Bully's

Now, Soi Nana is not exactly the place that comes to mind when you think of live music despite the fact that a couple, three years ago there was the venerable Warbler which still today is being mentioned with the kind of sentiment usually reserved for members of the opposite sex by some punters. Warbler did have a program of good solid live music ranging from the latest pop hits nightly to a blues jam every Sunday evening. Warbler was brought to its knees by owner Santos who pulled the classic scam of selling more shares in the bar than could ever exist. Of course today the new Hilary bar occupies the premises that was Warbler's as well as the building in front, and they have a full music programs which is let say contemporary in nature although me old mate Lambo (Lam Morrison) occasionally puts in an appearance. Thai contemporary in this context means hip hop and hotel California!
Soi 4 itself has since seen the opening of several new venues including the subject of our recent visit. Strictly speaking not in Soi 4 Bully's is located on the main Sukhumvit Road between Soi 4 and soi 2 next door to the Marriot. Bully's, is a spacious venue that now has all the right ingredients for a good night out. I say now because Bully's has had a few false starts with a certain lack of direction until recently. Now with Ed firmly at the helm Bully's has turned it's back on the product most sold in Soi 4 and settled into the good life as a real pub selling alcohol, food, pool, sports TV and occasionally live music. If you want that other product it is strictly BYO.
There are half dozen or so pool tables of the highest order (read quality), several flat screen TV's showing various sports from around the World. There is a row of comfortable booths lining one wall for a more private interlude, and the must for a good pub, a decent bar that begins just to the right of the entrance. A line of beers on tap pays tribute to the bars new found success since they all have regular customers. A grouping of stand alone tables fills the gap between bar and booths and a recent renovation makes the traffic between pool tables and the rest of the bar a breeze.
Bully's features a large menu with a variety that should satisfy just about everybody, from large burgers to steaks with a good sprinkling of Tex Mex thrown in for good measure. On the night in question I opted for the Chicken Fajitas. Fajitas are fun and if you are not prickly can be enjoyed much more if eaten using you hands. Bully's Fajitas are tasty and filling and the portion large enough to slow down all but the hungriest of big eaters.
Never good at pool I decided nonetheless to have a game against one of the staff and was of course thoroughly thumped. The pool tables are located to the front of the band stand in the back area of the room with a small area to one side reserved for darts. All of the tables were constantly in use but the wait between games was not long thanks to a good system. After taking a couple of beatings by a young lady I decided to retire gracefully back to my table as the band was about to commence the evening's show.