Bill Bensley is the mind behind some of Asia’s biggest, flashiest hotels—from the mountains of Mustang to the hills of Bali and Bangkok riverside art deco ultraluxe resorts. Now, the renaissance man has opened Coolies Club in Phuket Town.
Found in a traditional Sino-Portuguese shophouse, the colorful new space reflects the island’s history as a tin mine in Soi Romanee, a vibrant tourist haven that was once a red-light district.
COOLIES CLUB is situated in Soi Romanee in Phuket Old Town.
This small soi has a deep past associated with old tin mining days. From the 16th to the 20th century, Phuket was considered one of the top three tin exporters in the world due to its abundant supply of tin.
During those days, many Chinese people migrated to Phuket to work as tin miners. After their long days of work, they would entertain themselves with gambling. Romanee, which means pleasure in Thai, was the soi where many high-end brothels were located and which it also owes its name to famous Romanian mamasan who formerly worked there. Occasionally, the Chinese workers would pay their visits to the brothels to enjoy arrack, gambling, sex and opium.
Coolies Club pays tribute to Phuket’s tin mining past and its colourful pleasure district in Soi Romanee. This high-spirited Phuket’s address is a reminder of the island’s joie de vivre in the days of old that has not been much celebrated to date.
The downstairs area is for themed signature cocktails and upstairs features “opium den dining” with two private bedrooms. The space says the restaurant will cook using an open fire and will be complemented by fine wines and artisan spirits.
Culinary Approach
Cooking over an open fire is one of the most primal and sensory cooking techniques. It harks back to our ancestral roots, offering a unique connection to the past. Open fire cooking is as much an art as it is a technique, providing a rustic yet sophisticated dining experience. Featuring a curated selection of fine wines, artisan spirits, classic and house-made cocktails, our bar is designed to complement the gastronomic offerings and elevate your overall culinary pleasure.
Opium Den Dining
The bedroom venue ensures absolute dining privacy.
The journey unfolds with a six-course progressive menu, featuring delectable creations perfectly paired with a curated selection of wine and sake. Culinary experts handpick the freshest ingredients and daily catches to craft your meals. For your complete comfort, the bedroom is reserved for a leisurely 3-hour duration, ensuring a relaxed and unrushed experience. To secure the Opium-Den Dining Affair.
11-13 Soi Romani, T. Talat Yai, A. Maung, Phuket, Thailand, Phuket
+66 63 454 6966
