HM: What is your full name
ND: Nick Downing
HM: What is your current Job Position?
ND: General Manager of The Siam, a Bill Bensley designed hotel on the Chao Phraya
HM: What do you like most about your profession?
ND: The unpredictability of every day meeting incredible people from around the world, never knowing what the day ahead holds. It’s also an amazing profession which has allowed me to explore the world and experience new cultures. I could not imagine being stuck behind a desk 24/7!
HM: How long have you lived in Bangkok, and where did you live prior?
ND: I have either lived in or been based out of Thailand since 2009 when my role in Siem Reap transitioned to Bangkok.
Since leaving Australia in 2001, I have lived in the Maldives, Seychelles and Cambodia.
HM: What do you like most about Bangkok?
ND: The crazy energy of the city keeps things constantly evolving. I love the fact that you can live whatever life you wish. Whether it be totally immersing yourself in the local culture or whether you need to be surrounded by the largest selection of shopping and entertainment malls in the world. Personally, I am spoiled to live on the edge of Old Town Bangkok surrounded by many major landmarks where you feel grounded in the very spirit of Thailand.
HM: What is your favorite restaurant?
ND: That’s not a fair question. It depends on the day and who I am with.
One that stands out (and not far from The Siam) is Charmgang and newer sister Charmkrung which is always buzzing. I personally love Chef Jai’s food and in fact I never look at the menu; simply asking them to bring out whatever Chef recommends.
HM: What is your favorite “Special Occasion” restaurant?
ND: Again….not fair! Too many. However with a gun to my head.
Potong and Nusara are enduring favorites for having that exceptional thai tasting menu experience that continues to surprise every time I go.
For a crazy over-the-top European option, I have to admit I took my Mum recently to Chef’s Table at Lebua. The setting and service are beyond extraordinary.
And then for something very different, I love Chef DK at Haoma. Having seen his progression since we were working out at the same gym over ten years ago, it’s amazing to see the latest iteration of his restaurant which is setting incredible sustainability standards in Indian fine dining cuisine.
HM: What do you like to do in your free time?
ND: Love catching up with friends over lunch or dinner and enjoy keeping as healthy as possible with my PT sessions whenever work schedule allows.
To be honest, after full days engaging with people at the hotel, I like nothing better than retreating to my rooftop residence and enjoying time with my two gorgeous cats. Yes, am a cat-dad!
HM: Where do you recommend first time visitors to Bangkok go?
ND: While exploring the areas around the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Saket are considered a must-do; one of the most memorable experiences I had was to take a bike tour exploring the back roads and avenues, crisscrossing the river at certain points, finding hole-in-the-wall experiences. It’s a side of Bangkok most tourists don’t see.
HM: On a night out with friends, where do you like to go?
ND: As mentioned, I live near Old Town/Talad Noi….so I enjoy exploring the many hidden corners around the area. There is always a new hotspot opening and it’s great for people watching!
HM: Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?
I started my hospitality degree as the Night Porter at Hyatt Regency Perth while I was studying a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Information Systems). Eventually hotel life became irresistible, and the rest is history!
HM: What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done?
ND: Outlandish? Hmmm….does skydiving count? I actually went to watch some of my team skydive but after seeing some of them come down buzzing, FOMO took over and I was talked into giving it a try! Terrifying but Amazing!