bangkokgigguide.com: Irish Xchange.

It is becoming impossible to go to any major city, and some not so major, without finding somebody's version of an Irish pub. In fact, they're everywhere. They're on the islands, they're on the beach, they're in New York City, even China, and funnily enough, they seem to have a lot of them in Ireland too. And believe me, I know. Having spent a week playing golf on the southern coast of the Emerald Isle, I must confess to having visited a couple of the pubs on the beautiful route we took. It probably would have looked even nicer if we had not been suffering from a hang-over every damn day. Actually, if memory serves, we tried very diligently not to miss a single pub we came across on our meanderings along the coast, stopping every now and again for a pint and to savour the fresh air. Well, stopping at every pub for a pint is more like it. We visited old pubs, new pubs, fancy pubs, worn down country pubs, a pub that doubled as a disco, hillside pubs, and everything in between. The one common factor that attracted us to each of these establishments, eXcept for the pints of course, was the atmosphere and the people. A couple of common denominators shared by these venues were that most were decorated with wood and featured many old Guinness adverts. Every single pub had various beers on tap, and they have never tasted as good anywhere else. Next time I think I'll just take a tour of the pubs and let someone else play golf. Ireland is still a bit far away from Bangkok, even in this day and age, but fortunately there is a cure for the Irish pub fix right here in town, and a very good one at that.
Since the announcement that the price of Guinness and Kilkenny's had been cut in half I have been spending much more time than required, even by the most stringent interpretation of duty, checking on whether the Nigerian lager is really up to serving-temperature specs. And indeed it has been.
The Irish Xchange is conveniently located on Convent Road, right smack in the middle of Bangkok's business district of Silom, though nicely removed from the main drag with it's superb location. Parking is possible behind the Xchange or even simpler, anywhere along Convent Road itself. Upon entering through one of the two front doors, with large X's on them, a long bar is immediately in front of you. The bar is wide and uncluttered, with friendly, well-trained bar staff ready to take your order. As in Ireland, most of the place is decorated with a rich, dark wood and there are several different beers on tap, including the two previously mentioned imports. The bar is well stocked as one would expect and has one of those clocks that go counter clockwise. I have personally seen several people adamantly insisting that it was five minutes to and they still had time for another one, when in fact it's five after and no more are coming 'til tomorrow at opening time.
The stage is to the right as you walk in, and in front of you when sitting at the bar. The Irish Xchange features live music from some of Bangkok's best bands, with the variety ranging form blues to groove to Irish to Motown and a jam session every Wednesday night with free beer for the players. Yeah Baby.
The night I popped by for a surprise inspection of the serving temperature specs the jam session was in full swing. The boys were doing a hearty version of Muddy Waters "Champagne and Reefer" with a guitar, bass, keyboards, sax player and drummer doing a very good job considering it was a jam and these guys don't rehearse and play together three or four times a week. There were another half dozen or so musicians waiting their turn and a good crowd supporting. So far, so good.
Feeling a bit peckish, the menu was looking very inviting. It works in such a way that you select your main course, for example Lamb Chops, and then choose the appropriate condiments according to taste. This was way too time consuming and I went directly for a Shepherd's Pie and a side of Greek salad. Very civilized actually, being able to order a side of Greek salad.
The jam band was doing a jazzy number led by the keyboard player, who incidentally is probably one of the most intriguing in this city, and the volume was such that it was possible to have a conversation only by raising one's voice. Although it has to be said that I was right in front of the stage. The Xchange offers ample space for those whose mind is on conversation as opposed to music, with a spacious area that doubles as a dining area for larger groups as well. Then there is the upstairs with another long bar and giant screen TV for the sports that are constantly being shown. Well, sometimes they show that channel where the models wear the latest lingerie.
The Shepherd's Pie arrived with the delicious looking side of Greek salad. The pie was piping hot, as it should be, and I have honestly never seen a Greek salad with such a generous amount of Feta cheese for the price. Suffice to say the meal itself was a good enough reason to warrant another visit, never mind the beer and music.
Now, one of the reasons I liked the Irish pubs in Ireland so much was the people and the Xchange isn't lacking in this department either. With not less than two managers, due to it's size I guess, both are professionals in their field and I was fortunate enough to have a lively conversation with the pair. Upon reflection, I can understand that if the pub is full, with it's two large levels, and a rowdy crowd, maybe two managers is just barely enough.
Moving to the far side of the bar, near the DJ both, the old metal Guinness adverts dominate the wall. The sound system is large and filled in nicely when the jam band took a break. The rest of the decor is not exaggerated in the way of many chain pubs and the colour scheme of green and wood is easy on the eyes. The jam band came back on with a new line up and the music continued to be very listen-able. It was time for a final temperature check and the tap was immediately hoisted to accommodate my request. Again, I wasn't disappointed and will be returning sooner than I should for another surprise inspection. If an Irish pub is what you're looking for, or even a pub, or just a good solid meal and a cold one, you need look no further than the Irish Xchange on Convent Road. Good conversation is available as well, at no extra charge.


	Return to home page
To the archive/ไปอ่านบทความของสัปดาห์ที่ผ่านๆมา