Pattaya Beer Garden 1 June report.

[PattayaPete]

It’s a new calendar month and The Pattaya Beer Garden seems to be settling into a nice working routine. The biggest nightmare during May was undoubtedly getting the computerized check bin system working properly. We seem to have got there and even the cashiers now like the system.

 

 

The other computer system that gets a lot of comments is the music video system. All the music is played on the computer, not off DVDs. Many, many people have asked me how it is done, why the picture is so clear and can I give them a copy of the DVD. The reason so many of the videos look so good is that they are in high definition. HD videos can not be played off DVD. We do pay for a licence to play these videos and it is more than my life is worth to give away copies. The record companies are very mean and are quite pro-active in suing easy marks like us if we do something illegal. Giving away or selling copies is a definite no no.

 

Warning . . . boring techy stuff follows. Move on to the next paragraph if you don’t want to know. The other thing about the TV system in the PBG that makes it look good, is that all the TVs are wired digitally, using HDMI amplifiers and distribution boxed. It was quite difficult and expensive to set up but if anyone wants to know how it is done I am quite happy to explain it in person. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of baht though.

 

Reading the forums I see a few people wondering if we can make it through the low season and expressing concern that we may not be here by the time they arrive in Pattaya. Please do not worry and I can guarantee we will be here for a good many years to come. When we set the place up we had enough working capital to sustain losses for over a year and the tenacity to do so if we had to. As I said last week we actually broke even in the first month of trading which is unusual for a new business in Pattaya particularly one trying something different.

 

From day one we have had consistently good business. The bar itself can be a little deceptive because of the size and the four different areas. Fifty people can virtually disappear and it takes over 100 people to make the place look slightly busy. For me this is a great advantage as the relaxing, chill out atmosphere is not spoilt even when we are busy.

 

There were also a few complaints about slow service when ordering food. We actually have five chefs working through the busy evening meal time but last week we were particularly busy for meals around 7 pm. On several days over 200 people ate dinner at the PBG and it is difficult to get the staffing levels right as demand fluctuates. If you had to wait too long please accept my apologies. We are working hard to stream line the system and get the food out quickly. It will take a while to get it right.

 

 

 

This week we doubled the number of Thai dishes on the menu and also added a few western dishes. We also changed many of the main courses so that instead of getting French fries by default you may now choose fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes or fries. Lots of people asked for this option so it is now available. The menu will continue to evolve and your feedback is appreciated and listened too. Please just remember that our prices are very low and we want to keep them that way. To do so we must rely on local products, produce and meat.

 

We have good suppliers and we do not compromise on quality. In the end though, a Thai steak will not be as nice as an imported Argentinean or Australian steak. However they are almost as good and cost half as much. Beware of the Isaan dishes. They are meant for the girls and are extremely hot. Try with caution.

 

 

The freelancer situation is evolving and getting better all the time. We are always promoting the beer garden to the girls and building up a nice set of regulars. New girls stumble in every day and overall I am satisfied we are on the right track. It is still a bit hit and miss and will probably remain so for a few more months. You just have to try your luck and maybe wait for a while for new girls to wander in.

 

I have mentioned busy times before but I think it is a bit self defeating to do so. Last week I write that I was surprised by the number of girls arriving after 10pm. On Friday night we had about 25 girls sitting at the bar at 7 pm and 5 guys. By 9 pm that had changed to 25 guys and 5 girls. Sometimes the balance is right and sometimes it is not. I am sure this will continue until we are better known.

 

I saw a comment on a board last week about the rules of engagement. Basically the poster was saying he was not going to approach the girls and if they did not approach him nothing was going to happen. That approach will work in just about every bar in Pattaya but it will not work at the Pattaya Beer Garden. You must make first contact. If you can’t or won’t do that then the PBG is probably not for you. If you approach a girl at the bar I can almost guarantee that you will not be rebuffed. The girls are there to find a man after all. Even fat old balding people like me are seen as desirable meat mates. So don’t be shy just say Hi. The rest will follow naturally and without pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are in to out June promotions now. The freelancer discount continues. Bring your own freelancer and receive a 100 baht discount off your order. Please ask clearly for "The Freelancer Discount" when ordering.

 

Happy hours are 3 pm to 5 pm and then again 9 pm to 11 pm every day. All bottled beers are 50 baht (except Corona). This week we have permanently lowered the price of Corona and Strongbow.

 

A new thing we are trying in June is the "Sunset Promotion". The PBG is a great place to watch the sunset each evening around 6:30 pm. It can be quite spectacular. From 5:30 pm to 7 pm each night we are offering the "Sunset Special". A plate of Thai h'orderves and a Sundowner cocktail for two hundred baht. The Thai snacks are very tasty and farang friendly (will not blow your head off) and the Sundowner cocktail packs a bit of a wallop with three shots of the hard stuff.

Sunset Special 200 baht.

 

I hope to see you at the Pattaya Beer Garden sometime soon.

 

Cheers

 

Pete

[cannonball83204]

Looking GOOD, Pete!!!!! I have over 200 more days till I get there, but will pop in and enjoy when I get the chance. Take care and keep up the good promotions.

 

Reggie

[capdagde]

Hi Pete

 

For once you are preaching to the "in-towners". It is 5.37 and Deb is ravishing ravenous so we are leaving the hotel right now and coming for your Sunset Special for 2. Ah the power of the net!!!!

 

Saw you moseying along WS last night - thought you might have a few cards in your pocket.....

 

See you in 10 minutes...

 

Andy Cap and Winglady

 

BTW I loved the face of the guy trying the extra-hot Issan food - lost the use of his arms already....

Edited June 1, 2008 by capdagde

[Dr Mick]

Pete im happy that you seem to be doing well ,sure I will pop in July .may pass the day/night away until a lady catches my eye

[FatherMojo]

Thanks for the update and I want a Sunset Special!

 

 

FatherMojo

[aussiechic]

Thanks for the update, I to would like to be there for the Sunset special.

 

I think you been Thailand to long.

 

Quote

"French fries by default you may now choose fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes or fries. Lots of people asked for this option so it is now available. The menu will continue to evolve "

 

Keep smiling

[vidman]

Just back from PBG and top marks to Pete and his team.

 

He has taken some of my points onboard and rectified them......superb.

 

Thanks Pete for moving the seats a few feet so the lights are in line with the seat backs and not the centre of the table. We now have an unrestricted view. Cheers!!!!

 

Thanks also for the NEW combined menu....i now can browse and switch from "drinker" mode to " dining" mode effortlessly!

 

I can also report that the food was ordered accurately and delivered to the table very quickly indeed. My GF,who is a bit of a restaurant critic, has given a glowing recommendation to the cooks as she thinks the taste is great. (trust me pete this in itself is highly unusual).

 

We both left delighted!

 

 

Some other points: (the GF is never 100percent happy):

 

she wants condiments on the tables and napkins & she's not sure about the staff uniforms (?). I tried to explain that it wasnt really a restaurant or really a bar but somewhere in the middle. To which she answered that the staff looked too restaurant-like????.......she confuses me sometimes too!

 

(i think she must be gunning for a job pete to iron out all the creases)

 

good work!

 

Vid

[DiscoCol]

Pete my good friend I loved the brief visits I made to the BG, keep up the good work,

[gentlemangeoff]

I have not beeen in Patts since the Beer Garden opened. However, it is definitely on my "to do" list once I get back to Funtown. I have to say I am very impressed with the effort Pete is clearly putting into the place to make it a venue that people will want to populate. IMHO Pete has hit on a winner of an idea. His vision and work ethic deserves to succeed and I look forward to reading that the garden has gone from strength to strength.

[CalEden]

That Sundowner cocktail sure does look good!

[Obsession]

Im impressed with Petes attention to detail and will probably be a regular when in Patts. I like that view. I used to have a look at it from the back of the Siren complex every time I was there.

[capdagde]

Hi Pete

 

Just to let you know we had a Pina Colada each and the v tasty nibbles as the sun went down - set us up nicely for a good mongering evening - didn't eat again until after midnight!

 

Ta!

 

Andy Cap and Winglady

[pfotoguy]

Glad to hear you're doing well Pete. You are definitely on my next visit list.

[glynbuk]

I can imagine sitting there with a sundowner overlooking the bay, cannot wait

[iceice]

good luck,,,,,,it looks great

[galt67]

I just ate their the other night and the food's good at reasonable prices with nice service.

 

One recommendation: How about setting up some 'box fans' to circulate the air around...? I was sitting at one of the benches, nearest the water, and a breeze from a fan would have been great!

[chico]

Good to know things are going well, Pete.

Looking forward to a sunset visit end of the month.

Good luck.

 

chico, grrrr

[Gonzo Hunter]

One recommendation: How about setting up some 'box fans' to circulate the air around...? I was sitting at one of the benches, nearest the water, and a breeze from a fan would have been great!

 

I'm thinking that a misting system might well be in order. They certainly help cool things down.

 

http://www.coolingline.com/

 

Can't wait to check out PBG in two weeks.

[Pilot]

Great job Pete. Thanks for all the updates, it really makes me homesick. I look forward to visiting you bar this far when I return.

[Mightyollie]

Hi Pete

 

I think you are on to a real winner with this bar, The food looks great and what a view!

[whittler]

Hi Pete, it looks like you hit the right venue. How much are soft drinks,& soda ?

 

How much are coolers ? I think most of the girls wanted Spy .

 

Thanks,

 

whittler

[PattayaPete]

Soft drinks and soda are 30 baht and coolers are 60 baht. Water is free for the girls.

[CalEden]

Misting systems wreak havoc for eyeglass wearers!

[rockinjerry]

Misting systems wreak havoc for eyeglass wearers!

 

 

So, don't sit in that area, or if you do-take off your glasses!

[jtiger]

I stopped by the PBG a number of times in May and I have to say that it's a great place to hang out. My friend and I used it as a place to meet up and have a snack and a drink before heading down to the mayhem of Walking Street.

 

Even though it is outside it was cool enough for me with the breezes off the water (and I don't like heat). The food is good, the drinks cold and the prices are very reasonable. It might have the cleanest bathrooms of any business in Pattaya (although watch that step in the men's room).

 

No one will hassle you while you're there and it took me a while to realize that this meant that you had to approach the girls (which always come in packs so you have to split the one you want off of the herd). I was successful and met this great gal there (one of those pictured above -- although I'm surprised she's still showing up as she told me that she would wait for me to return).

 

The girls seem under no pressure to buy drinks so you could ask a girl if she wanted a drink and she'll say no and still will stay to talk to you. They also get free food from the bar so they're not looking for you to buy them dinner. So all in all you can have a good time and spend very little money and actually be able to converse with someone.

 

The videos are nice to watch but it seems they are all shot in SD, not HD, probably because there was no HD back when they were shot.

 

Keep up the good work. You've found a niche and have filled it well and I predict that it will become more popular as word of mouth gets out.