AsiaLIFE

With its curious name, you’d be forgiven for expecting to find this latest addition to the Phnom Penh bar scene on lakeside. But you’d be wrong as the frog in question winks down on Sothearos Boulevard, around the corner from established Talkin’ to a Stranger and fellow newcomer One More Pub. It is a much classier drinking den than one to be found in the backpacker ghetto.

A Bangkok-import – owner Derek had a bar there with the same name for over five years, before recently crossing east to slower-paced Phnom Penh. Derek explains the name is the brainchild of “just a few guys in a pub in Blackpool”, in his native England.

Opened on Oct. 4, a few things still need to be finalised, however draft Super Cold Tiger and Anchor beers are on tap at US$2 and US$1.50 respectively, as is the pool table, and the rather impressive football shirts displayed on the walls. A former Rugby League player himself, Derek makes further promises of South African satellite for the rugby, and Arsenal fans can be certain of not missing as single match as Derek is a Gooner. A mezzanine level, free WiFi, and a menu filled with proper pub grub as well as Thai and Khmer dishes, should be in place by the time you read this.

Derek even persuaded his former chef to move from her native Thailand to ensure the same homemade pies he used to dish up in Bangkok can now be had in Phnom Penh. “People want entertainment,” says Derek. The Winking Frog will have live music at the weekends with a Philippine band, and potentially other music as well. Charity nights are also in the pipeline – Derek claims he raised over US$35,000 for various charities during his time in Bangkok. Which means it’s time for all you NGO workers to go and befriend the man.

But Derek is running more than a pub. The Winking Frog offers 31 reasonably priced rooms over four floors, all complete with air-con and en-suite bathrooms for prices between US$15 and US$25. There is also plenty of parking space. Once fully up and running, the place will never close, meaning drinks from champagne to Irish coffee will be available for both late night and early morning revellers. A post-work happy hour will also be initiated, and Derek has plans of introducing Winking Frog ‘credit cards’ for discounts.

Though located somewhat out of the way, Derek is convinced the area is up and coming. Live music is certainly something that won’t go unappreciated in Phnom Penh, and if super cold Tiger is your tipple, be sure to pop in.

The Winking Frog, 128 Sothearos Blvd., 023 356 399 / 013 356 399, www.thewinkingfrog.com