Cover Going out for bar drinks is not merely about the cocktails, but the yearning for a place to share moments (photo: INK 360)
Going out for bar drinks is not merely about the cocktails, but the yearning for a place to share moments (photo: INK 360)
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In addition to the signature cocktails, the allure of spacial design enhances a bar’s ability to impress discerning guests.
Although the quality of the drinks and the pleasure of the experience remain central to a modern bar’s appeal, the space itself, carefully crafted with an eye for design, beauty and emotion, plays a vital role, etching itself into the memories of its visitors. For many, the ritual of going out to drink is as much about connection and discovery as it is about indulgence.
Tatler steps inside the spaces where design speaks to the heart—where a bar’s every detail has been thoughtfully imagined to “whisper” to the soul. Behind each project lies a story that proves a memorable bar offers more than extraordinary cocktails; it creates a world apart, where memories are made and emotions come alive.
INK 360: Adventure in the clouds
Perched atop the InterContinental Phu Quoc Hotel, INK 360 makes an immediate impression with its fantasy-laden design by Ashley Sutton. Revered as Asia’s “bar design wizard”, Sutton conjures a space where a giant sea monster seems to cradle the venue, with squid-like arms curling around the bar and ceiling. Cold silver tones, dim lighting and fluid architectural curves conjure a dreamlike realm above the clouds, where every cocktail invites guests on a journey into the unknown.
The Racha Room: Where Asian culture whispers
The Racha Room promises an experience that is both exhilarating and enigmatic, much like the spirit of Southeast Asia itself. Here, warm red lights, dark wood and textured walls come together, evoking the intimacy of traditional Asian dining rooms, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
Read more: Legacy 50: When a Vietnamese fine dining restaurant recreates subsidy period dishes
Above A setting that breathes life into past tales while embracing the pulse of the present (photo: The Lab Saigon)
A setting that breathes life into past tales while embracing the pulse of the present (photo: The Lab Saigon)
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The Racha Room charms not only with its inventive cocktails and culinary offerings, but with a setting that breathes life into past tales while embracing the pulse of the present.
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Apothecary—Laboratory of Emotions
Apothecary is more than a cocktail bar—it is an artistic voyage, inspired by the intrigue of a vintage science laboratory. Tucked away at house number 12 on Phan Liem Street in District 1, this nearly 70-year-old villa stands out as a rare gem amid the vibrant sprawl of Saigon.
Inside, Apothecary unfolds like an imaginary lab, where each cocktail becomes an “experiment” born of creative flair. Guests are not mere patrons; they become “researchers”, drawn into a sophisticated artistic exploration. Curiosity, wonder and personal discovery fuel the dynamic energy of this ever-evolving space. At Apothecary, each sip is a step deeper into a journey of passion, innovation and emotion.
Emme—Refined Simplicity
Designed by Red5studio, Emme Bar embraces a minimalist yet deeply considered aesthetic. Basic forms define the space, while rough concrete textures are softened by warm lighting and the gentle rhythms of slow music. Tucked down a quiet alleyway, Emme feels like a refuge for those seeking tranquillity amid the city’s restless energy—a place where emotions run deep, and nothing shouts for attention.
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