It is no secret that Jameson’s, the Irish Pub on Soi
AR, in front of the Nova Park, is the ‘new kid’ on the block as far as
ex-pat watering holes is concerned. It is also no secret that the landlord
of the establishment is Kim Fletcher, a man who was born in a pub and who
will probably die in one as well, so he knows the trade.
When pubs sell food they can end up in culinary trouble,
or at least at the mercy of the chef, but this is where Jameson’s has an
advantage over many, in the fact that the landlord, the same Kim Fletcher,
was trained as a chef. Those who can remember back far enough will remember
that he was the guiding hand behind the kitchen in Jools in Bangkok, and
another couple of establishments as well. He knows his beers and he knows
his onions, as they say in Ireland.
The venue is outfitted to reflect the Irish name, done
out in sombre colours, offset by wood panelling. The wooden tables have a
mixture of chairs, some Chesterfields and others in Queen Anne styles, as
well as the more usual varieties of bottom holders.
There are three sections for dining, including the Sports
Room, the Library and the Main dining room. Other areas include Bob’s Bar
and the pool section (sticks and balls, not water).
There is a full a la carte menu which can be perused
while there, or by going to the website jamesons-pattaya.com – however, we
had come to try one of the rotating weekly specials. Being a Monday, this
was the Steak Night which offers soup, steak and dessert for B. 150. Other
offerings during the week include a similar Pork Night on Tuesdays, an
All-you-can-eat B. 250 Curry Night with a choice of eight curries, another
All-you-can-eat night on Thursdays at B. 100 for spaghetti and meatballs,
Friday being traditional fish nights, they offer soup, salad and fish and
chips for B. 150, while at the weekend is the Carvery with all its choices
at B. 350.
Having experienced “cheap” steaks before that I could
have used to sole my boots, I asked Kim Fletcher how he could get around
this problem. His response was that they selected their meat as carefully as
they could, but then aged and specially prepared the steaks in a way that
should make them tender, but suggested that the proof would be in the
eating. I agreed and the Dining Out team adjourned to the main dining area
to the alcove and sat back.
The helpful and friendly Jameson’s staff first brought
the soup, which on our Monday evening was a roasted cream of mushroom, which
was an excellent starter. (In fact so excellent that two of the team had
second helpings!) Our cooking instructions for the steaks were also taken
and noted.
Then came the steaks. These were presented on a sizzling
hot platter, and the thick steak came with fries, peas, carrots and beans
(though you can request different styles of potatoes as well). There was
also a separate dish with green peppercorn sauce. The steaks were all done
to order, and everyone on our table expressed the same sentiment - how
tender!
After that, the dessert of ice cream was almost
anti-climactic, but still very pleasant.
If the Monday steak night is not Pattaya’s best steak
deal, I have yet to come across an offer that is better. I have paid more
than B. 150 for just a cream soup and dessert many times. To throw in a
sizzling platter of steak, fries and vegetables as well is just sensational
value. To then be given wonderfully tender steaks, cooked to order, is
unbeatable! If Jameson’s can keep up this standard every Monday, they will
be swamped by the local carnivores, including Miss Terry at the head of the
line. Exceptional! Very highly recommended.
Jameson’s the Irish Pub, 80/146 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi A.R.), Pattaya
City, telephone 038 415 304-8, fax 038 415 309, email:
[email protected] and website www.jamesons-pattaya.com. Secure
parking for 65 vehicles. Open from 7 a.m. for breakfast and closes late.
