Behind the Fairy Dust of Iron Fairies

The Iron Fairies is a bar, restaurant and workshop where by day, author and former miner Ashley Sutton makes fairies out of iron.

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It might sound surreal and with a bar that looks like a scene from one of the Australian’s children book series it certainly is interesting, quirky and totally magical.

Restaurants of Bangkok asked Ashley about fairies, New York, Bangkok and wine.

What is Iron Fairies?

'It is a factory with a bar and restaurant incorporated into that space. We make iron fairies for export. Everything you see in the place is working mechanisms. It isn’t for show. We make the fairies during the day.'

The restaurant bar looks like a scene from one of your books, right?

'Yes, the look of the bar is based on a miner’s house. I wrote three journals, children’s books which were a diary of a miner’s life working underground. They make iron fairies that come to life. They are all full of personality.'

Where did the idea come from?

'I have always written journals and I have always been into metal. Friends said I should get the books published. I used to work in an iron ore mine in Western Australia. A lot of the characterisations in the books come from the fascinating characters I met during that time.'

You have a similar bar in New York as well don’t you?

'I opened the bar in New York about 6 years ago but then moved to Thailand to make the iron fairies but the bar restaurant wasn’t planned.'

How did it come about?

'I just wanted to have a relaxed place where I could have wine with friends. I already had a bar in New York so it was a natural step from there. But really it was about hanging out with like-minded people after working in the workshop all day.'

How does New York differ from Bangkok?

'Bangkok is more exciting. It never stops. You can walk round New York and find places to eat but on a Sunday it is so quiet. Bangkok is pumping 24 hours.'

The food is not as surreal as the surroundings, is it?

'Absolutely not. The menu is quite simple. We make great homemade burgers. It is a place to relax and eat good, straightforward food. Much of the menu is the same as in New York.'

Did you think the restaurant bar would work in Bangkok?

'To be honest I didn’t. I have been making the iron fairies here for years and many of the Thais who have worked with me just didn’t seem to ‘get’ the fairies. However, there are many well travelled Thais and some who understand why people might like fairies without feeling spooked. I get hundreds of emails from people who have an interest in fairies.'

Do you believe in fairies and what makes them special?

'Well I don’t believe in fairies no, but I would have to say that the appeal is that they are naughty girls…aren't they!?'

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