There is a strong group of English football
enthusiasts in Pattaya. There is also a world-wide group of the Simpson’s
TV enthusiasts. Liverpudlians are also well represented in the British
enclaves. If you combine all three, then you are starting to get an inkling
of Pub Plazma.
Firstly, where is it? The official address is 1/53 Soi 7
in Pattaya, but like many ‘official’ addresses, finding where it really
is can be quite an adventure. To begin with, it is not on Soi 7, though you
get there from Soi 7 by diving down a laneway on the beach side of the well
known Tequila Reef. This brings you to a pedestrian mall with restaurants
along one side and beer bars on the other - and not a motorcycle to be seen
(or heard). “That’s a plus,” says Michael, the Liverpudlian owner of
Pub Plazma (and I must say that Madame and I agreed with him
wholeheartedly).
Pub Plazma is in a single shophouse, but is well lit, so
you cannot miss it. Along one wall is the sit-up bar, whilst along the other
are the (few) tables and a large plasma TV screen, showing football on our
dining out evening. The decor runs to large photographs of sporting heroes
and the Rolling Stones. At the rear of the restaurant is an area known as
“the snug”, which has well upholstered seats and another of the very
large plasma TV screens (to watch the footy, or other sports - or one of the
150 Simpson’s DVD’s that Michael proudly has in his collection).
Incidentally, Michael has three apartments to let above the restaurant, with
the top one boasting sea views (the restaurant is less than 50 meters from
the water) and prices range between 400 and 600 baht.
The menu is not large. “I’d rather do a small menu
good,” said Michael who was once a chef and baker in the Merchant Navy,
“rather than a large one not so good.” Another of his rules for his
pub/restaurant is that his food is consistent. “It’s no good coming this
week and liking it, if it tastes different next week.”
It begins with breakfasts which range between B. 85 for
the regular, through to B. 110 for the ‘works’ which includes English
back bacon, black pudding and “bubble and squeak”.
Dinner items include sausage and mash with onion gravy
(B. 120), minced beef and onion with boiled potatoes (B. 130) and even a
Lancashire hot-pot (using imported lamb) at B. 140. There are also BBQ ribs
with a half rack at B. 215.
Sandwiches are also on offer, both hot and cold (from B.
60) plus some Thai favourites and (externally sourced) pizzas (B. 160-195).
Local beers range between B. 45-60.
Madame, who came from close to Liverpool, decided that
the all-day big breakfast was what tickled the fancy, whilst for me, the
minced beef and onion and boiled potatoes sounded suitably English too.
Madame’s breakfast (at 7 p.m.) filled a large plate and
the “bubble and squeak” brought back tasty memories of northern England.
My mince was flavoursome and the boiled potatoes cooked correctly. The
breakfast came with toast, while my mains came with bread that I happily
used to mop up the remaining gravy.
Pub Plazma has definitely been put together with British
customers in mind. The food is ‘pub grub’ and inexpensive. The
restaurant side is set up to watch football (and other sports) on the large
plasma TV screens, while having an ale or three, and having something to eat
when you are hungry. It does not pretend to be anything it is not, in the
culinary stakes. Value for money is the name of this restaurant, and if you
are English, a footy fan and enjoy the Simpsons, then this place really is
for you. By the way, the Champions League final is on the 25th of this
month, with Liverpool playing United. Could be a good venue to cheer for the
‘home’ side.
Pub Plazma, 1/53 Soi 7, telephone 07 145 9842. Secure parking behind the
Soi 7 beer bars. Open seven days 9 a.m. through to 1 a.m.
