La Bodega: food, drink, entertainment and beds – all in one place
Barman P'Rah in his kingdom.
You’d have to wonder why anyone in their right mind would decide to open a bar on an island that already has about 14 million of them, most of which last as long as it takes to set light to the money invested in them.
But Bodega, the new kid in Patong, is packing them in – and without a bar girl, flower girl or gibbon-handler in sight. Not so far, anyway.
It’s run by a delightful (and, it has to be said, unfairly good-looking) couple, Robbie and Amy. Both are originally from the UK but could accurately be described as world citizens. They met in South Africa, where she was in advertising and he ran Cape Town Backpackers, voted best hostel in Africa for two years running.
They were married on a beach on Koh Samui last year and moved to Phuket in May this year. Instead of spending the usual three or four years slugging back beers while adjusting to the place, they promptly started setting up La Bodega which, actually, is a lot more than a bar. It might be described as a sort of a mini-Montmartre with a Thai-Spanish flavour and jelly vodka shots. If that makes any sense.
Singing for his supper - it's open mic night every Friday.
In any case, art is definitely a focus. Amy says, “Bodega is different because the vision is to showcase authentic original local talent. We were amazed, after moving here, how much talent there is on the island and how so many people want exposure and a place to freely express themselves.
“We also know, as ex-travellers to the region, how much tourists want to see this talent but have no idea where to find it. People come to Patong to party and have fun, but they also want something a little different from the experience.
The girls get with the groove. The beers help.
“The focus for us right now is to get known as a place where anyone can come and display art, play music, sing, rap, DJ, breakdance, read poetry, mime – whatever you want. We believe that if we attract the talent, the interest will come and Patong will have a place to visit for something local, original, and a little bit different.We want to be known as a place that always has something interesting happening. We want to showcase talent, simple as that.”
Apart from the art and that central essential – the bar – Bodega has bright, clean rooms to let at prices ranging from B700 a night during the “summer” season to B2,000 a night over the Christmas/New Year period. All rooms have king-size beds, free wi-fi and cable TV.
On the third floor you’ll find the Sino Tattoo Studio featuring artist-in-residence Mint, who’s prepared to brand you permanently with his own designs or yours. Surprising and original paintings by three Thai artists adorn the walls of the bar, and are for sale.
Yen of Mour Tour delivers another upbeat song.
The place attracts an eclectic mix of foreigners, young and old, and funky artistic Thais. The local hip-hop crew, South Side, are regulars in Bodega (there are turntables at one end of the bar – whoopa whoopa), and there’s the house band – the Thai Gypsy guitar group Mour Tour, featuring four guitars and a bongo (yes, one), whose joyful, upbeat songs are a great aid to chugging beers. Guitar-toting hotel guests are persuaded to play/sing, and on Fridays it’s open mic night.
Let’s not forget the food and drink. “Kick-arse breakfast” (says Robbie), Thai and international dishes for lunch and supper. Cakes. Fruit smoothies. Excellent coffee and wines to match. Plus beers, spirits and cocktails, of course
Robbie and Amy also believe in giving back to the community, and are getting ready to launch what they call The Bodega Project. Amy explains, “The idea is that a portion of all profits from the sale of a piece of art or a tattoo will go into a fund to set up art sessions with Thai kids who want to draw, sing or play an instrument.
“The lead singer of Mour Tour, Yen, has said he would love to teach music to young students who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. Our displaying artists (Amnat, Wimmon and Suriya) feel the same way about painting. We have yet to launch the project and will keep you posted.
“We also have started a Bodega Man project, with wooden painted dolls [they are kept in a birdcage above the bar] which we want children and artists to paint in any way they want. We will auction them and sell them to tourists to raise funds and raise awareness about harnessing talent on the island.”
What? Us worry? Robbie and Amy.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the bar and on the “verandah” that juts out into the soi is “What? Me worry?” or maybe “Don’t worry – be happy.” The crew at Bodega, led by head chef and master of entertainment Jed, and the excellent barman P’rah, are experienced party-makers. At one stage during the Observer’s visit (we seem to recall) trays of jelly vodka shots were doing the rounds. Lots of trays.
Amy giggles. (Actually, most of us are all giggling by this time.) “Not sure about the jelly shots, those were too funny. We had no idea what the chef was up to!” she says.
La Bodega is easy enough to find. Head down Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, go past Jungceylon and it’s down the next soi on the left, the one with the Waterworld dive shop on the corner. Tel 076-602191, Skype bodegaphuket. For updates and events, the website is here.
La Bodega opens at 8am for breakfast and currently closes at midnight. There are plans to be open eventually around the clock.
