Bang Saray appears to pop in to the press more frequently these days with the news of a state-of-the-art recording studio, wineries, housing projects and more.  Thankfully, one location which still retains an air of pastoral peace and tranquility is The Bang Saray Club.  It nestles beachside on the edge of the village and is run by the charismatic David Goulden and his charming wife, Suwana Viroonchan, who are on hand to meet and greet their guests in this most appealing restaurant/bar.

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 find a more idyllic setting in which to enjoy a glass or two or a languous lunch.   During the season, on Saturday nights and Sunday lunchtimes,  traditional English roasts are on offer in addition to international fare and Thai cuisine.   Also on Sundays afternoons, the big comfortable bar accommodates more than a few ex-pat elbows and 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.

The friendly staff always have a warm welcome

The tempo at The Bang Saray Club is leisurely which prompts David to comment, “should the time taken to serve your food be somewhat longer than in Hong Kong please relax, enjoy the view or better still, for our profits, please order another drink.”  The menu is perfectly calibrated both for the setting and the financial mood, being simple,  honest, reliant on seasonal local produce and reasonably priced.

The international menu features their famous chicken liver pate.  The smooth, creamy texture with pleasing peppery overtones makes it a big favourite and it’s not unusual for extra portions to be packed and made ready to take home.  When Mick and I dined recently we particularly enjoyed the pate as our starter although other items such as prawns tempura (B.150), homemade soups and the Norwegian smoked salmon with mustard and dill (B.250) were tempting.   The wine list is eclectic and interesting and David is always happy to make an informed recommendation. 

Main courses feature barbequed chicken and mixed seafood kebabs,  Argentinian rib eye and sirloin steaks (250 gram portions) are priced at B.525 and B.475 respectively. Roasted racks of New Zealand lamb come straight from the oven and are served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables in a white sauce.  Pork and apple casserole, original puff pastry pies and hearty beef and mash are perennial favourites.

The food was mouth watering

The fish couldn’t be fresher as it comes straight from the bay of Bang Saray delivered to their door by the local fishermen.   Fish and chips is highly recommended and I really enjoyed the lobster thermidor while Mick happily tucked into a delicious rock lobster spaghetti smothered in sweet, fresh garlic.    The hot plate sizzlers are a speciality of the house and feature Argentinean beef (B.400) or plump, succulent prawns (B.375).

Do save room for dessert.  The blackberry and apple crumble served with ice cream is devilishly good as is the potent rum trifle.  For lovers of Thai food, Chef Nee produces a fine array of spicy dishes which reflect her love and knowledge of her country’s cuisine.  The recipes are traditional and her use of indigenous produce inspired. 

In a nutshell, The Bang Saray Club is a delightful haven exuding a serene and peaceful ambiance.    Come here to forget your cares and to relax in the splendour of natural surroundings in a delightful picturesque setting. 

The Bang Saray Club is 22 kms from Pattaya off the Sukhumvit Highway.  Tel:  (038) 436098.  Open from lunchtime till 10.00 pm.  Closed Mondays.  No credit cards accepted.  Ample parking.  Gentlemen are requested to wear a collared shirt in the restaurant.  Turn off Sukhumvit through the Bang Saray 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.