The Bamboo Bar, the famous cocktail divan at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, has recently reopened its doors after an extensive renovation that reinterprets the bar’s iconic character with contemporary flair. Says general manager Amanda Hyndman, “Our objective was to weave the past into the future. Old friends will recognise familiar pieces throughout the space that creates a real sense of place.”

Created by Thai design firm P49 DEESIGN, the new décor is heavily inspired by the venue’s name, with bamboo used throughout in the bar, chairs, wall, and ceiling finishing. The original black rattan armchairs have been carefully restored, while replicas of the rattan seating seen in early twentieth century photos of the bar have been recreated. Tiger skin patterns cover the barstools and some armchairs, while with on the walls, guests can see a visual history of the bar with images of famous former patrons like Louis Armstrong, Mick Jagger, and Audrey Hepburn.

The bar’s offerings focus on exclusive drops and small-batch production, and also houses one of the largest collections of single malt Scotch whiskies in Thailand. Classics tipples and signature cocktails like the Thaijito remain on the menu, which has been spruced up with new additions that fall into the categories of ‘Exotic & Sweet,’ ‘Sophisticated & Contemporary,’ ‘Mature & Robust,’ and ‘Fruity & Mellow.’ www.mandarinoriental.com