The Olde Bell, Chiang Mai > Reviews (1)

I am an ex pat living in Chiangmai, the second largest city in Thailand. After a few months of visiting the various tourist bars and clubs within the city centre I longed for a traditional type of English pub and all that it offers.

I had frequently passed The Olde Bell, a British type of pub situated in Loy Kroh Road just down from all the trendy and glitzy girlie bars, near the city centre. Curiosity eventually got the better of me so I decided to pay a visit, and I am so glad that I did.

The first thing that hit me was the spacious bar area with plenty of seating and a wonderful menu which offers delicious western food and Thai dishes if required. With meals such as pork steak with onion gravy, mashed potato and vegetables, liver ‘n bacon, sausage, eggs, chips and beans, linguine bolognese, vegetable lasagne and Thai Masaman curry, I was completely spoilt for choice.

The drinks too vary from Thai beers such as Tiger and Chang to real ale, lager, cider, wine and many others imported from different parts of the world. Food and drink is competitively priced, the meals are delicious and the alcohol is served chilled in traditional pint glasses.

Friendly staff and management offer first class service, going out of their way to make ex pats, including holidaymakers, have an extremely pleasant evening. There are regular special offers on throughout the week concerning meals, alcohol including soft drinks. Occasions such as St Georges Day are regularly celebrated with free buffets if you spend around 250 baht (5 pounds) on beverages.

Entertainment can vary from the usual live sporting events on large TVs to my favourite which is the Tuesday night quiz beginning at 8.30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and teams can consist of two people or more. It is free to enter and cash prizes are paid out for half and full time winners.

I have now visited the Olde Bell on many occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed each evening. I can highly recommend this pub, so why not try it?