July 27th, 2011
The St. Regis Bangkok opened in April 2011, marking another milestone in the century long, global expansion of the luxury hotel brand. First established in New York, back in 1904, to the exacting standards of the fabulously wealthy John Jacob Astor IV, the St. Regis brand has secured a reputation for combining classic sophistication with modern luxury.
Located within a new, multi-useage, 47 level, contemporary abstract monolithic tower, overlooking the open fields of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club in central Bangkok, The St.Regis Bangkok is destined to make a significant impact on the luxury hotel scene in Thailand. The hotel occupies levels 12 to 24 within the tower, plus the ground level entrance lounges and signature restaurants.
The St.Regis Bar, accessed from the 12th floor lobby level, has an open, airy spaciousness- with high ceilings and full height, floor to ceiling glass windows facing west, and with expansive vistas over the central Bangkok skyline and the neighboring golf course and race track facilities of the RBSC. A long black granite topped bar extends across most of the width of the room, with exquisitely carved dark timber wall display shelving and screens a feature of the wall behind. Timber flooring is softened with the use of large woven contemporary rugs, with furnishings in shades of muted greys and dark timbers. A grand piano at one end of the room defines the performance area for the jazz musicians who play most nights. Sliding glass doors at the opposite end of the bar open onto an outdoor terrace with faux rattan furniture and large parasols for protection from the elements.
Imbued with the celebrated social lifestyle of the founding Astor family, The St.Regis bars globally have continued the tradition of the appreciation of fine champagnes, classic cocktails, and the finest of premium spirits. In particular, two traditions have become synonymous with St.Regis hotels worldwide. A tradition within the Astor family was to mark each evening with the opening of champagne- by the extravagant means of sabering– a technique first attributed to Napoleon’s cavalry of the early 19th century. At the first St.Regis in New York, the sabering ritual was adopted as the welcoming of each evening, with guests invited to both witness the dramatic separation by blade of the glass collar (and intact cork) from the neck of the champagne bottle- and to share the toast. The champagne sabering ritual has remained a fixture at all St.Regis properties ever since- and now can be experienced nightly at The St.Regis Bar Bangkok. See the video below of the sabering ritual at The St.Regis Bangkok.
Creating cocktail history was also an achievement at the original St.Regis New York, when in 1934 the head bartender concocted the tomato based cocktail that would become known as the “Bloody Mary”– but which he first named as the “Red Snapper”. Subsequently, it has become a ritual for St.Regis Hotels world-wide to infuse the original, classic “Bloody Mary” recipe with the native flavours and spices of each locality, creating a distinctive version matched to the tastes of the local cuisine. The version created in Thailand has been named “Siam Mary”– and served in a striking silver goblet- has the true “fire” to be expected of Thai cuisine influences. The spice of Thai chili and wasabi is balanced with lemon , coriander and tomato to create a refreshing but distinctive taste. The cocktail is garnished with Thai basil stem, lemongrass stalk and a lime wedge.
“RED SNAPPER”– the original St. Regis Bloody Mary- New York, USA. Vodka, tomato, fresh lemon, Worcestershire, Tabasco, black peppercorn, cayenne, celery salt.
“SIAM MARY”– The St. Regis Bangkok Signature Cocktail. Bangkok, Thailand. Bloody Mary with lemongrass, Thai chili, cilantro, wasabi, fresh lime.
The cocktail menu selection also includes more than 20 other versions of the “Bloody Mary” from St. Regis properties- including Aspen and Atlanta in USA, Beijing, Bali, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain and London. It would be quite a journey of discovery to sample each and every one….
In addition to the “Bloody Mary” selections, the bar menu features “Exclusive” cocktail creations of the St Regis Bangkok, plus many of the “classic” cocktails from around the world. An extensive offering of rare and premium spirits, whiskys, sake, champagnes, wine by the glass, and local and imported beers complete the alcohol menu. Mocktails, smoothies, fresh fruit juices and soft drinks are also served.
The house champagne at The St.Regis Bar is Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage– and is priced by the glass at Baht 1,000++ , and at Baht 4,500++ per bottle.
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2:00pm ~ 5:00pm, and live jazz musicians play from 8:00pm ~ 11:00pm Tuesday to Saturday nights.
The St. Regis Bar is a consummate example of the luxurious hotel bar, and offers both guests and local residents of Bangkok the setting for the uniquely St Regis “bon vivant” rituals. Choose from more than 20 versions of the The St.Regis Bloody Mary, or witness the nightly Champagne Sabering ritual. Or just enjoy a cocktail whilst watching with unobstructed views the sunset over the adjacent greenery and CBD skyline.
“STRAMAKAZEE”– Exclusively at The St. Regis Bar Bangkok. Strawberry infused vodka, Cherry infused Cointreau, homemade pandanus syrup, fresh lime, cinnamon sugar.
Royal Thai Army saber displayed on the bar
Click on the slide show below for more photos inside The St. Regis Bar.
ST.REGIS BAR at The St.Regis Bangkok
Address: Level 12 Lobby, 159 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
BTS: Direct access from Rajadamri station
Reservations: +66.2. 207 7777
Website: st regis bangkok
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheStRegisBangkok
Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00am ~ 1:00 am
Food served – Afternoon tea from 2:00pm ~ 5:00pm ; evening supper until late.
Live Music: Jazz musicians play Tuesday ~ Saturday 8:00pm ~ 11:00pm
Champagne Sabering Ritual: Daily at 6:30pm
