The WoodShed Bar Bangkok Review: Cocktails and Jazz

The WoodShed Bar Bangkok is now listed as permanently closed. Our review preserves an earlier visit to this cocktail and jazz bar beside Harvest Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 31, where dark wood, an extensive spirits collection and thoughtful drinks made us glad we had noticed the next room after lunch. Vivi chose something light and fruity; I worked my way toward smoke and coffee. The prices were higher than we expected, though the care behind the bar gave us plenty to appreciate.

The WoodShed Bangkok: Atmosphere and Jazz

The WoodShed had the kind of dark wooden interior that encouraged us to settle in and take our time. Its rustic design continued the mood of Harvest next door, with enough character to make the bar a destination of its own. Old jazz recordings were playing when we arrived, and even without a band on stage, the room was a comfortable retreat.

We came too early to hear the live musicians. According to the schedule described in our original review, performances began at 9:00 p.m., with different bands across the week. That is historical information, not a current timetable, and our atmosphere score reflects the room and recorded music we experienced. With its dark wood and old trumpets, the place would have suited a 1920s-themed gathering very well.

Craft Spirits and the Drink Selection

The WoodShed’s drink selection extended well beyond signature cocktails. Behind the bar stood a substantial collection of craft spirits, and the bartenders knew their shelves well enough to explain what went into our glasses. There were still and sparkling wines, liqueurs, whiskeys and mixed drinks with or without alcohol. Having someone willing to talk through that choice made the long menu easier to enjoy.

The Cocktails We Tried

We tried three cocktails with very different personalities: Red, Harvest and The Smoke Lingers. Vivi wanted a summery drink, while I was drawn to richer flavors and eventually a combination of peated Scotch, tequila and coffee. The bartenders were professional and approachable, and the finished drinks showed as much attention to presentation as the room around them.

Red: Sloe Gin and Sparkling Wine

Red combined sparkling wine, homemade red currant syrup, sloe gin and lime. It was light and refreshing, with enough sweetness to soften the tart fruit without losing its freshness. The sprig of red currants was useful as well as decorative: a berry between sips brought an extra touch of acidity. Vivi enjoyed the fruity finish, and the sloe gin gave the drink a little more depth than its bright appearance suggested.

Harvest: Rum, Beer and Creamy Foam

Harvest was my first choice, bringing together beer, Bermuda spiced rum and a topping of cocoa powder. Its creamy texture was especially enjoyable, with cinnamon drawing out a sweet cherry note in the flavor. It was a strong drink, and the dense foam made that first sip as much about texture as taste.

That foam held up remarkably well. The cocoa decoration stayed intact long enough for another photograph, which is always helpful when your drinking companion is also the photographer. Vivi’s expression suggested she would like a taste, so I shared the glass and moved on to something smokier.

The Smoke Lingers: Scotch, Tequila and Coffee

The Smoke Lingers combined 10-year-old Laphroaig, Ocho tequila, espresso and house-made coffee syrup. A burnt walnut rested on the ice cube, bringing its smoky aroma close to my nose each time I tilted the glass. The garnish played a real part in the drink, and it was the detail I remembered most clearly afterward. The coffee left a slightly bitter aftertaste, with notes of leather, chocolate and nuts before the alcohol came through. It packed a punch, and its heavier character made a clear contrast with Vivi’s sparkling, fruit-led Red.

What Did Cocktails Cost?

Cocktails were approximately US$13–16 each when we visited. That was more than we had expected to spend, and price was our main reservation about The WoodShed. We appreciated the ingredients, presentation and knowledgeable service, so the bill was easier to accept once we considered the work behind each glass. These are historical prices; the bar’s closed listing means they should no longer be used to plan a visit.

Conclusion

What stayed with us was how comfortably the drinks belonged in the room: Vivi’s red currants against the dark wood, the cocoa decoration surviving on my Harvest, and the burnt walnut bringing smoke to every sip of The Smoke Lingers. The staff’s willingness to discuss the drinks added to that enjoyment. The WoodShed suited people who liked characterful interiors and cocktails worth taking time over, provided they were comfortable with the bill. For readers planning a Bangkok jazz evening today, our Bamboo Bar review at Mandarin Oriental is another place to start, with current arrangements available from the hotel.

The WoodShed Review Card

• 9.4/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.4/10
• 9.3/10
  SERVICE – 9.3/10
• 9/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9/10
• 9.2/10
  PRESENTATION – 9.2/10
• 9/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9/10
• 8/10
  VALUE – 8/10

Practical Details and Former Location

The WoodShed is listed as permanently closed by Restaurant Guru and Wanderlog. We could not establish an exact closing date from an official announcement. The former address, prices and music information below are retained as context for this historical review.

Frequently Asked Questions About The WoodShed Bangkok