CIR Life & Luxury
Expansion into Phnom Penh’s Growing Market
Above Eleven, the well-known rooftop bar and restaurant brand, has launched its third international location in Phnom Penh. The opening, held on November 25 at the Novotel BKK1 on the 28th floor, welcomed industry leaders, social media influencers, and local personalities to experience the venue’s offerings. This event provided an early look at the venue’s views, ambiance, and culinary offerings, setting the stage for the official opening.
The launch in Phnom Penh marks an important step in the international expansion of Above Eleven, a flagship brand of Soho Hospitality. Founded by Rohit Sachdev in 2012, Soho Hospitality opened the first Above Eleven in Bangkok, followed by other successful venues in Dubai and now Phnom Penh. The brand is now focused on capitalizing on the city’s growing demand for quality dining and nightlife, particularly in light of its expanding tourism and local business development.
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Rohit Sachdev, the CEO of Soho Hospitality, shared insights into the decision to bring Above Eleven to Phnom Penh, emphasizing the city’s potential as a new destination for both locals and tourists. “Phnom Penh is an exciting market. The economy is growing, and there is a rising demand for unique food and beverage experiences,” he said. “The soft opening allowed us to introduce the concept to the market and gather feedback. We’re looking forward to seeing how this venue will contribute to the city’s evolving hospitality scene.”
Adapting to Local Expectations
The opening allowed guests to explore Above Eleven’s signature fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, as well as a carefully curated selection of cocktails. The rooftop setting provided sweeping views of Phnom Penh, enhancing the overall experience. Sachdev noted that while the venue’s offerings align with the brand’s global identity, they are also mindful of the local market’s preferences.
“Finding the right team with the right attitude is always a challenge, but we feel confident in our staff here in Phnom Penh,” Sachdev explained. “The team shares the brand’s values and commitment to providing excellent service, which is key to creating a great experience for our guests.”
Offer A Balanced Mix Of Food, Drinks, & Music
Sachdev also discussed the changes in the Phnom Penh market over the past few years, particularly in terms of the food and beverage landscape. “The tourism market has certainly changed from 2019 to 2024; however, we are ready to adapt where needed. Our goal is to offer a balanced mix of food, drinks, and music that appeals to a wide range of customers while maintaining a level of quality that Above Eleven is known for.”
As Above Eleven continues to settle into Phnom Penh, the brand plans to further engage with both the local community and international visitors. The soft launch has provided valuable insights, and the official opening is expected to further establish the brand as a notable player in Phnom Penh’s competitive rooftop bar scene.
