Co-founders of Forbidden Bar, Chiang Mai
In this interview, the co-founders of Forbidden Bar in Chiang Mai, Chonticha, Nut, Kan & Patchira, tell how the bar came to be and some curious stories from behind the scenes.
What do you do?
Chonticha: I currently work for an airline in the Middle East, but I take care of the social media and marketing for Forbidden Bar.
Nut, Kan & Patchira: We care for an Air BnB and family business, as well as run the bar.
How did you get into the industry?
Nut: I graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University. Chonticha was a friend of my friend at that time. She was under a break from her aviation job during the pandemic and was doing her part-time job as a bar back. We’ve met several times, and we had the same agreement and desire to merge our talents together.
Kan & Patchira: We were managing our family business then, and Nut came up with the idea to do something together since we have management and financial skills, so why not?
Chonticha: Maybe I like to drink, and as a bar back, I thrive when there is a lot of work to do because it motivates me to get the night done smoothly.
Share a story from behind the scenes.
Chonticha: The name ” Forbidden” started when we wanted to open the business during the pandemic in Thailand. When it was just right at the end of Covid-era. In ordinary times, opening a restaurant is tough work. Starting a bar during a pandemic may sound as ill-advised as going bungee jumping in the rainy season. However, we looked at it as a great opportunity. So we called it Forbidden because eating/drinking at indoor restaurants, going out after 6 pm and grouping more than three people were prohibited.
What’s the best/worst part of your job?
Nut: When we were pushing our bar to be opened on the perfect date as per religious belief. That’s the worst because we tried to make it happen when it wasn’t ready. Customers throwing up on the sofa.
Kan: The best part was, still is and will be the support and understanding from our customers and friends.
Patchira: having a friends gathering spot
What’s one of your favourite food and beverage pairings?
Chonticha: I definitely will go for Hendrick’s G&T with a thin slice of Japanese cucumber as my forever favourite with anything.
Nut: My favourite is Negroni and our signature snacks.
Kan: Old fashioned
Patchira: Penicillin
What’s one of the funniest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
Kan & Patchira: One night, we checked the CCTV around 6 am and saw something really strange; it was somebody who was on a zombie-like stage walking around the bar, trying to shut off the A/C!
Nut: That was one of our valued customers who overslept on the coach. We did not want him to drive, So we convinced him to sleep at the bar.
Chonticha: So, if you come here alone and want to drink. You will be safe here. That is our promise to all customers.
What is something you would like guests to know about Forbidden Bar?
Kan: Please wait for the elevator for 10-15 seconds until it starts.
Nut: We have a customised cocktail to suit your daily mood. Please feel free to request it from the bartender.
Patchira: you can always enjoy the place even if you come alone.
What makes Forbidden Bar stand out?
Chonticha: I am passionate about customer service, so I always strive to provide excellent customer care. In fact, I am working in the world’s best customer service aviation industry. Another thing that makes us stand out is our bartenders’ ability to work under pressure and their genuine hospitality.
Kan: The promotion and events, too. We always follow the trends and keep updating our shelves with new products at all times.
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