Designer Bill Bensley has made his mark at exotic locations around Asia. And the latest colorful setting to be enlivened by his flair is Soi Romanee in Phuket Town, home to Coolies Club, his freshly launched bar and restaurant.
Soi Romanee was formerly the red-light district of Phuket, where tin miners would go to visit brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens. Today, the street is more famous as an Instagrammer’s dream, with its vibrant colors, colonial architecture, and beautifully styled shopfronts drawing visitors from around the world.
Coolies Club is the latest offering from Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, the owner of The Slate Phuket, also designed by Bensley. Her family history is intrinsically entwined with the history of Phuket.
Krystal’s great-grandfather came from China in 1912, searching for fortune in Southeast Asia. He started working as a miner in Phuket, and as a reward for his hard work and loyalty, was given land parcels and mining rights by his employer. In those days, foreign laborers were known as ‘Coolies’ and the Club is named in honor of Krystal’s great-grandfather and all the other hard workers who played a role in Phuket’s foundation. While Phuket was one of the top three tin exporters in the world from the 16th to the 20th centuries, tourism has since become the island’s top economic contributor.
“It was wonderful to work with Krystal again to create Coolies Club with its vibrant colors, rich stories, and bespoke craftsmanship designed to honor the spirit of the laborers who worked the tine mines of Phuket and the hedonistic pleasures they sought after a hard day’s work,” said Bensley. “More than just a place to eat and drink, it is an immersive experience that transports you to the pleasure palaces of the former red-light district, with a modern twist.”
Krystal’s father, Wichit Na-Ranong is hailed as the Father of Phuket tourism, having been instrumental in building the island’s reputation as an international destination and investing in its infrastructure and growth. Krystal is proud to share her father’s passion for constantly innovating the hospitality scene in Phuket and a signature club on iconic Soi Romanee is a dream come true.
“We have created a special place that embodies the melting pot of cultures for which Phuket is so famous,” said Krystal. “Having lived in our family shophouse in this area, I wanted to create a modern pleasure palace that speaks to the high-end bars and gambling dens where tin miners would entertain themselves after a hard day’s work, while also bringing the concept into the modern day and honoring my great grandfather’s legacy.”
Krystal has brought her love of art, fashion, history, and storytelling to life in this latest project, which uses reclaimed tin pieces, bold colors, artworks and vintage furnishings to create a deep connection with Phuket’s tin mining past and the exuberance and bohemian ambience of the island’s former pleasure district.
Romanee, in Thai, means pleasure, but the name also speaks to the famous Romanian mamasan who formerly worked on Soi Romanee. Residing in one of the street’s grandest shophouses, Coolies Club sits in a building constructed by Chinese workers in 1883. Krystal knew that Bill Bensley would be the perfect person to faithfully restore and enhance the building, with an emphasis on reviving the charm and elegance of its history and creating an opulent venue to provide a feast for all the senses.
The Club features typical Chinese Baroque architecture, with ornate wooden doors, intricate Chinese fretwork and a striking façade in white, turquoise and antique red. Inside, Bill Bensley has created a moody, sexy interior that harks back to the area’s famous opium dens using antique furnishings, rich materials, and gorgeous shades of coral, turquoise and jade green.
Downstairs, guests can enjoy a themed list of creative cocktails including the Miner’s Whisper, Mama’s Twist, Spicy Maria, and Courtesan’s Kiss alongside bar bites and bigger plates.
Upstairs, the venue features two private bedrooms, where Opium Den dining experiences will be offered. Krystal also plans to work with local artists, DJs, performers, and musicians to bring themed events to the space. Regular performances will be staged at the Club to entertain visitors.