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Great
drink, food and sports at The Londoner
---By Douglas Habecker
Translated by Ann Lee
143, HuaMei West St, Sec 1
In Taichung's jaded nightlife scene,
The Londoner certainly stands out as a veteran, with
about four years of history. Under new management for
the past half year, this popular sports bar continues
to rejuvenate itself with fresh features--from cuisine
to facilities--that keep customers coming back for more.
Pull up at The Londoner's canal-side
location and you'll still be greeted by the red British
phone booth outside and an inside bar and projection-screen
TV showing live satellite broadcasts (Super Sports 1
channel) of Premier League football, rugby, NFL American
football and other favorite sports. In contrast to the
cozy-feeling first floor, the spacious upstairs boasts
plenty of stretching-out room, a pool table, darts,
and a second big screen, soon to be joined by a third
screen. This is a frequent venue for parties, including
Londoner-sponsored events every other Saturday and the
Pub Quizzes every other Thursday. Check their website
below for sports/events schedules.
Being a British-style pub, there is plenty to drink,
including Taichung's largest on-tap line-up, with San
Miguel (500cc NT$120), Stella Artois (NT$150), Beck's
(NT$140), Old Speckled Hen (NT$180), and Strongbow Cider
(NT$200). There are also bottled beers and various cocktails
(NT$150-180).
Lest anyone forget, The Londoner also
excels at food and things are only getting better, thanks
to the culinary expertise of South African Gertie. Among
many new menu items she has helped add are four new
wraps (NT$200); and a British-style Macaroni and Cheese
(NT$200) with layers of cream sauce, meat, bacon and
mushrooms. Then there's a traditional-recipe Shepherd's
Pie (NT$250), with ground beef, onions, carrots and
spiced mashed potatoes, topped with cream, butter and
cheese. As mouth-watering as this is, Gertie is particularly
excited about the truly awe-inspiring Big Ben Burger.
This Mother of All Burgers features a 15-centimeter-wide
bun with a 250-gram patty to match, served with three
side sauces--barbecue, fruit chutney and mushroom. Clearly,
you'll need a hearty appetite, or some friends, to handle
this one. There are many other menu choices to explore,
plus weekly dining specials, too.
Clearly, The Londoner is sure to offer
almost everyone something tempting, whether it's an
exciting game, a good drink, or a very big burger. |
