef’s Table lets you enjoy your meal in peace and with utmost privacy.
If you head up the sweeping staircase, you’ll find The Cocktail Bar and VIP Mezzanine lounge area on level 35. Private booths with six-seater dark leather couches line the walls, inviting you to get comfortable for an intimate gathering. Each of the booths are also separated with intricately patterned wall partitions, allowing you to savour stylish sips and stunning views of the city skyline in without being disturbed by your neighbours. For cocktails, we recommend you try the 250 CC, which is a blend of Martin Miller’s Gin, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal, La Fée Absinthe, Chartreuse Green liqueur, Giffard lychee syrup and chocolate bitters.
Behind a heavy, dark wood door is our favourite spot in the Penthouse Bar + Grill: the Whiskey Room. Without any proper signs or directions, the speakeasy entrance is marked only by a customised neon sign. Through a little red room, which acts as a transition point, you’ll find the exquisite hidden bar. In the sleek black, shimmering gold and forest-green colour scheme, the room boasts an entirely different atmosphere. We love the elaborate details on the custom cut glass at the back bar, which is a work of art by Tangnam Glass, as well as the vintage medical lamp retrofits that are designed by Goodshop. Here, you’ll find a rare collection of single-malt whiskies and classic aperitifs.
The level of refinement might come as a surprise, even to those familiar with Park Hyatt Bangkok’s understated luxury and elegant simplicity. At the Penthouse Bar + Grill, a peek into the back — when you cut through the cooking area to get to the Chef’s Table — provides a view of an impeccable kitchen, with many tiny copper pots, chefs meticulously plating dishes, and clean marble counters. And it’s a given that we certainly do enjoy sipping delicately curated cocktails at this uptown speakeasy, and we’d suggest you do the same.
Penthouse Bar + Grill, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Central Embassy, 88 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, +66 2 012 1234
Rachel Kwok
Most Popular
