Located on Soi Romanee in Old Phuket Town – once the epicentre of the island’s 19th-century tin mining red-light district – Coolies Club is the latest project from Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, the co-owner and managing director of The Slate Phuket.
Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the venue pays homage to the area’s history of opium dens and miners’ hedonistic pleasures with a design palette of turquoise, jade green, and antique red.
For event planners looking for an intimate, high-impact setting, the venue offers two distinct levels. The ground floor provides a sophisticated sit-down format for up to 40 guests, surrounded by ornate Chinese fretwork and vintage furnishings. For more exclusive gatherings, the private room upstairs accommodates 32 pax, offering an atmospheric Opium Den dining experience.
The culinary programme follows a zero-waste kitchen concept, focusing on sustainability without compromising on creativity. A standout example is the lemongrass tuna wraps, which cleverly utilise portions of the fish that cannot be served as whole fillets, ensuring every ingredient is maximised.
The menu is further defined by rustic, fire-smoked techniques – think seared Black Angus hanger steak with rosemary and garlic butter, and smoked spaghetti alla bottarga – that reference the traditional cooking methods used by tin miners.
Entertainment is also a core component of the Coolies Club experience. While the venue hosts a signature singing cabaret every Saturday night, capturing the exotic elegance of a bygone time, these performers are also available for private hire. Planners can book the cabaret troupe to bring a sense of theatrical flair and historical nostalgia to corporate dinners or private celebrations.
