October 18th, 2011
The Greyhound Cafes in Bangkok have evolved as an extension of the leading Thai fashion label- Greyhound– which was founded in 1980 as a line of men’s casual wear. Later expanding the label into women’s wear, leather goods and accessories- the brand concept of “chic and contemporary- simple but with a twist” has reflected the lifestyle and ethos of the founders. As such, the progression to the opening of a lifestyle cafe was virtually an inevitability. The first cafe was opened within the Greyhound fashion store at the upmarket Emporium mall in Bangkok in 1997, and the acclaim and popularity of the original Greyhound Cafe led to the opening of a further 6 cafes, all located within prestigious lifestyle malls and department stores in Bangkok. Just recently ( October 2011), Greyhound have taken their first steps into the international market, opening a Greyhound Cafe in the premier IFC Mall in central Hong Kong. The dining concept at Greyhound reflects the style of the fashion label- offering a casual but chic experience, with an expansive and eclectic menu of Thai and international dishes, simply prepared- but with creative twists.
The Greyhound Cafe located on the street level at the J Avenue Lifestyle Mall in the uber-trendy Thonglor area of Bangkok has been one of the most popular of the Bangkok branches. The cafe interior has been recently refurbished, and is an excellent representation of the design concept and ambience of the Greyhound style. All the Greyhound Cafes share the same essential design elements- a contemporary, pared-down urban chic, with a palette of industrial tones and textures- metal, timber, exposed brickwork, and unfinished concrete- combined with some quirky touches to the furnishings. The cafe at J Avenue has the added attractions of an outdoor terrace area, and adjacent to the main entrance- a separate Sweet Hound bar serving their creative and indulgent dessert menu.
The interior of Greyhound cafe at J Avenue has a number of separate zones- by the front entrance is a casual lounge area- for conversations over a drink, snacks or desserts. A feature wall of washed brickwork with the raised out logo catches the attention. Overhead, exposed metal ducts and suspended metallic tubular light fittings provide the industrial chic elements. Full height floor to ceiling glass provides abundant natural light- and views of the promenading pedestrians. The timber panelled bar counter is prominent in the centre of the space- separating the front lounge area from the main dining room at the rear.
The main dining room incorporates a number of the Greyhound “signature” design elements- the full-wall blackboard with hand written menus, black leather banquette seating along the walls; and the tables dressed with white tablecloth and with an assortment of mis-matched chairs. The dining room has a soothing outlook over the outdoor garden wall greenery.
The main dining room
The outdoor terrace area
The culinary concept at Greyhound Cafe is pitched perfectly at the urban chic lifestyle of the brand’s customers. The menu is an assemblage of Thai and International dishes, ranging from home-recipe “favourites’ to more contemporary creative dishes. The wide variety of menu choices assures there is something to suit all tastes- and for regular diners something new to try at each visit. Menus include Soups and Salads; Appetisers- Western & Thai/ Asian; Sandwiches and Burgers; Pastas; Vegetarian; and Main Dishes- Western & Thai/Asian. Signature dishes include “Greyhound’s Famous Fried Chicken Wings”; Salmon Carpaccio in Spicy Hot Sauce; Complicated Noodles; Spaghetti with Thai Anchovy; and Hainanese Chicken Rice. New dishes are created and added to the menus regularly.
Spaghetti with Dried Salty Fish– stir fried with basil leaves and chilli
Grilled Vegetable Salad- with pesto sauce
Chilled Soba with River Prawn Salad– served with Japanese light soy dressing
The Drinks Menu ranges from the indulgent Floats– like Cherry Soda and Expresso Float; to Health options – fruit cocktails and shakes; and also Wake You Up / Fresh You Up– frappes, granitas, Frosty Capuccino. Regular teas, coffees and soft drinks are available. Alcoholic beverages include bottled beers, wines, and a limited selection of spirits.
Bubble Sour- lemon ice cubes served with ginger ale
The Last Virgin- Pear juice with crushed sweet basil leaves in soda water served with crushed ice
The Sweet Hound is a recent addition to the Greyhound Cafe experience- currently only available at J Avenue and Siam Paragon. The stand-alone dessert bars offer a large selection of indulgent desserts- with the specialty being their “High Fashion Waffles”. The menu of 47 items also features Cake & Crepe; Parfait; and Thai dessert & Ice Cream.
SWEET HOUND– serving counter
Red Velvet Waffle- velvety red waffle with dried cranberries, served with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and tangy berry sauce on the side
Mixed Berries Parfait – strawberries, blueberry jam, strawberry ice cream, mixed berry sauce, short cake, caramel sheet topped with whipped cream
See more photos inside Greyhound cafe in slide show below:
The Greyhound Cafes in Bangkok continue to deliver a consistently high standard of service and dining experience- with queues for tables- particularly at lunchtime- a good indication of the enduring popularity. The blend of urban chic interiors, a casual and relaxing atmosphere, and a simple, easy food concept – at reasonable prices- has proven a winning formula.
GREYHOUND CAFE- Thonglor, Bangkok
Address: Ground Floor at J Avenue Lifestyle Mall, Thonglor Soi 15, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
BTS Station: Thonglor
Reservations: +66.2 712 6547
Website: http://www.greyhoundcafe.co.th/home.php
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreyhoundCafe
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday 11:00 am ~ 10:00 pm
Other Greyhound Cafe branches in Bangkok: Emporium; Central Chidlom; Siam Center; Phaholyothin; Ratchayothin; The Crystal.
New Hong Kong branch: Greyhound Cafe @ IFC Mall
