Bangkok Bar Show 2025, a Celebration of the Thai Bar Industry

The Bangkok Bar Show made a spectacular comeback this year! Hosted at the luxurious Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, the festival showcased a wide variety of products and activities, allowing attendees to not only sample different offerings but also connect directly with the brands involved.

The crowd was a vibrant mix of industry professionals from across the globe and enthusiastic drinkers—ranging from seasoned experts to eager newcomers ready to soak up knowledge.

Beyond being a series of booths, the event offered attendees a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the industry. It featured engaging panel discussions led by distinguished bartenders, bar owners, and experts from around the world.

The Bangkok Bar Show opening party at Aqua Bar was an exuberant event filled with warmth, enthusiasm, and a vibrant mix of guests and industry professionals. To energise the crowd, the first guest shift featured two exceptional bartenders: Holly Graham, a renowned mixologist from Tokyo Confidential known for her inventive cocktails, and Agung Prabowo, the celebrated co-founder of Lockdown Hong Kong as well as Penicillin Hong Kong and Shanghai, recognised for his innovative approach to cocktail craftsmanship.

Following them, the next shift featured Lorenzo Querci and Giovanni Allario from Moebius Milano, both acclaimed for their impeccable service and dedication to the art of mixology, as well as José Luis Leon Martinez from Licoreria Limantour in Mexico City, renowned for his expertise in traditional and contemporary cocktail techniques.

Throughout the evening, the party was energised by positivity, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the art of bartending, making it a memorable night for all attendees.

Another exciting event related to the Bangkok Bar Show, Salon Social: Liquid Legend, was held at the luxurious Four Seasons Bangkok. The event showcased six distinguished bars from around the world, including Overstory in New York, Amaro Bar in London, Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou, Alquimico in Cartagena, Martiny's in New York, and The Public House in Taipei. Attendees enjoyed a curated selection of beverages and gourmet foods, ensuring they were well-hydrated and nourished throughout the event.

The guest shifts during the Bangkok Bar Show were an incredible experience! Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar brought the Paradiso Barcelona team to hydrate and entertain drinkers. The Sip the Italian Way event at Stella Bar Bangkok showcased talented bartenders Simone Rossi, Giancarlo Mancino, and Elena Urbani. Over at Firefly Bar Bangkok, the Shenzhen Takeover featured Nick Wu from Bar Mood, Tiger Chang from MO Bar, and Paul Hsu from Obsidian Bar, all bringing their unique flair. Meanwhile, Moonrock Tainan's Yi Che Liao took the reins at Messengerservice Bar Bangkok. Independence Bar Bangkok welcomed Mars Chang from Infinity & Beyond Bar Taipei to stir things up behind the bar.

At Find the Photobooth, The Southeast Asian Takeover brought in Amanda Wan from Three x Co Kuala Lumpur, Linh Winnie from Workshop14 Hanoi, and Boo Jing Heng from Bae's Cocktail Club Singapore, creating a lively atmosphere. Funkytown Bangkok showcased The Jakarta Takeover with impressive appearances by Demitria Dana Paramita from HATS Bar, Paulo Naranjo from St. Regis Bar Jakarta, and Alvin Sung Jaya from Carrots Bar. Bar Us featured Alonso Palomino from Lady Bee Lima, who brought his signature style to the mix.

The trendiest spot in Bangkok, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, highlighted Mirwanayah Bule from Modernhaus Jakarta as a special guest bartender. Additionally, Find the Lockerroom witnessed the skilled team from Locale Firenze take over the shift, while Sasha Wijidessa from Fura Singapore stirred things up at Wasteland Bangkok. It was a week filled with talent and creativity!

The Bangkok Bar Show came to a spectacular close this year with the Bangkok Bar Show Awards & Thailand's 20 Best Bars 2025.

Dry Wave Cocktail Studio continued its impressive streak, winning remarkable accolades, including Best Bar in Bangkok presented by Martell, Best Bar in Thailand presented by Código 1530, and Bar Team of the Year presented by Prakaan. Palm—Supawit Muttarattana once again took home the title of Bartender of the Year presented by Patrón, solidifying his status as one of Asia's most esteemed figures in the bar scene.

Wasteland made a splash by winning Best New Bar, presented by Prakaan, while F*nkytown celebrated a second consecutive victory as Best Restaurant Bar, presented by the Bangkok Bar Show. Regional talents shone brightly as Bar.San earned the title of Best Bar in Chiang Mai, presented by Jameson, and The Fool Speakeasy Phuket claimed the award for Best Bar in Phuket/Samui, presented by Havana Club.

The Art of Hospitality Award was bestowed upon BKK Social Club, and James Kosil Kamja from Lennon's was recognised as Emerging Bartender of the Year, presented by Patrón, highlighting the new generation of rising stars influencing the future of Thai bartending. Additionally, the newly introduced Best Wine Bar category was won by Mod Kaew Wine Bar.

The Bangkok Bar Show will return next year.

Credits

Article: Wariya Intreyonk

Photos: Wariya Intreyonk