By “Pink in the middle” we’re not referring to some of our readers, but rather to that state of perfection for a joint of roast beef – cooked until still just a little bit pink in the middle and not overdone. The “Sunday Roast” has become a popular institution in Chiang Mai among Gay ex pats. As well as an excuse for a good feed, its a great social occasion to round of the weekend before heading home to fall asleep in front of the TV. One gay friendly venue very popular with the gay crowd is The Pub

This Chiang Mai institution has been in business for forty one years, due in no small part to having managed to really capture the atmosphere of an olde world English Pub in the center of Chiang Mai. Set well back from the road in a large garden, the Pub is very conveniently located on Huay Kaew Rd, Just west of the intersection with Nimanheminda Road, the posh end of Chiang Mai’s shopping and entertainment districts. They also have accommodation available in small bungalow units in the grounds.

Usual choices for Sunday Lunch at the Pub are Roast Lamb or Roast Beef accompanied with roast, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and vegetables. Sometimes, Roast Pork or Roast chicken is offered for a change, with Turkey for special holidays. In addition to the Sunday Lunch specials The Pub has it’s full regular menu of English Pub Grub including Fish and Chips, Bangers and mash, Liver and Bacon as well as a range of steaks served from Lunch time until late evening. To keep everyone happy they also have a menu of Thai food, with a good selection, so you can keep your Thai companions happy too; though we have to say Roast Lamb and Fish and Chips have both become firm favorites with the Bon Tong boys.

Although the Pub in Chiang Mai is a family run business, and not a Gay venue at all, Graeme, the boss is a great host and welcoming to everyone. Indeed, unlike some of Chiang Mai’s other Pubs in the major tourist areas, The Pub is much more of a regular locals bar with many ex-pat customers including many gays, often with an entourage of young Thai guys to add to the atmosphere.

Another option for a good roast and some Gay company is SoupaSteak restaurant co-located with Darling Wine Bar also on Huay Kaew Road not far from Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Mall.

SoupaSteak offers a Sunday Lunch special which alternates between a Roast Beef or Roast Lamb dinner on successive Sundays. SoupaSteak is open from midday on Sundays and 5 p.m. the rest of the week, the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. but you can continue to enjoy a drink at the Darling Wine Bar until midnight.

The combination of SoupaSteak and Darling Wine bar in the same location brings the benefit of a cocktail bar for that pre-dinner aperitif, an excellent choice of wines as well as after dinner liqueurs.

SoupaSteak is always popular with the Gay Ex-pat crowd and has plenty of regular customers as well as visitors.

SoupaSteak’s owner, Brian, is a veteran catering professional who has worked in some of the worlds top hotels, previously owned the “Mikes Burger” in Chiang Mai as well as a successful restaurant in Pattaya. He opened SoupaSteak in June 2010 together with his long term partner Pong, who is the resident chef. SoupaSteak offers a range of western food options such as steaks and other offerings from the grill, home made soups and a Thai menu. Prices are kept deliberately low so its an affordable place for Chiang Mai’s ex pat community to frequent regularly.