On our return to the Kilkenny Irish Pub on Walking Street (ocean side on the
right, before Marine Bar) we immediately recognized many of the staff from
our previous visit, which was about one year ago. Time flies when you are
having fun eating.
The interior was much the same, with the dark wood paneling and the long bar
along one side giving it that ‘authentic’ Irish pub ambience. However, there
was a change at the back, beyond the performers stage, with the pub now
opening up on to what they have called the Ocean View Terrace (even if it is
more Waters of Pattaya Bay Terrace). Many customers were taking advantage of
the area to sit out under the stars and enjoy the breezes.
We
were there at the invitation of the new manager, affable Aussie Stewart
Fraser, who was quick to point out the changes in his pub. The principal one
being in the menu. And its prices. Wait for it, they have gone down! Last
year I mentioned the Chip Butty which was B. 149. Today it is B. 119.
The menu begins with several starters, ranging from the B. 99 soup of the
day, through to an interesting BBQ chicken wings with a blue cheese dressing
at B. 159.
For those not requiring a full heavy main meal there are several baguettes,
all served with chunky chips English style, not the French (Belgian) skinny
fries, with most at B. 169.
Breakfasts range from B. 99 (before 2 p.m.) through to the B. 249 all day
big breakfast.
Mains are also inexpensive, with around 50 percent under B. 200 and the rest
generally around B. 249 and cover the usual pasta dishes, stews and hot
pots, spare ribs and even a burger (a begorrah burger perhaps). Other very
traditional dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and pork chops
are also listed in the mains (and all three were under B. 250). There are
also daily specials which are all B. 199, other than the Sunday roast pork
at B. 249 with a complimentary glass of wine. There are in addition, salads
and desserts, again inexpensive.
Being a pub, beers are plentiful, with four draughts (Guinness, Kilkenny,
Heineken and Tiger) and nine different beers in bottles and cans, including
the popular John Smith’s Extra Smooth. Cocktails, shooters and tea and
coffee too.
We were both hungry and foregoing starters we chose the Kilkenny Irish Beef
Stew for Madame (B. 299), whilst I went for a traditional Fish and Chips.
The red wine and Kilkenny base for the stew did make for very tender chunks
and it came accompanied by a crisp baguette. Excellent. My fish and chips
came with two large fillets (absolutely no bones) chips, peas and tartar
sauce. The plate was huge (and hot) and the batter was light and not greasy.
In fact, one of the nicest batters I have tasted for a while. I can
certainly recommend their fish and chips.
We both commented on the size of the portions. Neither Madame or myself had
a starter, and yet we were unable to finish our main courses, even though we
both thoroughly enjoyed them. The menu does state “Big Pub Meals, Only For
The Real Hungry” and they are not joking. With many of these meals being
under B. 200, does make it an inexpensive dining out on good quality English
(or should that be Irish) food in large quantities.
Up till 7 p.m. there is no problem with parking on Walking Street, so you
can drive up for the B. 99 breakfast (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.), but in the evenings
try the first available spot on Second Road, or up Soi 17.
This is a venue that is worth remembering for dinner, a stroll up and down
Walking Street and return for the live music after 10 p.m. We enjoyed it and
so should you.
The Kilkenny Irish Pub, 186/4 Walking Street M10, South Pattaya (before the
Marine Bar on the right coming from the South Pattaya Road end of Beach
Road), telephone 038 711 094-5, fax 038 711 098, email Kilkenny
@ptty2.loxinfo.co.th. Open 10 a.m. until late, seven days.
