Glamorous, New York-inspired bar features artisanal spirits and recreated forgotten cocktails
December 18th, 2018
The uppermost levels of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok are home to some of the best dining and drinking outlets in Thailand – The Champaign Bar, Front Room, Pull & Bear, and The Brasserie. Its newest addition, The Loft, is a brilliant showpiece perched on the 56th floor, presided over by accomplished Italian bartender Michele Montauti, whose Bangkok resume includes J. Boroski and The W Bangkok’s House on Sathorn. A breath-taking spiral staircase leads guests into the New York inspired bar, nostalgically embellished with rose gold accents, marble counters, Art Nouveau chandeliers and an old-Parisian aesthetic, which immediately beckons your attention before you soak up the spectacular Bangkok skyline views and take a sip of Montauti’s polished libations.
The Loft pays homage to the 1935 Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, the cocktail compendium of the original Waldorf Bar. Guests are transported back to the moment where the iconic brand first started out as a watering hole for the New York elites of the late 19th and early 20th century. From cocktails to fizzes, Montauti brings the forgotten spirit-forward flavours from last century back for today’s cocktail aficionados, cleverly tweaked to the modern palette.
Drinks. Start with the Waldorf, a refreshing combination of Michter’s Bourbon, Mancino Sweet Vermouth, maple and chocolate bitters. another classic is the Whiskey Smash – a blend of tangerine sherbet, Chivas 18, mint and lime juice; while The Mineheart is a refreshing non-alcoholic blend of tangerine, banana syrup, pineapple, mulberry soda and lime juice. To tap into the Golden Age of American drinking, take a sip of Florodora, made with Iron Balls Gin, Cassis Liquor, ginger ale, mulberry syrup and lime juice.
Food. Pair each drink with house-made bites, such as a generous serve of Kristal Gold caviar; Kumamoto oysters; and The Loft cheese board – a generous serving of Petit Bresse des Vosges, Livarot Aop, Brique du Nord with smoked walnuts, quince paste and baguette. A Charcuterie selection features a serving of farm bread surrounded with foie gras pate, bullion and duck rillettes.
The Loft is located at 56/F Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Rd., Bangkok with the bar open daily from 5 p.m. until midnight.
The Loft Cocktails
Featured contributor: Caris Cruz
(images credit Waldorf Astoria Bangkok)
