A trendy bar and coffeehouse with great music offers a welcome alternative from the noisy Khao San scene

Tired of crowded Khao San with its super loud bars blaring repetitive hip-hop tunes? Then just keep walking till you hit Jakrapong Road, where you'll find a venue offering great music and delicious drinks.

Some 20 years ago, Sripoom Espresso Bar was home to the community's best-known tailor. The tiny colonial-style Chinese shophouse was turned into a coffeehouse in 2005, and the bar added a year later. The wooden stairs were replaced by a circular staircase to add room to the downstairs lounge and the ceiling raised to create a loft-like feeling. Now, decorated in an eclectic retro style with lots of colour, it's cosy downstairs while the upper floor is airy, with tall windows.

Just recently the bar added live dj sets to its entertainment menu. On Monday and Thursday nights, DJ MY spins R&B and hip-hop while on Tuesday and Wednesday, DJ Mody grooves with electro house. Saturday, it's the turn of Bangkok's favourite DJ Jedie who spins hip-hop plus whatever takes his fancy. Come early for chill-out beats.

The bar is among the few venues from where the recently launched online radio, Underground Bangkok, (ubradio.net) broadcasts live. You can meet UB Radio's DJs and crew at Sripoom every Sunday.

The cocktail list covers an impressive 120 recipes and a fair number of mocktails priced from Bt95 to Bt120. Small beers are Bt70, and both Thai and foreign whiskies and rum can be had. No food is served and the smoking area is outside.

Sripoom Espresso Bar is not a dance club. But for those who enjoy electronic music and reasonably priced drinks in a relaxing, conversation-friendly ambience, it's a great night out.

XTRA

Sip on it

>> Sripoom Espresso Bar Jakrapong Road (corner of Rambuttri Road, off Khao San) Open everyday from 10am till 1am

>> Call (081) 846 0760 or visit www. MySpace. com/Sripoom_Espbar.