Q Bar's French bottom

Manta Klangboonkrong

The Nation

Publication Date : 01-02-2013

 

Quieter than the pub up front, Le Derriere harks back to 1930s Paris

 

QBar celebrates its 13th year on the clubbing scene with an addition out back called Le Derriere, an imaginary 1930s Parisian salon where folks can unwind over French nibbles, Champagne, absinthe and vintage cocktails.

Filling what had been an empty space, Le Derriere is a time machine to a quieter place when you drift out from the thumping club. Think frilly drapes, hand-blown glass lamps, wooden furniture in crimson upholstery, dim lighting and idle, jazzy music. It's a sanctuary where you can loiter, quench your thirst and kill the late-night hunger pangs with cheese and other nibbles.

French artist and architect Bruno Tanquerel designed Le Derriere over the course of several treks through the French countryside, where he collected the decor items. He scored a great old wooden sofa and table, wall panels complete with original painting, lampshades, knick-knacks and a head full of other ideas.

"Most of the furniture needed a bit of fixing and refurbishing, which Thais can do very well," Tanquerel says. "The tricky part was the floor tiling, which as you can see is very unique and typically French, but we managed. And I would say this is the place in Bangkok that feels most like 1930s France. I feel like I'm at home, in Paris."

Tanquerel previously designed Q Bar's vodka lounge and the Q Up lounge on the second floor. Je also made the Buddha sculpture that ended up in the famous Buddha Bar in Paris and was asked to do the same for the outlets in Beirut, New York, Cairo and Rio.

Le Derriere oozes with rich French opulence. That extends to the Fin de Claire No 3 oysters and French cheese, wine and Champagne (served by the glass and the bottle). The kitchen stays open until 3am.

Q Bar is celebrated for its well-stocked bars and potent, addictive drinks. At Le Derriere you can get a lot of creative, unusual drinks with French flair. The cocktails run from Bt190 to Bt350 and include Demoiselle, Kir, Dry Martini, French 75, Cointreaupolitan and a French mojito made with vermouth.

If you're feeling more adventurous, go for the French or Bulgarian absinthe.

Q Bar is on Sukhumvit Soi 11 in Bangkok. It's open daily except on public holidays from 9pm until ridiculously late. There's a cover charge and dress code.