AsiaLIFE

Euro-style is blended into Miami spice with a pinch of Russian mafia-chic at this stylish new lounge. Kate Liana investigates the result.

“We wanted to make something unique,” says Richard, about the new restaurant/bar/ lounge creation. And walking through sand to get to the bar under a thatched roof, you definitely feel like you’ve landed somewhere else.

Saint Tropez is the latest spot trying to woo Phnom Penh’s party-seekers, always on the hunt for the next hip thing. For the laid-back beach crowd there’s the relaxed outdoors, complete with sand pit, outdoor bar and fountains. Inside things heat up as the stark, stylish white interior and slick furnishings transport you to a club you’d find in any major international city. Offering a full menu of European and Asian cuisine, a well-stocked bar, and plenty of spaces to dance, drink, talk or chill, Richard and his partners believe they’re giving residents something that’s missing here.

After owning a restaurant in Toulouse for 15 years, Richard was eager to come to Cambodia. “I wanted a new challenge, and after the financial crisis it felt like the right time to come home.” Born in Kandal province, Richard and his family left for France in 1979 after losing his father during the Pol Pot regime. His family was in the restaurant business in France, so it was natural for Richard to follow. “My favourite thing is the relationships you make,” he says. “People feel like they’re somewhere special.”

Richard and his partners wanted to create a place where people can find what they’re missing from home, and to expose Cambodians to a European-style club. Despite the chic decor, there are some warming touches like the coloured light displays, and fresh cut flowers on the tables. The bar is a long, curved space that invites conversation and an easy flow of dancers and drinkers. Since it’s housed in a large villa, there’s an air of comfort and more of a personal touch than other fancy spots about town.

The Saint Tropez team has other plans to woo patrons. “We have DJs from Thailand and France coming,” says Richard. “And we’ll have regular theme parties.” Their ladies night provides the fairer sex with free bubbly from 9.30pm to 11pm.

Despite their vision, they’re open to shifting towards local preferences. “We tried European style music, but people want to dance to hip hop, so we’re playing more now.” Not that they’ve totally abandoned their French Riviera dreams. “Where else can you dance in the sand? There’s nothing like this in town.”

Saint Tropez is 31, Street 174. Tel. 097 900 0401