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: info@jamesons-pattaya.com and website
www.jamesons-pattaya.com. Secure parking for 65 vehicles.
Open from 7 a.m. for breakfast and closes
late.
