The Social Chair
JANUARY 2020 LIFESTYLE
Philip Bischoff Brings Innovation, Finesse and a Side of Fun to his work as Beverage Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
Expect no less from the man who commandeered the Gatsby-gorgeous Manhattan at Regent Singapore to the top of Asia’s 50 Best Bars list twice and into the top three of World’s 50 Best Bars. The Berlin-born Beverage Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Philip Bischoff, is bringing this rallying cry to Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. “We have great team spirit. Lubosh Barta is an amazing GM—he’s done so many openings and has a strong F&B background. So he always sees the big picture,” Bischoff says, an attitude that inspires him and will, hopefully, help create the next generation of award-winners. “There is a lot of great talent in this town.”
Thank goodness, because he’s overseeing all imbibing at eight public outlets at Four Seasons, including a rotating pop-up, plus banqueting and in-room dining. “It’s got the right momentum to build something really special. The Residences are already a landmark. The name in Bangkok is iconic. I love the spread of the hotel: it’s huge, an urban resort.
The showstopper will be BKK Social Club, taking a central location on the courtyard for the hotel. “Everyone passes the bar and everyone will be drawn to it,” Bischoff says. “We want to create the living room. It will be a Latin American-inspired social club, vibrant, open, energetic, with inviting music and elegant beverages, and even some sharing concepts. We will have South American traditional drinks, both classics and with Thai flavors. We have the opportunity to showcase spirits—especially ones that are artisanal and rare to find.” Also get excited for the bar’s semi-outdoor courtyards; one is a chill, refined cigar lounge.
“You don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” says Bischoff, who is also taking a regional role heading Four Seasons beverage programs in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. “You just need to do it well. I know what people like, but I’m learning new things every day.” Originally dabbling in hospitality, Bischoff dove into his career path because “the boys behind the bar had more fun.” Looks like Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is about ready to play, then. We’ll start with a Martinez, please.