British pop with a distinct Thai flavour
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Pattarawadee Saengmanee The Sunday Nation
AS YOUNGSTERS, restaurateurs Boon Chompoonich and Thai Mounivong spent some memorable trips at Liverpool’s most famous nightspot, The Cavern Club.
Last year, they decided to bring those happy memories to their native land, opening the Cavern Club Bangkok and entertaining guests with great food and music from the era of the Beatles, Eric Clapton and Elton John.
Located in The Walk lifestyle complex on Kaset-Nawamintra Road, the 150-seat nighclub and restaurant is designed to resemble the original outlet in the UK from ceiling to floor.
Punters can choose to sit in the main dining area, on the balcony or at the counter bar, all of them fitted out with vintage-style furniture while taking in the photos of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr that adorn the walls.
“I worked in logistics in the US for 30 years and when I returned to Bangkok, I opened a Chinese restaurant at MBK. I also ran the Crystal Cafe at Crystal Park, which made its name serving fusion Italian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese dishes,” Boon says.
“For the Cavern Club, I teamed up with a close pal who is passionate about cooking and music from the ’60s music. We’re the first Cavern Club in Asia and it’s a great place for people aged 40 and over to hang out with friends and share great memories through music.”
There’s live music every night, with The Isn’t crooning folk and classic rock on Wednesday, an Elvis Presley impersonator on Friday and The Beatles Bangkok taking charge on Saturday and Sunday.
“We are sticking to the philosophy of the original Cavern Club. Our stage is open to everyone, but they have to audition first. We don’t only focus on ’60s sounds either but are happy to welcome new-wave local bands who can sing in both English and Thai. We want to offer a variety of music.” Boon says.
There’s plenty to eat too and no skimping on the western dishes, which come in generous portions. Boon ensures quality by offering beef from Australia and New Zealand, imported salmon and New Zealand mussels.
“We focus on easy-to eat dishes that pair well with wine, cocktails and beer. We have tapas, appetisers, spaghetti, steak and pizza,” Boon says.
“Our recommended dishes include Mexican crispy chicken wings and Californian cheese burgers made with
New Zealand beef.”
Other good choices include the Australian Bar-B-Q Ribs served with French fries and Italian-style gravy or spicy sauce for Bt595 and baked New Zealand mussels with cheese served on a bed of creamy spinach for Bt245.
The Italian-style Combo Pizza (Bt375) is topped with salami, parma ham and mushroom, the snow fish fillet (Bt495) and the Thai favourite, spaghetti kee mao seafood (Bt225) will delight anyone wanting a spicy kick.
Cocktails include a red Singapore Sling and Apple Mojito, each priced at Bt280 and beer lovers can sup The Cavern Premium and Black Magic Woman suds specially produced by Heineken.
PLEASE, PLEASE ME
>>The Cavern Club Bangkok is located at Zone D on the second floor of The Walk lifestyle mall, Kaset-Nawamintra Road. It’s open daily from 5pm to 1am. Call (02) 578 3595 or visit Facebook.com/TheCarvenClubBangkok.
