A great location, dreamy drinks and good food make the Renaissance hotel pub a top choice
As soon as the political feud died down, the boutique newbie Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel - located right in the middle of the hot zone - reopened. And with the re-launch, Bangkok welcomes a new bar in the neighbourhood where business and pleasure is mixed with tasty cocktails, twinkling neon mini-bulbs and sports on the big screens.
Dark with only the bright neon bulbs hanging down like a fountain, R Bar almost looks like a dancing club unless there's a dance floor and DJ booth instead of low-rise tables and leather sofas.
The compact lounge space, though it has nothing new in design and style, offers a decent atmosphere to relax, unwind and have conversations over cocktails.
And, if you like, enjoy a game on big screens with a glass of beer in your hand.
And with the prime location near Bangkok's business areas and shopping arcades, R Bar is a popular spot for businessmen and executives to have their after-work drinks at the end of a long day.
The bar also offers a wide range of food, from light snacks to tapas, cold cuts and proper Western dishes, staring from Bt150.
Drinks-wise, the bar serves pretty much everything that would quench your thirst. A small local beer is Bt220, a standard cocktail is Bt290 and a glass of house red or white is Bt220. A selection of single malts is offered as well, including rare delectable blends like Aberlour 10 Years and McCallan 25 Years.
The sweet-toothed and those who like sweet-and-sour mixes will find the cocktails here pleasing. Try their sugary vodka-based signature Sunset on Ratchaprasong (Bt350) - a blend of peach vodka, Cointreau, Limoncello, lime juice and sugar syrup.
Another recommended mix - strong and sweet - is Bangkok Nite. Served in a pilsner glass, the mix includes Mekhong whiskey, light rum, vodka, banana liquor, sugar syrup and mashed fresh strawberries.