February 4th, 2011
Squeezed between the “normal” retail shops on the bustling Thonglor street front, with a facade of dark timber double doors, blacked out windows with 19th Century style gold leaf signwriting, The Iron Fairies & Co entrance provides some intriguing hints as to what lies inside. Entering the doors and passing through heavy black fabric curtains a spiral steel staircase is the immediate attention grabber. Then as one’s eyes adjust to the darkened interior, the cluttered layout of a 19th Century style iron workshop unfolds. During the day the workbenches are occupied by local craftworkers creating a range of handmade iron fairies and leather goods for retail and export sales. All kinds of old industrial euipment are hanging from the ceiling, walls and fixed to various benches around the workshop area.
After 6pm, the benches are cleared of the day’s production materials and the space morphs into a unique bar/ restaurant concept. The creation of Australian born Ashley Sutton- the concept draws on his eclectic background of working with metals, mining, and as an author of children’s fairytales, plus the more recent experience with operating a bar in New York. Since opening in 2009 The Iron Fairies & Co has proven an enduring hit with the both hip, trendy crowd that frequent the Thonglor nightlife area, and also a good mix of foreign residents and more discerning tourists.
In addition to the main downstairs workshop and bar area, there is an upper level reached via a timber staircase at the rear. The upper level has a number of low tables and upholstered stools and overlooks the top of the spiral steel staircase at the front- where local jazz musicians perch themselves and provide a musical compliment to the ambience of the venue. Across the rear wall of the upper level are old timber shelves and in one corner a hidden doorway opens to reveal the “secret room” behind- a small private space with antique sofa and assorted iron working equipment.
The Iron Fairies food menu is centred around gourmet quality, home made burgers, including the popular “Binzy beef burger” of Australian ground beef, bacon, lettuce and onions. Also available are fish burgers, tropical burgers and some other simple dishes and desserts. Draught beer, plus wine and cocktails are available from the small bar tucked into the back corner of the ground floor space.The concept is one of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to enjoy good quality food and drinks in a fascinating setting of functional industrial decor.
As The Iron Fairies & Co has limited space for guests, bookings are recommended to avoid a wait outside.
The Iron Fairies & Co- Bangkok
Address: 394 Sukhumvit Soi 55 ( cnr Thonglor Soi 12), Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Skytrain- BTS station Thong Lo
Tel: +66. 2. 714 8875
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 2:00am Monday – Sunday
Music: Live jazz performances nightly from 9pm
http://www.theironfairies.com/
