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Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s rooftop is sharper than ever

Bar.Yard’s refresh is anything but subtle. Soaring above the city, on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, the rooftop favourite enters a new chapter with a sharper look, louder energy and a clearer sense of purpose. This considered reset is aimed at reclaiming Bar.Yard’s place as one of the city’s most dynamic after-dark destinations.
The transformation is immediately felt. The redesigned space leans confidently into colour, texture and atmosphere, shaping an urban tropical playground that feels distinctly tuned to Bangkok nights. Thai, Southeast Asian and Pan-Latin influences are layered throughout the design, creating an environment that feels playful in daylight and charged once the sun sets. Punchy hues, dramatic lighting and graphic patterns work together to frame a rooftop made for long evenings, spontaneous celebrations and nights that stretch well past dinner.
Rather than chasing trends, Bar.Yard’s new look feels rooted in mood and movement. Every design choice supports how guests actually use the space, encouraging connection, circulation and energy rather than formality. It’s a rooftop that feels lived-in rather than staged, inviting guests to arrive early, stay late and let the night unfold naturally.
Comfort and flow sit at the heart of Bar.Yard’s redesign, shaping a rooftop that evolves seamlessly as the evening progresses. New seating layouts allow the space to shift effortlessly from relaxed sunset drinks into livelier late-night gatherings. Whether guests arrive as couples, small groups or find themselves pulled into a larger circle as the night deepens, the rooftop adapts without ever feeling crowded or static.
Icy-cool air-conditioning keeps the atmosphere comfortable even as Bangkok temperatures rise, allowing the energy to build without the heat becoming a distraction. This attention to physical comfort is central to Bar.Yard’s new identity. Guests are encouraged to move, mingle and explore the space rather than settling into one fixed position for the entire night.
The drinks programme plays a key role in setting the night’s rhythm. Early hours lean towards brighter, more refreshing cocktails designed for sunset sipping, before shifting into bolder, spirit-forward serves as the evening deepens. Signatures like BDSM (Best Damn Spicy Margarita) bring controlled heat and smoky depth, cutting cleanly through spice-driven plates and encouraging a slower pace as the evening builds.
Lighter, fruit-led drinks keep things lifted earlier on. 🍑 (Peach Emoji) delivers a soft, aromatic profile with gentle sweetness and citrus balance, while Hey! Hunny offers a rounder, more floral serve that feels easy and celebratory without tipping into excess. As the night stretches on, familiar classics are subtly reworked with Bar.Yard’s signature restraint, inviting guests to settle in and let the evening unfold rather than rush through a single round.
The result is a rooftop that carries guests naturally from golden hour into the early hours, one drink at a time.
Food now plays a far more central role in Bar.Yard’s identity, anchoring the night rather than simply supporting it. The kitchen focuses on Pan-Latin x Thai flavours, led by Peruvian chef Julio César Concha Muñoz. His approach blends Nikkei influences with Thai heat, placing emphasis on dishes designed for sharing and built to complement, rather than compete with, the drinks.
The result is a fresh new menu that feels expressive and generous without becoming heavy. Plates are layered with spice and acidity, delivering depth while remaining lively enough to enjoy deep into the night. Served for sharing, it brings comfort and intensity in equal measure, anchoring the table and often prompting a second round of cocktails.
Elsewhere, grilled and spice-forward plates lean into contrast, balancing richness with freshness so flavours remain vibrant rather than overwhelming. Portions are intentionally designed for grazing and conversation, allowing guests to dip in and out of the menu as the night builds instead of committing to a single, sit-down dining moment.
Music remains central to Bar.Yard’s identity, and in its new era it plays a more deliberate role in shaping the evening. Under the guidance of industry veteran Tek Harrington, the rooftop introduces an Afro House-inspired direction that blends global rhythms with dancefloor-ready energy, creating a soundtrack that feels international yet perfectly suited to Bangkok’s late-night tempo.
Rather than relying solely on peak-hour moments, the music evolves throughout the night. Early sets ease guests into the space with warm, rhythmic grooves, gradually building in pace and intensity as the crowd grows. As the lights shift and conversations give way to movement, the sound follows naturally, transitioning from laidback listening into full dancefloor momentum without feeling abrupt or forced.
A rotating line-up of local and guest DJs keeps programming fresh, while occasional live acts and special performances ensure no two nights feel the same. The DJ booth itself has been positioned as a visual focal point, reinforcing the idea that music here is not just background but part of the main event.
Drinks from B270. Bar.Yard, 40th floor, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am, Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am.
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