• Fri 04 Dec  8.30pm to 10.00pm  RICK FAFOUTAS
• Fri 04 Dec 10.15pm to late        RETROVISION
• Sat 05 Dec 8.30pm to 10.00pm  ANTONY ROTUNNO
• Sat 05 Dec 10.15pm to late       THE FUGITIVES

Proprietor Paul Williams aka Tambourine Man has announced that the business restructuring of the bar formerly known as Noriega’s is complete and the alterations/renovations are also well advanced. There is an official “Grand Opening” on Wednesday 9th December (the following day being a holiday), so put that in your diaries.

Nomads is on Silom Soi 4 at the ‘blunt’ end of that little cul-de-sac sandwiched between Patpong 2 and Soi Thaniya, just 100 metres from the SkyTrain. Silom Soi 4 has been the “in” place for Bangkok’s gay community for years but changes taking place are bringing a whole new look to the soi. Unfortunately but temporarily after six fruitful years, the bar has to close as it undergoes corporate and financial restructuring. The partners suggest it will open soon ‘under new management’. We will keep you posted.

There were several attempts, albeit unsuccessful, to open non-gay establishments over the years on Soi 4, then suddenly along came Frank “Superstar” and Paul Williams with Noriega’s – while somewhere in between, an art gallery also opened their doors and before that there was Tapas, all replacing clubs catering mainly to the gay scene. Today there is also an Italian restaurant, a Greek restaurant and another Tapas restaurant already, with clothes shops and tattooists adding to the ecclectic metro-mix.

On Soi 4 these days you can visit a gay club if that is your thing, hangin’ to cool sounds and great service in a ‘designed’ for singles of all sorts. Or (eventually) head down to Noriega’s for live music.

For some time now music critics have been paying kudos to the boys at Noriega’s for giving many new, up and coming Bangkok bands their first chance at a real gig, at the same time turning Noriega’s into a live music venue to be reckoned with.

Noriega’s for their part has to be given credit on several points. As far as we’re concerned, mostly for opening a quality live music venue in Bangkok and secondly for doing so all the way at the end of Silom Soi 4.

The club has door style plate glass windows looking out into the soi and there are also tables set out front for those who want to converse while the band is on. Inside the DJ has one of the best rock vinyl collections in town at your mercy!

An all-white theme mixed with dark wooden tones sorts out the interior décor and a large bar dominates the left side of the room as you enter, with the stage directly opposite. There is a chill and dining area in the back with low tables and sofas for those who want to be more comfortable, and upstairs there’s the same amount of space to hang again and watch the band from on high.

The lighting is subdued but not too frugal and the room looks kinda Mediterranean. Another item of interest, in the men’s room this time, is a miniature ceramic throne dubbed the “Vomitorium”. Hopefully it doesn’t get called into service too often, but it makes a great conversation piece. And, being higher up than your average toilet bowl, I suppose it does make sense.

Don’t thank us for sharing that, but when you see it you will have to admit it is unusual if nothing else.

Noriega’s also does a great menu of snacks and full meals while beers and various drinks are in the 90 -120 Baht range  – and most importantly the beers are c-c-c-cold!

The gig features several different bands during the week and will host a Sunday night rock-blues jam from around 6pm or so, where all are welcome to bring their instruments and strut their stuff.

When we do re-open, come on down and have your party here for a song!