The buzz: Bangkok's turn at the signature lounge-slash-tea room of Waldorf Astoria hotels around the globe gives you licence to get on the cocktails before high tea is even on the menu, with stunning views to boot.  

The decor: Filled with living room armchairs and cozy lamps, this space has the ultimate all-day dining lounge vibe—perfect for meeting any time of day or for catching a cheeky drink or two after work or before heading to the hotel's 56th-floor cocktail den, The Loft. Surrounding glass windows make for a bright, light-filled space, with views the RBSC’s lush greenery outside. Behind the bar you’ll see a replica of the Waldorf New York’s iconic clock (Peacock Alley also takes its name from the lobby-floor corridor of the original Waldorf Astoria).  

The drinks: Afternoon tea is served from 1-5pm daily—for B950 you get a pot of either tea or coffee of your choice, a set of sandwiches, pastries and scones—but, more importantly, they serve tea-based cocktails (B420) from 9—yes, that’s 9am. The Golden Gown mixes Iron Balls Gin, white vermouth, peach tea, and Gramona Gran Reserva Brut Cava for a taste so fresh you could easily have it with your eggs Benedict. For something strong, we really like the Smoky Tail—a mix of Michter’s Bourbon, red vermouth, smoked tea and homemade tea bitters—who needs an Americano caffeine-kick when you can have this instead? If you’re not a fan of dark spirits, the vodka-based Boulevard, with white vermouth, black tea, lime juice and jasmine syrup, will do you just fine. 

The food: Light bites that work well with booze, like foie gras bruschetta (B460)—highly recommended—steak tartare with a runny orange egg yolk (B480), or the charcuterie board that comes with chicken liver pate—a real highlight (B980). 

The crowd: Well-dressed, grown up professionals, chilling and meeting with friends without getting into anything too crazy (except the 9am cocktails, that is).

Why we would come back: This cozy space is so versatile—you can pop by at almost any time for a meet up of almost any kind, be it tea or all-out cocktails.