by Miss Terry Diner
Pattaya changes as you watch. The once (in)famous Soi
Yodsak (Soi 6) is now seeing the influx of some better class
establishments and the Queen Victoria Inn is one of these. Having been
open for seven months, we felt it was time for an “official” Dining
Out Team visit.
Those who are fans of the TV “soap” The Eastenders,
will recognise the fa็ade immediately - a faithful copy of the Queen
Victoria Inn from the TV series (other than the fact that the TV one is on
a corner, so some poetic license was used to “straighten” it).
Entering
the Queen Victoria Inn the English pub atmosphere continues with much use
of wood panelling, horse brasses, cigarette cards displayed under glass,
lace curtains at the windows and even a newspaper front page proclaiming
“Titanic Sinks”. And no, it was not the Pattaya Mail, our news
is much more current!
The inn has a central bar area, marked with wooden
railings, an exit to the accommodation upstairs, and booths around the
outside of the ground floor for dining. The booths will take up to 6
people with padded seating too. The service girls are well presented in
maroon outfits, complete with maroon bow ties.
The menu, which is undergoing continuous additions,
begins with a potted history of the redoubtable lady, Queen Victoria
herself. I must admit I did not know she was only 18 when she inherited
the throne, or that she had nine children.
Food begins with breakfast and there are several to
choose from, most around 70 baht, but the everything-in Albert’s
breakfast featuring British favourites such as black pudding and fried
bread is 135 baht.
Next
up is a page of pies, all priced at B. 155, including steak and ale,
Cornish pasty and mince beef and potatoes. These all come with mashed or
french-fried potatoes, beans or the vegetables of the day.
The following page has 14 choices of Mains (B. 80-195)
ranging from an omelette with various fillings, pork chop, ploughman’s
lunches, Cumberland sausage and a mixed grill.
Sandwiches and snacks are next (generally B. 80) with
again British favourites such as a chip butty. These are followed by a
page of 18 Thai choices (again generally B. 80) with some curries, stir
fries, soups and salads. The final page lists beverages, with local beers
around B. 60, shorts B. 80-100 and house wine B. 75 per glass. There is
also a blackboard specials menu featuring the soup of the day and other
special dishes.
We settled into our booth next to a window overlooking
the always interesting sights of Soi 6. While perusing the menu I had a
Singha Gold, which came perfectly chilled. Madame stuck to soft drinks,
being in a non-adventurous mood.
Madame chose chicken in a basket, while I plumped for
the gammon steak. A cane basket was brought to the table containing tomato
sauce, Worcestershire sauce, HP sauce, vinegar and Coleman’s mustard.
Mention must be made of the vinegar bottle. Turn it upside down (holding
the stopper in) and the stopper fills up with vinegar. You then take the
stopper out and shake all over your food. Natty, and I must admit I had
not seen one like this before, though it may be commonplace in British
pubs.
Madame’s chicken came in its basket, with
french-fries and salad. The chicken was not dried out and the garden
vegetables very fresh, according to Madame. My gammon steak was very thick
and moist and the large cut chips were not soggy (despite a good dousing
in the vinegar). A very good example of this stock British item.
We found the Queen Victoria Inn was presenting some
good solid British fare, at the upper end of the “pub grub” cuisine
scale. The prices are reasonable and the food very tasty. For those who
want a taste of Mother England, this is the place for you. We enjoyed it,
and thanks Jimmy, who rang the bell. The second Singha Gold was just as
good as the first.
Queen Victoria Inn, 437/137-8 Soi Yodsak (6), telephone
038 425 418.
