An alluring blend of secret-meets-sophistication, there’s something about Soi Convent’s Vesper Cocktail Bar that keeps it unceasingly busy. Whether it’s the intimacy of the space, or the welcoming aura that beckons you to strike up a conversation across the bar counter, Vesper is reputed as an ideal drinks spot for frequent dwellers of lower Sathorn. Flair for refinement and attention to detail aside, the cocktail bar keeps regulars returning through a fascinating selection of cocktails, especially curated by the passionate—and charmingly dapper—bar manager Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana.
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For those of you who love Palm’s creations, there’s a lot to look forward to this year. Vesper recently debuted ‘East meets West’, the third and final instalment of its highly-acclaimed ‘The Art Book’ cocktail series. Expect 12 new creations in Vesper’s new menu, inspired by iconic works of art from across the globe. The drinks are not a visual reflection of the masterpieces—rather, they are a reflection of the underlying meaning communicated by the artists through their work.
While the first edition saw delightful—at times even cheeky—interpretations of Western Modern Art, this latest edition explores work from contemporary artists of the late 20th and 21st centuries. ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’ by Damien Hirst sees an intriguingly dark vesper with The Botanist, Jose Cuervo Reposado, Blanco vermouth, horfrost oolong, orange, charcoal and lime salt. Maximilian Kurzwell’s ‘Woman in a Yellow Dress’ comes in a delicately voluptuous glass of cream and gold—cheery flavours of peach, lychee and sparkling wine are offset with a daring touch of mustard.
Lovers of the classics, don’t fret—great paintings by the likes of Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky were not forgotten. Order a glass created after Matisse’s vibrant ‘View of Collioure’, or relish in the widened array of interpretations, ranging from sculptures to conceptual 3D installations. Perhaps the most exciting part of this new menu is the incorporation of works from the Asian School of art, offering a new perspective through our drinks that hit a little closer to home.
Ai Weiwei’s ‘Coca Cola Vase’ is joined by ‘Fine Wind, Clear Morning’ by Katsushika Hokusai. There’s even a clever interpretation of the National Palace Museum in Taipei’s ‘Jadeite Cabbage’ and ‘As if to Celebrate, I Discovered a Mountain Blooming with Red Flowers’ by Anish Kapoor.
Beautifully accomplished, Vesper’s new menu is well-researched and enchanting, offering detailed descriptions of the masterpieces along with personal interpretations of each work. Whether you’re an avid art enthusiast or just love a good cocktail, the bar’s award-winning team of friendly and talented bartenders have you covered with their tantalising blends.
Vesper is open daily from 5:30pm-1am (midnight on Sundays). To reserve your seats or find out more about Vesper’s new menu, call 0 2235 2777, or visit the official Facebook page.
