Boys and girls come out to play
There's fun, food and funky drinks at Bon Bon, Bangkok's very first adult playground
IF YOU’RE CONSTANTLY on a hunt for unique, out-of-this-world experiences, you’ll find them in Soi Thonglor or more specifically at the new “adult playground” Bon Bon, which recently opened at Seen Space on Soi 13.
Boasting a subtle vintage look with a few modern day touches, Bon Bon invites its patrons to enter a world ruled by mysterious avian creatures known simply as ‘the birds’. After receiving a decades-old television transmission, they took their earthly names and decadent dress sense from The Beatles, who they understood to be the rulers of Planet Earth. Legend has it that the four bird-like individuals flew through time and space in order to bring delicious gastronomy to our realm.
Naturally generous, they are known for giving away ice cream to well-behaved young humans on a regular basis.
Bon Bon’s development journey began with a taste epiphany in a famous New York Italian ice cream sandwich deli that serves traditional pistachio ice cream in home-made breads and an inspiring gift in the form of a colourful, hand-painted pocket square designed by Thai artist, Kamuilim. The illustration was given to restaurateur and cocktail book author, Johan Davidsson, who brought it to life after assembling a team of passionate and highly specialised individuals.
Davidsson, who is known |for eschewing traditional |labels such as “gastro-pub” |and “wine bar”, is a member of the team behind the cult success of Iron Fairies, Maggie Choo’s, Clouds, Fat Gut’z, Bangkok Betty and Mr Jones' Orphanage.
The result is a playground and relaxing space for grown ups that offers a compact a la carte menu of modern tacos and comfort foods made for sharing as well as home-made ice cream served in warm soft buns made to order. The bar features 18 well-priced wines by the glass, signature cocktails, craft and draught beers, spirits and coffee. Don’t miss the “lab experiments” that include liquid nitrogen cocktails, desserts and ice cream.
On the “play” side, there’s a standard-size ping-pong table, drinking games, a hidden ice room and moving art installations to conjure up an otherworldly dimension. The massive suspended birdcage is occasionally visited by performers with dazzling acts.
PLAYING AROUND
>>Bon Bon is at Seen Space on Thonglor Soi 13.
>>It’s open daily from 11am to 1am. Call (02) 185 2378.
>>No flip-flops or open toed sandals allowed.
