The buzz: After 14 years, the long-term champion of dance and indie music decided to move out of its charming old home on the corner of Ratchadamnoen before the government reclaimed the building. But proving the music never dies, they just headed over to a new spot, previously a Chinese restaurant inside the fairly grungy Silom Plaza, and carried on doing what they do best: opening the floor to fresh new indie bands and the best in electronica. Eventually they also plan to open up a new Club Culture, occupying the upper floors of the aging mall.
The décor: “Décor” is probably a bit generous, but it is still a work in progress. This place redefines the word ramshackle, in a good way, even if the toilets are an adventure. Echoes of its former life as a restaurant are clear from the old engraved mirrors and wood paneling, while holes in the low ceiling show where the old light fittings used to go. A curving bar fills one side of the room, a few high tables take up the center, while some battered old leather sofas and low stools occupy the rest of the space. Bands and DJs set up by the large glass window at the front, providing an eclectic soundtrack for the families dining in the atrium of the mall. They do plan to open up the mezzanine, though, to create more space.
The music: They’ve already played host to some hot and sweaty indie gigs and events put on by the likes of the Popscene and Good Cat crews, which have proved that despite all the aesthetic shortcomings there’s nothing wrong with the sound system. They also hold weekly dubstep nights every Sat, and depending on when you drop by you might also catch some dn’b, hip hop or techno being spun.
The crowd: The city’s young and trendy indie crowd and the occasional expat looking for the real thing, not the tired covers and uniform outfits of the Thong Lor scene.
The price: Cheap and cheerful local beers start at B100 for Singha and B110 for Heineken, there are also an option for cocktails start at B140 by the glass and B350 for bucket.
Why you’ll come back: With its no-frills set-up, Café Democ offers a great chance to slum it. The real draw, though, has to be the chance to hear some eclectic sounds and catch the up-and-coming indie bands of the moment. Nick Measures
