A Taste of Home: British Traveler Finds Comfort in a Bangkok Pub
For many travelers navigating far-flung destinations, the sights and sounds of a new culture are accompanied by a distinct craving for the comforts of home. For traveler Sam Meaney, currently exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand, that craving manifested as a desire for a traditional Sunday roast—a meal he noted he had not enjoyed in over six months.
Meaney’s search led him to The Old English, a pub located in Bangkok’s Thonglor district. The establishment offers a distinct departure from the local scenery, designed with a traditional aesthetic featuring dark wood paneling, plenty of British flags, and an outdoor patio equipped with fans to combat the tropical climate. Beyond the decor, the venue serves as a focal point for international sports, broadcasting Premier League soccer, UFC matches, and NBA games across multiple high-definition screens.
The establishment offers a specialized Sunday roast menu, with options ranging from roast chicken at 375 THB ($11.50 USD) to roast beef priced at 495 THB ($15 USD).
During his visit, Meaney opted for a value-added deal for only 50 Thai Baht over the price of the main course, which included a starter of leek soup and a dessert of hot chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream. Upon tucking into the main event, he was particularly struck by the familiarity of the experience.
“Oh my God, look at this. That looks wonderful.”
— Sam Meaney, Traveler
The meal featured classic trimmings, including carrots, red cabbage, broccoli, and a Yorkshire pudding. While Meaney noted that some vegetable sides appeared to be frozen, he praised the overall quality and the “crispness” of the roast potatoes, which initially appeared soft but met his expectations upon tasting. He also gave high marks to the gravy, a critical component of any authentic roast dinner.
The Old English pub also serves local favorites, such as Pad Thai and green curry, alongside British comfort food staples like Fish & Chips.
Meaney’s final assessment highlighted the trade-off of dining on Western comfort food abroad. While some items, such as a pint of Guinness, were noted as being priced at a premium—approximately £8 ($10.20)—he concluded that the experience provided an authentic sense of home-style cooking.
“It’s not the most expensive roast in Bangkok, you get what you pay for, but it’s like a pub roast dinner back home. I’m a happy boy.”
— Sam Meaney, Traveler
For expatriates and travelers alike, the ability to find a traditional Sunday roast in Thailand signifies the global expansion of culinary comfort zones, bridging the gap between local flavors and Western traditions.
