We got behind the Backstage Cocktail Bar to find out what fuels the boys’ inspirations, and their passion as one of the leading cocktail bars in Bangkok, Thailand.
Why do you name the bar “Backstage”?
Neung: The bar is located in the lovely hotel named Playhaus. It has a lot of fun vibes. The daily life is already like a main stage – once you finish your work and everything, you will need some space to be yourself.
With combination of sake, roasted rice and tea leaves, it is a theatrical and tasty cocktail.
How would you describe the experience of drinking at Backstage?
Gov: You step into the hotel areas as a customer. Once you draw the curtains, you are our guest. When the cocktail is served, you will be our friend.
Having visited many bars in Bangkok, we’ve found that everyone has something unique up their sleeves. What sets you apart from the rest in Bangkok?
Neung: The team. Every team member has his own set of personality and style to serve you. Each of us works hard to leave you intrigued and keep you coming back for more surprises. Other places have specific standards to follow, we don’t have. There’s a lot of free play.
With the artful play with jasmine rice, the taste profile comes with strong fragrance and fluffy texture. The hint of roasted smell intensifies as you drink more.
Your bar is #13 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars.. what will be the next big challenge?
Neung: We are heading up on the ranking.. but we don’t hold a lot of expectations. There’s also a lot of room to learn and improve while the bar community is growing. Bartending job is deemed as a professional job.
Gov: We focus a lot on our people, we want to give the best bar experience. Therefore, training new talents is very essential to the bar.
What motivates you to innovate on new cocktails? Where do you find the inspiration?
Both: We get bored easily so we tend to change our cocktail menus easily. In our historic record, we have created up to 150 cocktails! Amazing inspirations come a lot from our travels as we pick up new spirits and ingredients!
We had a Speak Softly, Love (inspired from The Godfather) – there was a good balance of sweetness from the chocolate bitters and cigar infused Deware15. The experience was quite immersive.
Tell us more about the cocktails that you will want to introduce at Backstage.
Our 2018 Signature Cocktail Menu is a series of movie-inspired cocktails. They are cinematic masterpieces to be recommended – Best part, they taste amazing!
Review Rating: 8/10
Backstage Cocktail Bar (Map)
PlayHaus Thonglor 205/22-23 (Thonglor), 55 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Phone: +66 615195891
Nearest BTS: Thonglor
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 7pm – 2am
