by Courtney Donovan Smith

Fronted by a wide wood patio and massive Greek columns, The Londoner rises over People's Square like a modernized Temple of Bacchus--an appropriate analogy as drinks are served inside.

When the weather is nice, the outdoor tables and umbrellas provide a relaxed cafe feeling and what is probably the city's only outdoor pool table always seems to have a group of devotees. Indoors, the scene changes and the energy level rises. Cool blue-lit sofas in a mirrored enclave are to the left, usually occupied by clusters of the hip, young and attractive.

Straight ahead is a small stage set in front of the dance floor and a brick-and-wood bar. This is the centre of activity and, on any given night, you might find people dancing dressed for a theme party, sports fans cheering the satellite broadcast of their favorite sports event or a live band playing. Check out COMPASS' "What's On" section for some of the activities coming up at The Londoner.

At the bar, a normal bottled beer or small draft sets you back NT$120 and cocktails are NT$140. Usually, however, people order the specials chalked up on the board--my recent personal favorite got me a 500cc whisky soda for NT$180! Check the board for current specials.
To the right is the restaurant area, where diners can be seen enjoying a London-style cosmopolitan range of different cuisine. The pizzas (NT$150-220), made in the special pizza oven, come widely recommended. Others might prefer the Thai curries (NT$200), the Kebabs on Pita Bread (NT$220) or even one of the British specialities like Chip Butty (NT$120), Fish and Chips (NT$200) or the Cottage Pie (NT$200).

The Londoner is located opposite People's Square on GongYi (KungYi) Road, one block down from NOVA computer mall.