The buzz: The team behind Ku Bar (ranked #49 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018), the uber-cool secret cocktail bar in the Old Town, has opened another bar one floor below it, this time dedicated to natural wine.

The decor: If you thought The Photo Booth was difficult to find, and if you thought Ku Bar was already difficult to find, they both have nothing on Kangkao. Step one: walk down a dark alley, past the spirit house next to Brown Sugar, in search of Ku Bar. Step two: once inside Ku, find a door that takes you to stairs leading downwards. At the bottom, you will find a very narrow room surrounded by glass windows, through which the only lighting, other than that from the kitchen, comes. A larger table accommodates groups of friends, whilst more intimate window seating is available for pairs.

The drinks: You can rest assured that everything you drink here will be completely natural and organic. The wine list changes from week to week, with prices ranging from B1,500-2,600 by the bottle and B300-380 by the glass. The Domaine Roche-Audran Côtes du Rhone 2015 (B320/glass) is so delicious that you’ll want to stick with it all night, but resist the urge because their sumptuous Australian biodynamic Ochota Barrels' Green Room Grenache/Syrah (B2,600/bottle) is another must try. Remember to eat beforehand, as only minimal snacks are on offer for now (think cucumber with barley miso, B60), although their menu is set to include heartier dishes like homemade sausages soon.

The crowd: This is not the type of place to come alone—it’s very minimal, so usually groups of friends or dates.

Why we’d come back: This intimate nook is the perfect place to bring a date to avoid bumping into all your friends on Sukhumvit. You can finish off with a cocktail at Ku, before checking out the art gallery just outside and stumbling home. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Photo credit: Kook Pariyapat