Like an agora of sorts, albeit dedicated to food and fun, two newly opened lifestyle malls in trendy Thonglor are creating a buzz.
by Rich Kantita.
The thriving hub of Thonglor redefines fun, hip, and chill while giving J Avenue and Seenspace tough competition with the opening of two new cool community and food malls: 72 Courtyard and The Commons, which this early, are already regarded as the new hangout spots in the area.
72 Courtyard
Looking like a fun school building from the outside, 72 Courtyard is walled up with cement from bottom to top, ready to impress with its interior design. Teaming up with nine restaurants and bars – Rocket X, Lady Brett, U.N.C.L.E, Touché Hombre, Beer Belly, Evil Man Blues, Little Bao, Toro, and Beam, this food mall is the new place to be to drink, dine, and party. The highlight would be the very funky décor of each restaurant: from retro and European to Mexican with some very intriguing graffiti and paintings all around, the area suggests a Soho-like spirit in Bangkok. To be fully opened officially in May, this cool new hangout spot is already the talk of the town. Expect new things to come up even with some of the familiar restaurants. The new venue, a first in Bangkok, promises surprises!
Visit – www.facebook.com/72Courtyard
The Commons
Like a birds’ nest but filled with toys for us to play with, The Commons is the new hip spot for all to work, relax, enjoy, and interact outdoors. The four-storey building incorporates a brilliant design that allows the place to breathe and looks accessible in every way. With the idea of havingg people gather round like a backyard, the entire first and second floor have seats that are not owned by any particular store. Enjoy picking out different restaurants and cafes to buy food and join in together at the table without wasting half an hour deciding one place, when you can have it all.
The building is divided into four different zones, Market, where different food and beverages are sold in a market-like space, each one with their own specialties like Maison Jean Philippe, famous for their artisan bread; or Roots Coffee, for their famous cold drip coffee; it even has what is called Common Ground, where visitors can enjoy the outdoorsy landscape and get more up-close to the natural surroundings. Village is where eight small shops stand independently in a garden setting offering small indulgences such as homemade ice cream, vintage clothing store, gadgets, and stuff. Some of the newest highlights are Sourced Grocers, a soul food deli and grocery store, Barrio Bonito, funky Mexican restaurant with amazing drinks and Track 17, vintage train bar with fun games and cool cocktails.
Last but not least, Play Yard is designed for kids and events. Little Pea area here is for kids to have fun activities, a space for families to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. Adults can work out at the Absolute You while kids enjoy creative arts in their own room. Top Yard is an open space on the highest floor, with gardens and communal green space for activities such as crafts, planting classes, and learning more about nature. Check them out if you still haven’t!
