Gliga Robert Gabriel, co-founder of The Pickwicks Chronicles.
Written in the early 19th century by Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers became an instant literary hit with its witty cast of characters and satirical themes. It also kicked off Dickens’ career.
Today, nestled in Bangkok’s lively Langsuan Road, Dickens’ characters are brought to life in drink form. “We wanted to do something different, we didn’t want to do another prohibition bar,” says Gliga Robert Gabriel, the co-founder and Chief Cocktail Officer of The Pickwicks Chronicles. “We wanted to create a Gatsby-style bar where everyone comes in, has fun, and feels at home.”
Taking inspiration from his favourite author, Gabriel and his business partner, who are both avid readers, decided to develop a fun concept around Dicken’s hit debut novel. “Each main character is a Gin Cocktail, and every supporting character is another spirit,” says Gabriel.
With an impressive array of gins, The Pickwicks Chronicles is fast becoming the go-to watering hole for gin and martini lovers in Bangkok. “We wanted to create the best G&Ts in Bangkok, using the best possible gins, best possible tonics and garnishes to elevate our game,” he says.
Image credit: @pickwicks_bkk
Formerly the General Manager and Beverage Director at Havana Social, Gabriel is a well-known figure in the industry. The Transylvanian has resided in Bangkok for the past six years before co-founding The Pickwicks Chronicles in January 2024.
“I feel like the mood right now is spectacular,” he says of the regional bartending industry. “I see a lot of industry legends still doing their magic and I see the younger generation becoming more curious and determined, which is very different from when I started. Back then people asked me, ‘Is this your real job?’ which has evolved into them saying, ‘Oh my god, it’s so cool that you are a bartender.’”
As for the opportunities in the market right now, Gabriel believes there are plenty. “In our day and age you can literally apply and work in any place in the world as long as you have a little determination.”
Pickwicks also focuses on guest shifts and industry events, turning educational meet-ups into fun networking sessions. “Imagine it like a bartender party with everyone involved,” says Gabriel.
This close-knit relationship with fellow industry people has given the relatively new bar a prominent standing among the community. I ask if he’s seen a shift in consumer habits since he first started his career. “I can see, especially a growth in consumer knowledge, that people are way more interested in better cocktails, better spirits, better bars and better bartenders,” he says.
“The curiosity among consumers is pushing the boundaries of the hospitality industry from floor, bar and kitchen.”
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On that note, another trend that’s also catching up in the region is the zero-proof movement. “Actually, there is a very high demand for zero-proof drinks at the moment,” explains Gabriel.
“Even at Pickwicks, on our new menu, we are partnering up with Sobber Spirits and Sabatini 0% to create and develop a zero-proof alcohol program. For now, we’re only focusing on the classics, but in time we will develop into a more unique program.”
As The Pickwicks Chronicles nears its first birthday, Gabriel seems content to go with the flow of things when asked what’s coming next. “Currently, my main focus is The Pickwicks Chronicles and making it as successful, hospitable and as welcoming as possible to everyone. I love to live in the present, but in the ideal world I would like to move on to develop other projects.”
We’d definitely keep our eye on this one. As we all know, Dickens went on to even greater things after The Pickwick Papers.
