Cover Hidden cocktail bar, 'Shhh', in Phuket Old Town
Hidden cocktail bar, 'Shhh', in Phuket Old Town
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Phuket’s historic quarter also offers a decent nightlife scene with a good mix of cocktail bars, live music venues and even a rooftop space.
Phuket's small old town is packed with a rich multicultural community, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. When day shifts to night, the mixology bars, live music, lounges and pubs spring into life. Everything is within walking distance, so you can do a spot of shopping between drinking and dining destinations.
Ten or 15 minutes out of town central is where you’ll find the pubs and bars frequented by Phuket’s locals, but if you’re looking for a place to chill out with your favorite drink in the cosy confines of old town, choose from the Tatler list below.
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Rockin' Angels Cafe
Rockin' Angels Cafe, an old blues bar that has been in Phuket's old town for over 20 years
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This old blues bar has been rocking Phuket's old town for over 20 years, attracting drinkers who love to get down with the blues amid vintage décor in a venue that’s just the right size. The atmosphere is friendly, the seating is comfortable and the atmosphere intimate. The bands rotate on a nightly basis, guaranteeing variety if you want to visit two or three times in a week–and if you play, don’t feel shy about joining the band by simply grabbing a spare guitar or bass from the walls. As befitting a blues bar, there’s not high falutin’ drinks on offer–think beers and Bourbon etc.
Rockin' Angels Cafe
Address: 55 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-65-642-4585
Good Vibes P-Town
Good Vibes P-Town in the heart of Phuket old town
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A hideaway tucked away between shophouses, this open-air bar has a tropical island atmosphere that seems out of place amid the surrounding shops and cafes–step inside and it’s as if you’ve left Phuket old town for surf’s up a beach bar. Expect house, electro, tribal and jungle music from DJs who ramp up volume and the beats to full-moon party levels as the night progresses.
Tatler Tip:
With no roof, just large umbrellas to keep, rainy evenings are not an ideal time to visit.
Good Vibes P-Town
Address: 71 Yaowarat Road, Talat Nuea Sub District, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-94-025-1648
The Loof Bar & Co
The Loof Bar & Co, a rooftop bar in Phuket old town
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Phuket old town may lack rooftop views of the Andaman Sea, but at least one small bar offers rooftop (it’s just three flights up from the Elle Cafe) drinks and food in the Sino-Portuguese quarter, and it’s a special place, especially at dusk as the sun goes down. But be warned, The Loof Bar & Co only has only a few tables with a good view of the old town and the venue can get crowded, especially on weekends. Drinks include beer towers, classic and signature cocktails, and late at night there will be a DJ or a band.
Tatler Tip:
If you want a seat with a view, call to reserve a table in advance.
The Loof Bar & Co
Address: 110 Thalang Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-95-585-5685
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Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory
Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory, a mixology bar, a “science shooter lab” in the old City area
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Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory has been a part of the cocktail bar scene in Phuket since around 2015 and is famous for its highly creative “science-inspired” shooters and cocktails. The inventive bar staff are constantly reinventing their menu, coming up with unique and new flavors and creating new worlds in a glass.
Tatler Tip:
It is recommended to reserve a seat at the bar via Facebook/ZIMPLEX as space is limited. The venue is closed on Mondays.
Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory
Address: 156/48 Phang Nga Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket
Mad Hog Tavern
The “Wild Boar Demon” pub takes night owls into a spooky fantasy world with decorations that make every day feel like Halloween. Serving both food and drinks, there are two floors of spacious seating. It’s eminently Instagrammable, from the eye-catching tilted entrance door to the decorations in every corner.
Mad Hog Tavern
Address: 27 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-93-645-7969
Shhh
Shhh, a secret bar in Phuket old town
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A new hidden bar in Phuket old town can be considered genuinely hidden because if you don’t have your eyes peeled it’s easy to walk right past it. There’s bar seating and low-slung sofas in the open-air lounge. Rotating artworks are projected onto the walls, filling the entire space from floor to ceiling, making it possible to sit and watch for hours without getting bored. In terms of drinks, they have all the classics, some house signature items and wines by the bottle.
Tatler Tip:
Look for a “Key Cabinet.”
Shhh
Address: 12 Thalang Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-84-989-9525
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