October 24th, 2011
The Banyan Tree Bangkok occupies the upper floors of a 61 level monolithic tower in the central business district of Bangkok. The slim profile of the tower, with it’s distinctive shape and featuring a large square cut-through space near the top of the tower, is one of the few notably designed buildings in a Bangkok skyline of mostly bland mirror-glass fronted office structures. The hotel first opened in 2002, and was the first city location for a Banyan Tree property, the brand being primarily associated with luxurious resorts and spas in exotic tropical locations. The designers of the Banyan Tree Bangkok have taken advantage of the unique architecture of the tower to create a series of stunning restaurants and bars on the upper levels and rooftop of the tower that provide guests with spectacular, panoramic views across Bangkok’s skyline, and the nearby river and parks.
The Latitude Lounge and Bar is located in the open air space of the sky deck on the 51st level of the building, and is an adjunct to the Banyan Tree signature restaurant- Saffron. Latitude has a casual, resort feel- with timber decking, woven rattan style chairs and glass topped tables, and large growing trees that fill the centre of the space. Open on both sides, the views in all directions are magnificent- both in daytime and at night. Breezes flow freely through the space providing a natural cooling effect- and being in effect a cut-out space within the building, the soaring overhead ceiling provides cover from any tropical downpours. The entrance to Latitude is via a dark timber lined passageway from the reception area of the Saffron restaurant- and customers at Latitude can order dishes from the Saffron menu – which is acclaimed for its innovative interpretation of traditional Thai cuisine. Latitude is a popular choice for a relaxing evening drink accompanied by either Thai style bar snack delicacies, or a full meal of Thai cuisine. A large LCD screen is fitted into one end of the space and is typically tuned into weekend sports such as Premier League football matches. Chill-out, down tempo tunes are played nightly by house DJs.
The bar at Latitude lounge serve up some fiery signature cocktails utilising the local herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine so distinctive. There is also a full range of more “classic” cocktails, plus premium spirits, an extensive wine list, and local and imported beers. Latitude offer seasonal drinks promotions- at the time of writing ( October 2011) the current promotion was for an “Unlimited Beverage Buffet”– for Thai baht 599+= per person, per hour.
Tom Yum Cocktail– signature cocktail- Vodka, Malibu, Lime juice, Ginger , Red Chilli, Kaffir Line leaf, soda
Latitude Sunset– signature cocktail- Gin, Triple Sec, Grenadine, Lime juice, Grapefruit juice
The food offering at Latitude ranges from delicious bar snacks- featuring Thai style dishes- through to the full menu of the adjacent Saffron restaurant. A good selection for sharing is the Khong Wang Ruam Mitr– a selection of Saffron Signature Thai Appetizers – includes Crispy Fried Shrimp and Fish Cake; Pomelo: Soft Shell Crab; Seafood Salad; and Grilled Tender Chicken Breast Satay.
Yum Makue Yao, Nua Poo– Roasted Eggplant salad, Crab Meat, Coconut Dressing
Gai Thod– Crisp Chicken, salt
See also some photos inside Saffron restaurant in the slide show below-
Saffron- signature restaurant at Banyan Tree Bangkok- innovative Thai cuisine
LATITUDE Lounge & Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok
Address: 51F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok. 10120
BTS Station: Chong Nonsi– approx 10 minute walk or MRT– Lumpini Station- 5 minutes walk
Reservations: +66.2.679 1200
Website: http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanyanTree.Bangkok
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday 5:00 pm ~ 1:00 am
Dress Code: Smart casual
