Restaurant Review THE BANG SARAY CLUB

The Food Lovers

When Mick and I lived in the U.K., one of life’s pleasures was to drive out of London on a sunny day to fnd a country pub where we could enjoy a leisurely lunch or quiet dinner.  Now, of course, we live in Thailand and every day is sunny but when the same feeling takes us we drive the twenty minutes or so down Sukhumvit Highway from Jomtien to the village of Bang Saray and The Bang Saray Club;  it is our equivalent of the pastoral pub.



The Bang Saray Club’s support team.

The locale is simply stunning nestled on a beach at the end of Bang Saray village.  The building is an attractive, breezy club house with private pool set in tropical gardens overlooking the neighbouring bays, mountains and islands.  You would be truly challenged to fnd a more idyllic setting in which to enjoy a glass or two or a leisurely meal.  The driving force behind this enterprise is the loquacious host, David Goulden ably abetted by his charming and industrious wife Khun Suwana Viroonchan. 

To quote from David’s foreword to the menu, “the Bang Saray Club is for those of quiet temperament and patient nature.  Should the time taken to secure your food be somewhat longer than in Hong Kong, please relax and enjoy the view or, better still for our profts, please order another drink.”  The menu has recently been revamped but regulars do not fret all the old favourites are still here and the Sunday roasts will once again be on offer.  (Check the blackboard for details).  The Thai menu has been amplifed and “Nee’s Thai Kitchen” now offers Thai traditional fare not often seen on regular menus.   This is a popular ex-pat venue and Sunday lunchtimes the big, comfortable bar buzzes with the banter and humour of many nations.    If you’re lucky you’ll be fortunate enough to be entertained by an ex-studio player from London providing dazzling solo jazz guitar to the assembled company.  For full enjoyment we recommend you order a portion of roasted cashew nuts, chilli and chives to dip into while you enjoy your chosen tipple, the music,  ambiance,  vistas and the company.

When Mick and I dined recently we sat outside in the garden under a full moon enjoying the cool breezes and star studded sky.  To start the proceedings we shared a portion of the chicken liver pate.  It’s creamy, peppery texture is delightful and a signature dish of the restaurant.   Other appetisers include prawn bisque (B.60), devilled prawns (wrapped in bacon, grilled and served with a chilli sauce), smoked salmon with mustard and dill sauce salads, soups  and more.  From the special (February) menu I opted for baked Greenland halibut and prawns (B.375) while Mick chose one of his favourites pub dishes:  sausage and mash. 

Home made herbed chunky pork sausages arrived perched atop a mash of potatoes and accompanied by a jug of carrot and onion gravy (B.175).  A big thumbs up from Mick and kudos to the chef from me for the delicate handling of the fsh and the execution of the delightful prawn sauce. 

We were drinking the very quaffable house wine at B.150 per glass.  All wines are stored in a temperature controlled wine cabinet and readily available for your personal selection.

For meat lovers, the Australian rib eye kebab is a big favourite as are the New Zealand loin chops, and pork spare ribs.  Traditional English fare features cottage pie with braised ground beef served with garden peas, fsh and chips, steak and kidney pie or surely the best sandwich ever, a hot juicy steak sandwich (served here with salad and fried potato skins).

We are familiar with David’s menu and must say that one of our favourite items has always been the crab thermidor.  A labour intensive dish but so rewarding when the sweet crab meat makes friends with the molten cheese topping.  Lobster and prawns are also prepared in this way.  Another recommended dish is the lobster or King Prawn pasta and the house calamari Bang Saray (served on a bed of beansprouts with a dipping sauce).

The Bang Saray Club is a very special place.  Once found you will be visiting again and again.  It is a place to unwind, take it easy and enjoy.  With a glass of something relaxing in your hand and the turquoise sea of the bay before you – how much better could it get?  To paraphrase a well known quotation “when a man is tired of Bang Saray – he is tired of life”.

Tel:  (038) 436098.  Open from 12 noon till 10.00 pm. Last orders 9.00 pm. 

Closed Mondays.  No credit cards accepted.  Ample parking.  Gentlemen are requested to wear a collared shirt in the restaurant.  Turn off Sukhumvit Highway through the arch and go through the mini roundabout until you see a temple on your right.    Take the road directly in front of the gates and follow it through until you reach a white wall on your right and a little further on you will see the entrance to the club.