Soho Hospitality have partnered with Vietnam’s Eight Four Collective to take the speakeasy international.
By Aiden Jewelle Gonzales
Despite Bangkok’s recent explosion of speakeasies, Havana Social in Sukhumvit Soi 11 remains entrenched as one of the original not-so-secret hangouts, drawing crowds both young and not (you know who you are) to its pre-revolutionary Cuban conceit. For those who’ve missed its faux-crumbling brick, vintage furniture, and Latin beats, however, fear not.
Although Bangkok’s latest lockdown has (rightfully) put parties on hold, there’s good news on the horizon once we’re all able to travel again safely, as Soho Hospitality has recently announced that they’re joining hands with Vietnam-based Eight Four Collective to bring Havana Social to Saigon. Considered a ground-breaking lifestyle hospitality group, Eight Four Collective are known for their unique dining concepts in Vietnam, from their hip sake bar, Sake Central Saigon; to their Yakuza-themed cocktail bar, Irusu; to Reckon, their modern izakaya. Mizumi, a 250-seat bar and restaurant in Hanoi, will be opening later this year.
It’s hoped that their partnership with Soho Hospitality (who are also behind a range of Bangkok go-tos, including Above Eleven, Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology, and Soho Pizza), will continue to revolutionise (or rather, pre-revolutionise) Ho Chi Minh City’s buzzing bar and club scene with their respective expertise and vision.
Rohit Sachdev, the CEO and Founder of Soho Hospitality had this to say about the exciting new deal: “Soho Hospitality is delighted to be joining hands with Eight Four Collective to bring the Havana Social experience to Ho Chi Minh City! Eight Four Collective brings a unique team of hospitality professionals with extensive hospitality development and local market knowledge which, combined with our unique F&B brands and restaurant experience, offers an exciting partnership opportunity.”
Michael Piro, the CEO of Eight Four Collective also weighed in: “Eight Four Collective is dedicated to curating memorable, vivid, sensory experiences and we are delighted to partner with Soho Hospitality to
bring the breathtaking ambiance of Havana Social to HCMC. Havana was the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, and our bar will be a gateway to that world. You will need to find our secret entrance as you do at Bangkok’s Havana Social, but your persistence will be rewarded with exceptional craft rum-focused cocktails, a selection of premium cigars and a décor to get you in the right mood: an authentic bar experience Vietnam has been waiting for.”
