Stylish bars in Asia to swing by
Linger over your drinks at these beautifully designed cocktail bars.
WHAT’S A “BLEISURE” TRIP IF you can’t wind down with a cocktail or two? For digital nomads constantly on the go, check out these design-driven bars in Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong and Bangkok that give you a taste of what these cities have to offer. Throw in some stunning views and cocktail creations using Asian-inspired spirits, and you have the perfect recipe for a chill-out evening after a hard day at work.
Folklore, Tokyo
Opened in 2022 by Tokyo’s acclaimed Mixology group, Folklore specialises in traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages called kokushu – sake, shochu and awamori. Located in Hibiya Okuroji, a trendy shopping and dining stretch in Shimbashi under a railway track, Folklore is hidden behind an inconspicuous entrance. Go through a second door and you’ll find yourself in a quaint old Japanese teahouse. Inside, the elegant bar boasts half a dozen bar seats, but with no visible bottles in this minimalist setting.
What’s interesting is that all the wood used to build this bar comes from ancient trees dating back 300 to 400 years. Designed by Fumihiko Sano Studio, the brief was to create a bar that “embodies Japanese climate, history and culture”, says architect and designer Fumihiko Sano.
Sano sourced for textured materials to form the unique interiors. In addition to timber he had been collecting for some time, he brought in materials from different parts of Japan – each with its own story and history. “They included rafters from a temple in Nara; pillars from a private house in Kanagawa; boards from a townhouse in Kyoto; shelves from a house in Nagano; shingles from a temple in Yamagata; bamboo from a thatched roof; and floor boards from a private house in Nagano,” he says.
The bartenders use different types of sake and shochu combined with liquors, liqueurs and local flavours to concoct the cocktails. Try the Origin – a combination of unrefined doburoku sake with pear vodka, chamomile vodka and honey. They can also curate a flight tasting of more unusual sake and shochu varieties.
Also, Folklore opens early from 4 pm, making it ideal for solo or female business travellers looking to unwind after an intensive day. Reservations are recommended as seats are limited.
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1-7-1 Uchisaiwaicho Hibiya Okuroji G27, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Upstairz Bar, Zentis Osaka
Zentis Osaka is Osaka’s first design-centric boutique hotel and also the city’s first presence in the Design Hotels portfolio. To get to the bar-lounge, walk up the dramatic stone staircase to the second floor. The focal point in this lofty space is its bespoke modern chandelier, which adds a warm, soothing glow to the ambience.
The hotel’s contemporary interiors are created by the renowned UK design firm Tara Bernerd & Partners. Tara Bernerd envisioned Upstairz as an atmospheric evening destination with rich colours, an impressive double-height ceiling, exposed brickwork and timber beams. The bespoke bar, made from locally sourced tiles, divides the lounge and restaurant, giving each area its own identity.
The squarish island bar is fitted with glass shelving displaying Japanese whisky bottles and other liquors. Solo drinkers can perch themselves here or settle into one of the cosy alcoves for more privacy. Meanwhile, the spacious lounge with plush sofas is reminiscent of a chic residence. There is also an outdoor area for balmier evenings.
Japanese bartender Norihiko Furuse, a top-10 finalist in Diageo’s World Class 2022 Japan Finals, may be a familiar face to those who’ve seen him at D.Bespoke bar in Singapore. Let him know what you like and let him do the rest. Recommended concoctions include the refreshing Riverside Garden with spiced gin, elderflower, shiso, lemon and soda, as well as the Wine Of Citrus Heart made with Tanqueray No 10, grapefruit juice, shiso and Timut pepper (first prize winner in the Diageo’s World Class 2022 Japan Final Refreshing Challenge).
Dojimahama, 1 Chome−4−26 Zentis Osaka 2F, Kita Ward
The Aubrey, Hong Kong
The walkway leading to The Aubrey is decked with dark wood panels and framed paintings. The drawcard of this bar (ranked 17th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list) has got to be the stunning view of Victoria Harbour, seen from its perch on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Designed by Maximal Concepts and SilverFox Studios, this elevated Japanese izakaya boasts three distinctive bar experiences, a drawing room and a curio lounge. Pick from the main bar, champagne and oyster bar or the omakase bar. If you’re in the mood to mingle, base yourself in the main area. Alternatively, score a small table by the window to soak in the view. At the more intimate omakase bar, taste your way through Japan, with spirits from different breweries and distilleries.
The design team wanted to create a sense of relaxation one feels when in a residence. “Once we thought of the space as a home, it led us to the various rooms such as the dining room, curio and bar (not unlike a kitchen),” says Matt Reid, director of Maximal Concepts. “This is why Aubrey has many different spaces with each having its own unique vibe.”
Furthermore, the bar’s design is inspired by Japanism, a 19th century European movement influenced by Japanese art. Check out the bar’s art collection of ukiyo-e and Japanese art sourced from auctions around the world, as well as commissioned oil paintings and first edition books that borrow from this movement. “We have sourced over 150 unique pieces of Japonistic art from all over the world. Each piece is unique, and some are hundreds of years old,” says Reid.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central
Nuss, Bangkok
Nuss Bar, Bangkok
Nuss Bar is a collaboration between well-known chef Thitid Tassanakajohn (Ton) and Diageo World Class Thailand winner Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn (Neung), who also runs Mahaniyombar (No 22 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023).
Launched in June 2023, Nuss is located in Bangkok’s Old Town neighbourhood lined with Chinese herbal medicine shops. From the outside, you’ll get a preview of the futuristic yet plush setting via a sleek glass window panel.
Ton engaged local interior design company Taste Space to design the bar, featuring striking red walls juxtaposed with gold-coloured lamps, vibrant artwork, and quaint floor tiles. Mahogany velvet and other fabric are used for the bar seats. “That’s because my grandma was a tailor,” says Ton. “Her nickname was Nuss, hence the name Nuss Bar. I wanted it to be fun and colourful just like her.”
He quips: “She was a pretty good drinker too! She drank whisky neat.”
The best seat in the house is at the counter, so you can chat with the bartenders. Ronnaporn elevates the flavours of classic cocktails with the use of local ingredients, herbal infusions, and fine liquors. He also changes the cocktail menu every three months.
From September to November, savour drinks such as a Custard Apple Colada with rum, creme de cacao, custard apple and pineapple, or a Black Ginger Boulevardier made with Scotch, artichoke liqueur, Thai black ginger and black sesame. While savouring your concoction, enjoy the views of the nearby Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
336 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, PhraNakhon
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