In 1889, during the reign of King Rama V, wealthy businessman Luang Sathorn Rajayutka, a Chinese businessman turned royal elite, commissioned a house, more of a mansion really, to be built for he and his family. Rajayutka was known for building the Sathorn Canal.
The neo-classical family home was later passed down to Luang’s descendants. In the early 1920s, the site was converted into the majestic Hotel Royal. Later, in 1948, it became the Russian Embassy, and was utilized as such for over fifty years.
Recognizing the immense historic value of the property, a development team worked closely with Thailand’s Fine Arts Department to carefully restore the home to its former glory and renamed it The House on Sathorn.
Major renovations were conducted on the four buildings and large courtyard, keeping the original main structure intact. Meanwhile, inside, the original color palette, intricate wooden staircases, and even the Sathorn Rajayutka family’s personalized fresco motifs were all meticulously restored by the Fine Arts Department. The renowned design firm AvroKO of New York was brought in to design the compelling juxtaposition of contemporary components and new elements.
Since opening in 2015, The House on Sathorn has taken its place among the city’s most distinctive food and drink venues. Adjacent to the W Bangkok Hotel, the property comprise four separate buildings including the restaurant Paii which serves modern Thai seafood cuisine along with function rooms for meeting and social gatherings.
You will also find The Bar at The House on Sathorn which recently introduced all-new signature cocktails, inspired by each period throughout the history of the magnificent 133-year-old neo-classical mansion.
“For this collection of new signature cocktails, we drew the inspiration from within, which is the heritage mansion itself that houses vibrant, multicultural historical moments from its glorious beginning to the triumphant present. And each period’s vibes and flairs are translated and re-interpreted in these signature concoctions,” says Bar Manager Francesco Moretti, who is from Padua, Italy, and whose professional experiences stretch across renowned venues throughout Europe and America.
From light and subtle, to bold and elegant, the menu features 20 signature cocktails and mocktails across four periods in the history of The House on Sathorn. The journey starts from the present to the past.
THE PRESENT
This section lauds the present-day residence in its full glory, sitting among towering modern buildings in the city’s most thriving commercial district. Using Thai ingredients and flavor profiles, the drinks showcase nostalgic hints that collide harmoniously with contemporary feel. Refresh the palate with the Aristocrat’s Stone with Mekhong rum, Samui coconut, passion fruit, galangal and lemongrass served in a theatrical presentation, or find solace in the delicate yet potent L&L Martini with Roku gin, house-made longan and lychee cordial and floral fragrance.
EMBASSY ROW
This section gives a nod to the prestigious Sathorn Road as Bangkok’s preferred address for a number of foreign embassies with cocktails crafted to evoke timeless international affairs. International flavors and aesthetics come into play with visually captivating drinks like The Envoy with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin, strawberry and Oleo Saccharum cordial, or the elegant and classy Mr. Ambassador with Remy Martin VSOP cognac, jasmine rice, absinthe and Peychaud bitter.
HOTEL ROYAL
Italian ingredients and glamorous visuals are key elements of the drinks in the section that pay tribute to the time in the 1920s when an Italian lady, Madame Staro, took over the residence and transformed it into the ultra-luxury Hotel Royal. Indulge in luxurious Italian flair with The Heritage of Madame Staro, with herbaceous Sabatini gin, clarified lemon and crème de violet, or celebrate the empowerment of strong, independent women with La Barona, made with Cenote Tequila Blanco, Aperol, pineapple and pin peppercorn, and an edible art piece on the top.
HISTORY OF SATHORN
To honor the legacy of the original owner of the house, Luang Sathorn Rajayukta, the drinks are crafted with subtle Thai and Chinese flairs. Travel back in time with Hainan to Siam, an impressive representational tie of both countries, with Botanist gin, jasmine rice, cucumber, shiso and Fentimans Connoisseur tonic water. For a more serious note, there is also the Business Man with Maker’s Mark Whiskey, DOM Benedict liquor, Domaine De Canton ginger liquor and subtle durian essence.
Light bar snacks, crafted at Paii and served exclusively at The Bar, can also be had with pairing suggestions with all four sections.
Dripping with intricate details of decades passed and modern glamor, the salon at the ground level of the residence offers an opulent yet relaxing, intimate and charming atmosphere as backdrop for a memorable night. The illuminated bar anchors the room, while enticing plush leather seating allows for a relaxing retreat from the bustling city. Outdoor tables and private section for small groups are also on offer for those looking for more privacy. Guests will enjoy exuberant 1920s swing and upbeat sounds throughout the night, with live DJ every Thursday – Saturday from 8.30PM till late.
The Bar at The House on Sathorn is currently open from Wednesday to Sunday between 2:30PM and 12AM (last order at 11:30PM). For more information or reservations, please contact thehouseonsathorn@whotels.com or 02-344-4025. For up to date information on The House on Sathorn visit www.thehouseonsathorn.com
Pictures courtesy of The House on Sathorn