A nightlife reshuffle has Yangon dewy eyed, reminiscing of knocking back cocktails at the Union Bar & Grill.
You heard it right: the old downtown favourite on Strand Road—comfort food in a sexy setting and all that—has its last hoorah this Sunday (April 21).
But taking its place is the resurrected Port Autonomy, an uber-hip establishment that was first launched on Lanthit Jetty in 2014 and has since teased Yangonites with pop-ups at Yangon Zay.
Port Autonomy expects to open its doors on May 6 in a collaborative effort from its creator, Pun + Projects, and Union manager 57 Below.
Yangon barfly Gautier Briand, 27, has been working his way through the five stages of grief and is close to acceptance.
“The scotch eggs will be truly missed,” he said, honouring Union as the “host of many great nights.”
“But I am happy that Port Autonomy will be taking over. I had the pleasure of enjoying their food many times, as they have been doing catering events for the past two years, but never in a restaurant.”
If Port Autonomy is as slick as Pun + Projects’ latest venture, The Pansodan, then get excited. And in a press release today (April 19) it promised “beer pong, boozy brunches, live DJ sets,” as well as a vow to continue turning out top cocktails in the spirit of Union.
Its menu will include a Cuba sandwich, made with Korean dijonnaise and gochujang, and a kimchi quesadilla to help shake off the memory of Union’s Parami Pizza.
Casting our minds back, Union opened six years ago and went on to host internationally renowned bartenders and chefs. Though Pun + Projects will run daily operations, Union loyalists will be glad to hear that Nikki Barltrop, chief operating officer of 57Below, and mixologist Jen Queen are part of the new team.
Queen, who has led a team of talented drink-makers, will be whipping up some new concoctions and reintroducing some classics too.
The official Union Bar & Grill closing party will be held on the Royal Irrawaddy on Saturday, May 4 from 5pm. Tickets are available for purchase from Gekko and cost 15,000 kyats each (includes one beer). Snacks and signature cocktails will be 5,000 kyats upwards. The team will also be doing a pop-up at Yangon Makers Market on May 5.
