it’s happened to be a closet
Have you ever thought it possible to combine your two favorite activities? If your favorite activities happen to be shopping and drinking, then look no further. Here are the four top spots for browsing, cocktail in hand, through clothing, accessories, furniture and more.
Tuba
Neighborhood: Ekkamai
Being in Tuba feels like hanging out in your friend’s apartment if your friend is an eccentric artist who collects 1970’s memorabilia. Mismatched furniture, glasses and tableware, collected over the years, somehow fit together in Tuba’s grungy, creative mashup. The owner also runs a furniture store next door on Ekkamai Soi 21 and a huge warehouse of vintage décor and furniture called Papaya in Lat Prao. The funky retro vibes at this bar attract a cool crowd of designers, media and creative types lounging on the eclectic furniture. The restaurant even multitasks as a gallery, displaying art by emerging Thai artists. Bonus: Tuba’s typical menu of Thai food with Western twists is actually pretty good. Just watch out: If you’re partaking in the venue’s famous, giant cocktails you might wind up going home with the couch your sitting on!
Website: Tuba Design Furniture & Restaurant
Shades of Retro
Neighborhood: Thonglor
Hidden deep in Thonglor in Soi Tararom 2, this bar has maintained a cozy feel despite being discovered, written and blogged about by various people over the last few years. It might be due to the grandpa chic aesthetic. Maybe the owners are waiting for each item of furniture to be sold, or maybe they just had too many Sangsom Cokes last night. Either way, even with every item for sale, it seems like they always have the same comfortable armchairs downstairs and surfboard on sale in the corner. Grab a (very) potent cocktail and a fistful of free popcorn while you check out the wares on display, including coffee tables, knick knacks, chairs and couches. Get a haircut while you’re at it with their new barber service. Check their website for updates on visiting DJs and events.
Website: Shades of Retro
[JUICEBOX_GALLERY]
it’s happened to be a closet
Neighborhood: Siam Square & Emporium
The original branch on Siam Square Soi 3 feels exactly like a closet – a closet belonging to a bohemian queen who traveled the world conquering exotic lands and plundering their funky clothes. It’s a closet to get lost in. The original branch offers a nail spa, hair salon, café and bakery in addition to the racks and racks of vintage inspired clothing. Don’t let that mislead you – it’s still a tiny little shophouse, so we suggest calling ahead if you want to use their services. The new branch in Emporium combines a full-size restaurant with a shop. Look for vintage fabrics redesigned in modern shapes with one-of-a-kind, contrasting embroidery. The high quality and unique styles come with a hefty price tag, so feel free to grab coffee and scones while you browse and just enjoy being a bohemian royal for a day. A food-only branch of the grammatically confused shop can be found on the bottom floor of Paragon. Its recently launched brand Palette, which features colorful, cotton pieces, resides in Paragon and Emporium department stores.
Website: it’s happened to be a closet
Viva 8
Neighborhood: Chatuchak
Around since 1998, but recently rebranded as the sister bar to Viva & Aviv the River, this little oasis is worth a visit, if only to rest your weary feet and take a break from the sweaty moshpit that is Chatuchak. Located in Section 8 (near Gate 2) this bar is right in the middle of the action. Sit back with a cocktail or iced coffee and watch the world go by, or haggle for some lanterns or handbags from the adjoining shops without getting out of your seat. When the market closes down around 6pm the bar comes to life with resident and guest DJs pumping house music and special events happening regularly. Check out their Sunday BBQ sessions for a great end to a long day of shopping.
Facebook: Viva 8
Photos: Courtesy of their respective businesses
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