Pattarit “Bink” Jittawait of Tango Tonight Group is no stranger to Bangkok’s dining and drinking scene. The gastro-preneur is the mastermind behind uber-successful cocktail bar Rabbit Hole, and Liberation, the watering hole that dabbles in experimental mixology. His fine-dining den, Canvas, has also been awarded a Michelin Star for the second consecutive year.
Now Bink’s empire has expanded to the newly-opened Velaa Sindhorn Village in Langsuan Road, this time in the form of an edgy theater-themed bar that pays tribute to the good ol’ Twenties.
Crimson Room is reminiscent of the theaters of old, the plush space featuring huge crystal chandeliers, globe lights, polished dark wood partitions, and you’ve guessed it, heavy red velvet curtains. Seats are set up stadium-style on three different levels, but are all strategically positioned to have ample views of a small stage where jazz bands and other musical and entertainment acts perform.
Suwincha “Chacha” Singsuwan, the figure behind the mixology wonders at Rabbit Hole and Liberation, also leads the bartending team at this new venture. The cocktail program at Crimson Room takes inspiration from the progression of a show, and groups drinks into different categories.
“Dim The Light cocktails are designed to be refreshing and easy-to-drink, [and are perfect for] when you sit and relax to enjoy the show,” explains Chaha. This set includes Bee Pollen (B380), a cocktail of Hendrink’s Gin, Yellow Chartreuse and caramelized bee pollen that’s served in a cute, bird-shaped glass. Once the curtain is raised, you can select from B380, which includes fuller-bodied cocktails like Orange Jasmine (B380). Mixing Star of Bombay Gin with dates, orange blossom and white malt, the drink is a great way to ease yourself into appreciating a performance.
The Strike the Band category represents the climax of a show, and consists of martini-centric choices. Try À La Menthe (B380), a wet martini with rhubarb gin, menthol wine (the product of infusing wine with Mentos candy), and rhubarb bitters. Last but not least, you have the Take a Bow cocktails, which ingeniously makes use of the “waste” from Dim the Light; banana peel, for example, is combined into Jungle Fever (B320), a spirits-forward drink with B320.
The Crimson Room also boasts Champagne and wine programs designed for big groups of friends on a celebratory night-out. Drop in before 20:00 to experience Crimson Room’s take on aperitivo (B320/drink).