New Bar: The Pintsman at United Centre

by Manel Tan

Feb 21, 2012

The history of beer dates back as far as 9500 BC, and no one knows that clearer than The Pintsman in Bangkok. Located amid the dynamic hustle and bustle of Silom Road, the British gastro pub stands out from the rest of the other Irish / English waterholes with its extensive and unique collection of beers, painstakingly imported from around the world.

What it is: Besides being a purveyor of imported booze and quality food, The Pintsman also prides itself on live music, with Unplugged and Trix O’ Treat rocking the pub on Wednesdays and Fridays, respectively.

Bringing together a range of genres for patrons to groove to, their live bands belt out tunes from soul to rock, or even indie and jazz. For anything else in between, there’s always the jukebox that will bring you jams from back in the day.

The look: Classic bar furniture. We’re talking about plush leather bench-style seating where patrons can watch a football match together, holler in unison when their favourite teams score a goal, or cringe at that crucial moment for the penalty showdown.

If that isn’t enough, check out the poolroom, which features a 275-centimetre (9 foot) Gold Crown Brunswick pool table and a 52-inch LCD screen. While it’s strictly non-smoking indoors, light up at the garden area where you can feast your eyes upon a beer keg fountain (and imagine an endless flow of ale).

Food and drinks: Before we run through the amazing selection of beers, let’s not forget that you need some quality bar bites to go with it. Best enjoyed with a Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, Jon’s Buffalo Chicken Salad is simple -- tender breaded chicken strips tossed in Frank’s red hot sauce, lettuce, egg slices, tangy bruschetta, celery and Le Cordon Bleu chef May’s own blue cheese ranch dressing.

For a hearty meal, opt for the Crispy Breaded Pork Cutlet that goes well with a bottle of Tripel Karmeliet.

The Pintsman even has its own beer dessert -- the Floris Chocolate Beer -- a beverage that combines Belgium’s renowned beer and chocolate in a single, delighting experience.

The beer list, which is ever expanding, includes a collection of beers from all around the world that would make the UN jealous. The collection is large enough to warrant the The Pintsman's twin, custom-made fridges, measuring 2.21 metres by 1.5 metres, and their walk-in cold room, where kegs of beer are kept extra cold, to ensure that the beers on draught are kept ultra cool and incredibly refreshing.

Also look out for: Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier and Tripel Karmeliet, which have been shipped in from Bavaria, Germany and Belgium respectively.

The Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier hails from the world’s oldest, still running brewery, dating back to 1040. It is a medium bodied beer that smells fruity, suitable for all occasions. The latter, on the other hand, is brewed with an authentic beer recipe originating in the former Carmelite Monastery over 300 years ago. Bearing the lightness and freshness of a wheat bear, its scent is wonderful with hints of vanilla mixed with citrus aromas.

For The Pintsman Bangkok listings details, click through to “New Bar: The Pintsman at United Centre”. For other articles on Bangkok read on at “Bangkok Bite Size Deals” and “New Bar: The Speakeasy at Hotel Muse”.

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