Foojohn Jazz Club

Like all good Speakeasy’s Foo John’s jazz club is hard to find. Nestled in the denizen streets off the Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown, we were told to look for the Pac-Man sign on the corner of an alleyway. Steep stairs to the second floor brought us to a double bass player, struggling to wrestle his bulky instrument through a tiny door. “Have you got a reservation?”, asked the young looking maiître’d. “Miss Sheila!”, I whispered in his ear. He beckoned us to our perch in front of a tiny stage, draped with red velvet curtains. It’s 9pm on Valentines night. Red roses 🌹 have been strategically positioned on the 12 tables that accommodate all 26 guests. The venue is as big as our kitchen table. Tonight, there’s a mix of glamorous, wealthy Thai 🇹🇭 couples, a few Americans and two Brits. Then there’s Damon, from Manchester. He is leading tonight’s Chet Baker tribute. A graduate of Leeds College of Music and the London Guildhall in the late 1980s, his trumpet playing is awesome - certainly worthy of Chet Baker! Accompanying him on keyboards was Sebastian, from Spain 🇪🇸, Mr Sticks from France 🇫🇷 on er, drums, and Noppadol Tirataradol 🇹🇭 playing double bass. We were mesmerised. During the interval, Sheila learned their life stories over shared cigarettes at the bottom of the fire escape. At midnight, it was regrettably time to make for home but we eagerly look forward to returning next time we are in Bangkok. It was magical!

a month ago

An amazing place! It’s tiny, which gives a lovely intimate atmosphere. As other reviewers have said, reservation is a good idea, but it’s so quick and easy to message them on their FB page. We booked on the day, on Valentines Day and got a great spot! The drinks are very nice… at first glance, you might think they’re a little pricey, but remember, you’re seeing a top act for free, so a little extra on the drinks is only reasonable. We didn’t order food, so can’t comment. It’s a little tricky to find, in true speakeasy style… just follow the Pac-Man dots!

a month ago

Really nice jazz bar. It's a small place, located on the 2nd floor of the building, taking up to about 15 people providing a cozy vibe. The jazz band playing the day I went was very nice. What I loved the most was their cocktails. I went before V-day so was going for their seasonal cocktails with such cute names but they ran out, so I got the melon one instead and it was amazingly refreshing. I'd love to go again.

a month ago