A couple of years back, the owner’s of the seemingly immortal, New York-style night spot Q Bar added an upstairs lounge designed by the guy behind Europe’s renowned Buddha Bars. It was a wise move. Q UP, as it’s known, was an instant hit that gave those not interested in throwing shapes on Q Bar’s… [more]

DiVino is a small but welcome player on the local vino scene: an intimate space helmed by an ebullient Italian who really knows his labels, all 300 or so of them. Indeed, Roberto Ferin is not one of those winebar owners who only shows up to host his friends or fire somebody. He ushers guests… [more]

For us, there’s no better way to spend an evening here in the capital than sipping cocktails under the moonlight as you gaze out over our sprawling metropolis. Luckily for locals and visitors alike, this city is filled with scores of venues perfect for rooftop drinking sessions; Leapfrog Restaurant and Bar, on the eighth floor… [more]

Descending the steps to this basement-based boozer leads to a store of surprises: what lurks behind the heavy art deco-style doors is a cavernous space punctuated by minimal lighting, nicotine- coloured walls and a wood and brass finish which lend the place a subterranean speakeasy feel. The huge freestanding bar dominates the entrance but the… [more]

This is perhaps the best ladies night special we’ve come across, especially when it comes to endless drinks in your hand, wind in your hair and a stunning skyline as backdrop. Through February, ladies who head up to the Ramada Encore hotel’s (21 Sukhumvit Soi 10, BTS Nana, 02-615-0999; www.ramadaencorebangkok.com) new rooftop bar Leapfrog on… [more]

“How Sundays should be!” “Ibiza, Miami, St Tropez move over!” Stylish, maritime-themed cocktail bar Viva Aviv (River City – Unit 118, 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Charoen Krung Soi 30 | 0-2-639-6305 | www.vivaaviv.com | 11 am- midnight, later on weekends), on the promenade by River City, has been getting rave reviews for its pumping Sunday afternoon… [more]

A clutch of new establishments have just opened up on Soi 11 or are about to, including Zak’s, a wine bar in the house next door to The Old German Beer House. There’s also a new bar restaurant called Marshmellow on the corner where Soi 11 turns left towards Q Bar. The finishing touches are… [more]

New concert organizers Have you Heard? kick off their mission – “to introduce notable new bands to Thai music lovers” – with a performance by US indie band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Ekamai’s Sonic on 27 February (a Monday night, unfortunately). Hailing from New York, the band’s jangly brand of melodic… [more]

Concept CM2 in the Novotel Bangkok (Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square Soi 6, 02-209-8888; www.cm2bkk.com) has a Sweet and Naughty Valentine’s Party on February 14, where guests receive a free Love Potion No. 9. Canadian band Cache Superstar provide the music, playing rock, Latin, R&B and reggae. The entry fee of B 650 includes two… [more]

The Champion Sound 3rd Birthday Party at Bed Supperclub (26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651- 3537, www.bedsupperclub.com) on February 16 stars Calvin Harris, who collaborated with Rihanna on the single ‘We Found Love’. Support comes from Burns and DJ Tech 12.

Trailblazing Thai folk DJs Maft Sai and Chris Menist celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their popular Paradise Bangkok nights with a bash at new Ekkamai nightclub Sonic (90 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-382-3395) on Saturday February 25.  Chris, a former Bangkok 101 music columnist, is flying in from the UK for the party and, in addition… [more]

On February 9, Retox Sessions brings DJ Hardwell to LED club (02-203-1043; www.facebook.com/LEDclub) on RCA. World ranked at 24 by DJ Magazine, Hardwell recently toured the US with Tiesto following his international breakthrough with his bootleg Show Me Love vs Be. Entry B 800. Get there between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm for an open… [more]

New York jazz composer and sax player Joseph Marchione lands at Niu’s on Silom (661 Floor 1-2, Silom Road (between Soi 17-19); 02-266-5333; www.niusonsilom.com) on February 3. He’s previously played with the likes of Von Freeman, Steve Coleman and ex-Frank Zappa drummer Jimmy Carl Black. At Niu’s he will perform mainly his own compositions with… [more]

Tucked down a quiet soi connecting Silom and Sathorn Road, this Italian wine bar oozes elegance, intimacy and good taste. Early evening groups of snappily-dressed businesspeople from Silom and Sathorn descend to chat over fine wine and share plates of mozzarella salad and pasta, both classic and creative. Then, as the night wears on, the… [more]