Rosie O’Grady’s
Soi 7
Central Pattaya
Quality: 7
Quantity: 8
Value: 7
Atmosphere: 8
WHO needs to go back home when you can get Irish stew right here?
Rosie’s is your classic Irish theme bar, with shamrock-shaped beer mats and paintings of Dublin circa 1930.
It all adds up to a cosy, nostalgia trip that reminds you of how Belfast used to be, even if you’re not Irish.
Rosie’s is separated into halves; one for the bar and the other the restaurant. The restaurant looks like your auntie’s living room. Wallpapered walls, soft browns and yellows, and comfy furniture make for an easy feel. The only possibly difference is the big screen TV in the corner that shows sport and entertainment programmes.
On the other side, the bar is darker and more moody, where backlights bounce light off the golden beer pumps and dark panelled wood add warmth.
Waiters in green waistcoats (naturally) brought us the menu,
which features a different special for each day. These range from
curry to steak and are well-priced. On my visit it was fish and
chips day at 160 baht, so my friend had that while I ordered Irish
stew (195 baht) .
The fish was spectacularly good. Crispy golden batter and golden chips went well with a meat that was fresh and delicious.
Irish stew was a childhood favourite and so they had something to live up to. This version was good, with plenty of beef and potatoes, although some extra vegetables and even dumplings would have made it more like the ones I used to get.
Rosie’s is a busy place in a busy soi and it’s easy to spend more time than you intended here, as the vibe is friendly and fun.
By the beach at Jomtien.