Bangkok’s cocktail bar, F*nkytown, has joined the elite global hospitality guide while showcasing Thailand’s innovative drinks culture to the world. The iconic cocktail bar has earned its place among the world’s finest hospitality venues, making its debut on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery platform.
Moreover, this recognition comes as part of 50 Best’s most ambitious expansion yet. F*nkytown is among more than 500 new venues added in February 2025, bringing the spotlight to emerging scenes in more than 100 cities and towns worldwide.
Bangkok’s F*nkytown joins 50 Best Discovery platform
The 50 Best Discovery ranking in 2025 brings the spotlight to emerging scenes in more than 100 cities and towns worldwide. With the latest refresh, more than 240 exceptional restaurants, 100 innovative bars, and 170 distinctive hotels are on the platform. Moreover, this raises 50 Best Discovery’s global showcase to an impressive 3,700+ venues.
Meanwhile, each establishment, including the distinctive F*nkytown, has earned its spot through rigorous evaluation by the expert Academy members who shape 50 Best Discovery’s globally respected rankings.
About the Bangkok cocktail bar
Since the cocktail bar burst onto Bangkok’s vibrant cocktail landscape in November 2023, F*nkytown has redefined local drink culture through its audacious approach.
Under the visionary leadership of Group Beverage Manager Pae Ketumarn, who honed his craft under cocktail legend Shingo Gokan at The SG Club and The Sober Company, F*nkytown has transformed into a true culinary destination. Moreover, it reimagines Bangkok’s – and the larger Southeast Asia’s – cocktail landscape
Meanwhile, by seamlessly integrating the city’s rich food heritage into its drinks program, the bar elevates cocktail experiences beyond mere libations. This creates a journey that reflects Thailand’s intrinsic culture, where eating and drinking are inseparably intertwined.
F*nkytown’s revolutionary ‘Funk Scale’
Meanwhile, signature creations like the Winter Melon Fizz, with chicken fat-washed gin, and the transformative Tom Yum Highball exemplify the cocktail bar’s commitment to translating Thai culinary heritage into innovative liquid experiences.
Pae Ketumarn, Group, F*nkytown’s Group Beverage Manager said:
This recognition isn’t just about our cocktails—it’s validation of our vision to create a space where 21st-century Bangkok comes alive in a glass.
We’re bridging worlds—between food and drink, between tradition and innovation, between local ingredients and global techniques.
Being acknowledged by 50 Best Discovery proves that pushing boundaries while honouring your roots resonates with drinkers worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Pain au Matcha exemplifies practical sustainability, transforming croissant off-cuts from sister operation Sarnies into distinctive orgeat – just one facet of the bar’s comprehensive closed-loop philosophy that extends to their acclaimed house-made vintage plum wine program.
About 50 Best Discovery
These recommendations ensure that followers of 50 Best Discovery receive guidance from the world’s foremost connoisseurs. However, operating as an extension of the annual 50 Best rankings, the platform itself is not a ranking, with 50 Best maintaining ultimate responsibility for database curation. Importantly, venues cannot apply for inclusion—selection comes solely through expert recommendation.
Learn more about the 50 Best Discovery on its official website here. Readers can find out more about the selection criteria here.