Maggie Choo’s was a staple of the Bangkok nightlife scene, the basement club that brought this city thousands of hours of music, drag, and dancing. Well, now there’s a new club in its space, Heka, officially opening tomorrow.
BK got inside for the soft open—which had some teething issues, including broken air con and no soap in the bathroom—but hopefully they’ll be ready for their big shebang this weekend. The bar draws inspiration from Egyptian mythology, particularly the idea of Heka as a force that connects people, energy, and experiences.
This concept permeates the space, designed to feel separate from the outside world. Warm lighting, textured surfaces, and sculptural details create an environment that feels both intimate and immersive. Heka aims to have guests leave feeling transformed: reset, re-energized, and reborn, according to Anwa Sadat Seidu, marketing executive with Heka.
Music plays a crucial role in shaping that experience. The sound, built on disco, funk, and house, guides the night’s energy. It reflects the team’s influences and personal ties to the music industry. The atmosphere follows that same rhythm, with a hypnotic red glow set against the soft light of a disco ball, creating a space that feels both intense and balanced.
During the soft opening, the Golden Hour Dunes and Verdant Fresco drinks emerged as standout examples of the bar’s direction. The Golden Hour Dunes blends Bacardi Carta Blanca, apricot brandy, and pineapple for a bright and tropical drink. In contrast, the Verdant Fresco, made with Bombay Sapphire and fresh basil, delivers a sharper, herbal profile with a smooth finish.
The menu emphasizes classic cocktails with a modern, elevated twist, particularly through its barrel-aged selection. Drinks like the Negroni, Vieux Carré, and Rusty Nail age in American oak, which results in smoother, deeper flavors.
These cocktails present a balanced, slightly complex profile, featuring warm notes and thoughtful garnishes. For those looking to explore, the discovery flight offers a small tasting of these aged creations. Alongside the classics, signature cocktails add a lighter, playful side to the menu.
Some offer tropical flavors, like the Golden Hour Dunes, while others present fresh and herbal notes, or richer, fruit-forward options, such as The Masterpiece made with rum, chocolate, and cream.
Heka Bangkok will officially open its doors Apr 10 starting at 9:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom.
