Known for its abundant nightlife, Bangkok has its fair share of appealing watering holes, but few blend tightly curated musical offerings with culinary delights as well as the newly opened Wongar bar does. Situated in Samsen Nai, an emerging downtown neighbourhood just south of the lush manicured greens of Chatuchak Park, the bar is perched on the eighth floor of The HUB Phahol-Ari, a multi-storey building brimming with dining spots and watering holes. Founded by a group of friends, Wongar‘s concept is Japanese-inspired and catering to a savvy young urban crowd with multi-faceted sensibilities that straddle music, food and music. The space measures 85 sqm. (915 sq.ft.) and features an interior design created by local architecture and interior design practice space+craft which resonates well with its target demographic. The setting makes ample use of the building’s concrete shell and is anchored by a concrete bar with stools for drinks, and another one, with low timber stools, where food is served.
A large LED light box canopy, which can change colour, unites the two. A side wall, partially clad in metal slats and decorated with colour-infused graphic art works, gives off a slight clandestine vibe, but then again, it’s very fitting for Wongar‘s quirky concept. Seating comprises simple table and chairs line the large windows. A complementing palette of locally sourced materials, such as textured paint, handmade clay tiles, natural stone and Japanese-style strained plywood, all add to the Japanese atmosphere. And if that isn’t enough, ample views of the packed trains of the BTS Sukhumvit Line whizzing past on elevated tracks will conjure up flashes of Tokyo. Indeed, Wongar is a bar, but it’s one which serves tasty temaki, donburi bowls, side dishes and salads, paired with a range of craft cocktails. No wonder this place pulls crowds from across town to its doorstep.
Wongar
The HUB Phahol-Ari, 466/32 Thanon Phaholyothin, 8th Floor (Samsen Nai)
Bangkok 10400
Telephone: +66 8 40965551
Tue-Thu 5pm-11pm
Fri-Sun 5pm-12pm
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
