AsiaLIFE

“When I first arrived in Phnom Penh six years ago, there were bars only for specific nationalities – one for the Brits, one for the French, one for the Australians, Americans, and so on…,” says Jerome Meunier, owner of Gasolina. Thus in 2005, he decided to open a place where everyone, regardless of nationality, could get together.

“I opened in this area because I wanted a family atmosphere,” he says referring to its Boeung Keng Kang location. “I didn’t want tourists. I wanted to create an expat hangout.” Having a garden setting was also important, both for Jerome, who lives at the establishment, and Diesel his dog. Indeed, Gasolina is a very dog-friendly establishment, where our four-footed friends are free to roam around as they please. Jerome says that kids do far more damage to the garden than the dogs. Even so, Gasolina remains very child-friendly as well. Significantly, the enclosed grounds mean both dogs and kids are safe during their prowls. On Saturday mornings, many dog owners in the capital gather with their pets around 9am.

Over the years since opening, the place has undergone various changes, yet the community feel Jerome set out to achieve remains. The place hosts art auctions and exhibitions, fashion shows, dance shows and live music, as well as private parties on a regular basis. Many of the events are to benefit a particular charity. The restaurant even has its own football team, and on Sundays at 6pm many French coinche enthusiasts gather for a card game.

Recently, a former indoor exhibition space was turned into a bar. Initially, the idea was to open a club, but given the location and complaints from neighbours, the idea was abandoned. The space will now be made into an adult-only, chill-out lounge, complete with shishas, a wide selection of films, and Turkish-oriental music. On Sundays, films not widely available in Cambodia will be screened. “Because we intended it to be a club, the sound system is one of the best in town,” claims Brian Gray, Gasolina’s PR man.

Cocktails are very affordable at US$2-US$3.50, and the selection of martinis is especially impressive. You can also indulge in a litre of homemade sangria for US$10. In an apparent acknowledgment of the many Belgian patrons, there is a wide range of Belgian speciality beers by the bottle, such as Leffe, Hoegaarden, Chimay and Duval (US$3.50). Cuban cigars, of the Romeo Y Julieta variety, are yours for US$2.50-US$3.50. Overall, Gasolina is a relaxed and secluded space. Though the busy BKK market is only just down the road, the place makes you feel as though you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s not where the party’s at, but it is ideal for some well-deserved lounging, or smooching with that special someone.

Gasolina, 56-58 Street 57, Tel: 012 373 009, open 7am-midnight (closed Mondays)