My arrival the previous day after the long flight from Rome, had left me pretty exhausted yet still in the mood to party. However, on only the second day I was too tired to explore Walking Street any further. As I was staying in the LK Metropole, I decided to explore the local area.

Turning ‘right’ out of the LK Metropole and starting down Soi Diana you are immediately confronted with bars and screaming bargirls. It wasn’t yet the ‘high season’ so anything remotely ‘male’ is considered a ‘handsome man’, and the wails from the girls were way to much for my current under-par condition.

I was extremely thirsty however, caused by the heat of Pattaya, excessive use of the in room Air-Con and some good old alcohol abuse. Still I could not bring myself to enter a bar were the girls screamed so loudly.

Furthering on I came across the arches that lead to Soi LK Metro. It didn’t look quiet by any means, but it did look a little more ‘refined’ than what lay ahead down Soi Diana! I made a quick decision and turned ‘right’ again onto the Soi.

Yes, the bars were a little quieter. Still plenty of attractive girls, but the ‘invitations’ from them were spoken in hushed tones rather than ‘catcalls’. I walked past however as I wanted to see the whole of what was on offer.

It was then that I came across Murphy’s Law bar, lying as it does on the Soi Buakhao side of Soi LK Metro. As I approached I could here music from my past (probably something from the mid eighties), and I received warm smiles from a couple of the girls sitting outside the bar.

I decided that this was an ‘Oasis’ of calm and headed in. On only my second day in Pattaya I needed a rest and to find a quiet place to sit! Plus, I had spotted that they had a Pool Table, so if I picked up a little energy then maybe I could play a few games.

However, before I had set a foot on the premises Steve (later introduced as the owner) ’stunned’ me with a raucous “Hiya Buddy!!”. Maybe not a traditional Irish greeting, but friendly nonetheless!

I was right about the bar, the atmosphere is calmer than many other beer bars. This is a good thing though. You can talk, eat and play pool in a hassle free environment, whilst being served an endless supply of ‘refreshments’ by smiling ladies. Heaven.

The music volume is not exceptionally high and without a doubt, the loudest thing in the bar is Steve himself, he is a boisterous character but great fun to share a drink with!

His constant ‘reminders’ to the girls, such as “get some work done!” and “leaw leaw!” (quickly!) echo through the bar. Not that he’s a particular ‘tough’ boss, and most of the time his comments are accompanied with a smile so charming that even the girls smile back! There is the occasional evil look though.

Talking with Steve he explained that he hand picks all of his girls, and only allows too types of lady to work for him “ejits & retards”. He went on to say that life in Pattaya is too easy without a few challenges thrown in!

Murphy’s Law bar is primarily a drinking / sports bar, but they do offer 6 en-suite rooms for visitors to the town. The rooms are adequate for most people and for the price of only 400 - 500 baht per night, excellent value. Being in the centre of LK Metro, a vibrant place in itself, and with easy access to Walking Street & Second Road etc, only makes the price even more appealing.

Steve at Murphy’s Law is also well known in the area for his parties and is seldom at a loss for a party theme. One of his most famous was President Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘leaving’ party! There are also the regular Friday night ‘Party’. Starting around 8pm an excellent Shepards Pie is served and is available to everyone for free.

Just as a final comment ……. please do not be misled by my saying that is a ‘calm, relaxing’ place. This is an Irish bar! Steve has many friends who visit or live in Pattaya City and the atmosphere can change in an instant.

For example, one night I was playing pool (Wednesday nights at Murphy’s Law bar is Pool Night) when suddenly four burly guys carrying oldly shaped suitcases walked in. Unpacking the cases revealed guitars and traditional Irish musical instruments. What followed was 6 hours (for me, I have no idea when everyone else went home!) of Irish folk music.

The girls were dancing, the beers were flowing ….. a great night, and only one of many I have experienced in Murphy’s Law bar, Soi LK Metro, Pattaya, Thailand.

However, it would be extremely difficult (not to mention confusing) to attempt to give every bar in Pattaya that offers ’something different’ it’s own category. Needless to say though, The Rockhouse on Soi LK Metro, Pattaya, is certainly one of the better bars in it’s class!

The owner, Alex, hails from Scotland and is a ‘no nonsense’ kind of guy. More than happy to buy (and receive) a drink for his patrons, he comes across as friendly but probably not a guy to be ‘crossed’, he’s a pretty big bloke!

As you approach The Rockhouse, it really does stand out against the neighouring bars. It’s black tinted glass frontage gives it a ‘classy’ look, more like one of the better class ‘go-go’ joints than a bar. Next thing you’ll see is the abundance of girls either entertaining guests or laughing / chatting amongst themselves. On the times i’ve visited recently, i’d say The Rockhouse probably has around 20 girls, all of whom are attentive without being pushy. I can honestly say, no Rockhouse girl has ever asked me to buy them a drink (a rare thing in Pattaya!), that said, because of their friendly nature and excellent service I have no hesitation in offering to buy a ladydrink or two.

As the name suggests, The Rockhouse, Pattaya, has a very good selection of ‘decent’ music, not oververtly ‘heavy’ but more a constant streaming of classic tunes. Perhaps ideally suited to those of us late 30’s and above, if you fall into this age group you’re bound to hear some of your favourite tunes being played throughout the night. Probably not the best bar for you if you prefer ‘hip hop’ or ‘bubble gum pop’ music!

A wide selection of drinks are available, with Heineken available on draft, and all it very reasonably prices. Food can be ordered in from the many local eateries, though more often than not you’ll see that The Rockhouse is hosting a Party and can partake of a well roasted pig.

In summary, The Rockhouse is a very popular bar with both visitors and ex-pats alike. A friendly atmosphere, good music and good prices make it yet another must visit bar in Pattaya.