Saladaeng, known as the quieter alternative to nearby Silom, has been enjoying an urban resurgence over the last few years, with the appearance of modern dining and drinking ventures, not to mention an independent cinema and a minimalist mixed-used space. It seems like the hype has finally reached its peak with the unveiling of The Commons Saladaeng. The lifestyle and community mall is on the mission to make the neighborhood livelier, housing fun players in the local eating and drinking scene and hosting immersive activities organized by some of the city’s coolest groups and individuals.
The mall’s cutting-edge design actualizes the vision of Department of Architecture (DEPT), which pays homage to the little-known history of the Saladaeng neighborhood. “Around 130 years ago, there was a train station in the area, a part of the Pak Nam Railway Line, that boasted red pitched-roof pavilions. Hence, the name Saladaeng [which means ‘red pavilion’ in Thai],” explains Amata Luphaiboon, founder of DEPT. His team took its cue from this little bit of history and gave The Commons Saladaeng eight red pitched roofs. At the middle of the striking structure are a series of steps indifferent levels, carefully designed for multi-functional purposes to resemble those in Thonglor.
Dining outlets at the Thonglor branch also have a presence at this second undertaking. Favorite brunch spot Roast and craft coffee purveyor Roots are there, as wells as gourmet matcha shop Seven Suns and spicy chicken vendor Fowlmouth. The other interesting new players worth checking out include egg-focused, all-day-breakfast eatery Crackhouse, Hong Kong-style dim sum specialist Yumcha, vegetable-focused smoothie and cocktail destination Paak, and ice cream parlor Guss Sundae Bar. The team behind Rabbit Hole and Liberation will soon open a cocktail haunt called Draft Land that will offer craft cocktails on tap, while Isan & Grill will also offer northeastern bar chows.
The top-most floor belongs to ThePlatform, a multi-purpose space where lifestyle-focused businesses can host fun activities during the day. Watch out for fitness sessions by the folks from Physique57 and New Moves Connect, bonding activities for parents and children by Little Pea and many more. Talented chefs Aisha Ibrahim and Samantha Beaird of Axis, who regularly wow epicureans with show-stopping pop-updinners across the city, will hold chef’s table sessions every three to four weeks.