Ask any British expat what they probably miss about the UK and many will say being in a good old pub, especially one that sells fine beer and pub grub.  Well, Pattaya is certainly not short of pubs –some are in fact very close to the genuine articles back in Blighty.  One such watering hole is the extremely popular Witherspoons Pub and Restaurant on Soi Buakhao, near Soi Diana and Lenkee! Popular, because Witherspoons has hit the right note by providing a well balanced combination of reasonable priced drinks and range of fine good value food for their customers!    Witherspoons was taken over 2 years ago and is now under Dutch ownership; with English expat Kieth M. Thompson at the helm, they have transformed what was once an ordinary pub bordering on the dreary side, into a bright and friendly modern, yet traditional, British pub and restaurant that is open 24 hours a day.  Gone is the severe frontage and original bar, and in has come an open plan area with the bar moved to the rear, giving far more space for tables and entertainment, including a full size pool table.  Witherspoons has the distinction of being (or so we are told) the only pub in Pattaya providing MultiChoice SuperSport channel, showing sport throughout the day on 8 flat screen TVs, spread around the pub (there are even TVs in the toilets!)  Another nice touch, are the many genuine Hollywood movie posters displayed on the walls, which is a good topic for conversation amongst customers.

Now, Kieth, from Luton, north of London, has changed the menu, from what was already a fine selection into what one can only describe as fayre that fully justifies being called a pub and restaurant.   The menu offers All Day Breakfasts and Bar Snacks which includes Burgers, Sandwiches and Pies,priced from 60 baht to 185 baht, all served with Chips and side orders, such as Baked Beans, Peas or Coleslaw.  Bar Snacks are now more international with temptations such as Norwegian Smoked Salmon (165 baht), Brazilian Chilli Potato Wedges (175 baht) and Vietnamese Spring Rolls (90 baht).  The great value Main Courses are spruced up with a choice of 400 grams of imported New Zealand T-Bone Steak (595 baht) or Australian Tenderloin Beef Fillet (250 grams) at 440 baht!  All come with a selection of Potato styles, fresh Vegetables and homemade Sauces!   Authentic Thai cuisine is available from 80 to 140 baht, courtesy of Arthid, Pasit and Noppadon!  

So, to the food!   We tried the Mega English Breakfast (195 baht) – copious amounts of quality English Sausages, Black Pudding, Hash Browns, Eggs, Mushrooms and Bacon.  From the Bar Snacks we chose Malaysian Prawn Cocktail (140 baht); luscious freshly cooked Prawns smothered in tasty Cocktail Sauce, served with Melba Toast!  For the Main Course we decided upon Fish and Chips (230 baht).  Full of flavour imported chunky Alaskan Cod coated in perfect crispy batter, served with first class addictive tasting Chips, Garden Peas and Tartar Sauce.

Beer, Cider and spirits are of course the order of the day, reasonably priced from 50 baht for Leo to 185 baht for Murphy’s Irish Stout and Weihenstephaner Wheat Beer. Marston’s Pedigree Bitter at 130 baht a bottle.  Witherspoons has decent house wine at 100 baht a glass.  So, for good old fashioned British style pub grub – get along to Witherspoons and enjoy!
Open 24 hours a day, food served from 8am to midnight. Telephone: 038 721 121.

 Please telephone restaurants prior to visit