A laboratory styled speakeasy on Phangnga Road that has shaped Old Town drinking for 14 years, where layered shots arrive looking like experiments and the bar cat supervises.
Zimplex, full name Zimplex Mixology Laboratory, has run its science bench act at 156/48 Phangnga Road for 14 years, which makes it Old Town nightlife's senior fixture. Time Out lists it among Phuket's six best cocktail bars, and The Infatuation reviewed it as a destination rather than a detour.
The room is small and the bar seats are the show, so message the Facebook page before you go. Walk ins on a Saturday usually watch from the back.
The interior plays laboratory, steel, glassware and backlit bottles, with a soundtrack Tatler Asia clocked as Japanese hip hop and older beats. It feels modern and slightly industrial rather than costume party.
Seating tops out at a couple dozen. The cat treats every lap as available real estate, which most reviews mention with approval.
Old Town wanderers who read about the shots, plus a loyal local set that has been coming for a decade. The Infatuation notes the owner works the bench personally most nights, and the pace stays unhurried.
It fills between 8pm and 10pm. The 7pm open is the connoisseur slot, full attention and an empty bench.
What to order
- 01
The Trip
- 02
The Banoffee
- 03
A bench built cocktail