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End of an era: Phuket Island Lager Bar to close

End of an era: Phuket Island Lager Bar to close

PHUKET: The island’s long established Phuket Island Lager Bar is closing, almost 13 years ago to the day since the first venue opened in Soi Sea Pearl, Patong.


By Claire Connell

Thursday 4 July 2013 10:20 AM


David Brook and his wife Kanchana

David Brook and his wife Kanchana

 The bar has been run by David Brook and his wife Kanchana, and has operated in four different locations.

It first opened in Soi Sea Pearl, which David says was a highly successful outlet with 35 staff. Unfortunately it was hit by the 2004 tsunami, and re-opened in Soi Lion off Bangla Road, where it stayed for three years.

The bar then moved to Soi Sukhumvit and finally into DJ Plaza, where it remained until recently. The DJ Plaza site is now being demolished and redeveloped.

David says over the years the bar has hosted a number of celebrities and local organisations.

“We have had a lot of fun running the bars in each location. The best operation was the one in the original Soi Sea Pearl – pity the tsunami spoiled that. We have had a great number of friends who have been to each one as we moved.

“We have always enjoyed meeting people and have met some great characters over the years. Our philosophy has always been: “You may arrive as a stranger, but you will always leave as a friend.”

Each bar featured a Wall of Fame plus a collection of photographs taken with celebrities who visited over the years, such as Mohammed Ali, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Bobby Charlton.