Get your Irish up

Published on November 30, 2007

Sukhumvit Soi 4, better known as Soi Nana, is notorious as one of Bangkok's farang-inhabited red-light districts, packed with plenty of sleazy bars acting as conduits for illicit activities. This area comes to life after dark when it is swarming with men looking for action and fun. But further down the soi, just before you hit the Raja Hotel, there's a sanctuary for legitimate outings where refined gentlemen can enjoy a peaceful night out with their friends, even their girlfriends or wives and families.

Since opening 10 months ago, the Irish pub Hanrahans has been become known as a more low-key venue for Nana night crawlers. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Hanrahans' clientele is a mix of locals, expats and tourists.

Hanrahans - named after a popular Irish surname - is managed by the same team that runs O'Reillys on Silom and Robin Hood on Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. Elegant and yet laid-back and friendly, Hanrahans provides a hassle-free space away from the clamour of Soi Nana behind the massive wooden doors.

The three-storey wooden building erected from bare land, took Bt30 million and eight months to build. Airy and spacious with a contemporary touch, this new venue still oozes old Irish charm.

The ground floor is scattered with heavy wooden stools and benches - good spots for watching the live band or sports on a big screen. Outdoors seating is also a good option to watch the busy nightlife. Up the elegant staircase to the middle floor, you'll have the loungy area set up with comfortable Chesterfield sofas and a pool table. An additional bar is installed here for convenience and non-smoking space is partitioned for families with children and a non-smoking party room. Take a table by one of the big windows and observe the street life below. The top floor offers an open-air area which comes as an unusual treat for pub goers. The area also serves as a venue for any private function, with a bar and sound system.

Music-wise, Hanrahans is similar to its brothers. Live bands with beautifully voiced singers take the stage from 8.30 to 11.30pm, Tuesday and Friday. Johnny the One-Man Band takes over on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. On the nights without live music, Hanrahans entertains its guests with a collection of music dating from the '80s to current pop hits and live sports on giant screens.

The daily happy hour from 4 to 7pm offers pints of Heineken (Bt75) and Tiger (Bt70) and, for Bt50 a bottle, Heineken, Tiger, Singha and San Miguel. A glass of house wine is Bt90. Johnnie Walker Red label, Gilbey's Gin and Jewel Vodka are on sale at Bt125; buy one get one free all day every day.

Hungry? Try Hanrahan's yummy fish and chips (Bt300) or Angus beef burger (Bt280). Traditional Irish dishes such as beef and Guinness pot pie, Irish stew and cottage pie are served from Bt260.

Snacks, breakfast and

other international dishes are also available. Food is served until 11pm.

There's also a wireless Internet connection; ask at the bar for details. 

Hanrahans

Sukhumvit Soi 4

BTS: Nana)

Daily 9am to 1am

 Call (02) 255 0644-45

www.bkkpubs.com

Parking at Raja Hotel complex

Manta Klangboonkrong