AsiaLIFE

Putting a new face on the River Front, Alan Keehan of Paddy Rice shares what it takes to create a bar that’s an instant success. Words by Craig Gerard.

Alan Keehan, manager at Paddy Rice, is a three-year veteran of Phnom Penh, and a true jack of all trades. Trained as a dental technician and a carpenter, he has worked in renewable energies both for private firms and the Irish government. “I like to move around a lot,” Alan explains. “I like to have fun.” If the new track into the food and beverage industry is at all difficult, the success of the bar does not show this.

A host of top-shelf drinks are available at very reasonable prices. Draft Angkor is US$0.75 all day. Bushmills and Jameson are proudly served, yet Paddy Rice does not ignore the fine peaty single malts from across the channel. Unfortunately, the patented Guinness Surger unit has been put on hold until a new source of the black nectar can be found. The company that had been distributing the Guinness pulled entirely out of Southeast Asia, so the bar is now looking for a suitable substitute supply. As soon as one is sourced, the near-perfect draft Guinness will be flowing again.

But draft Guinness isn’t the only reason to visit Paddy Rice. With three flat screen TVs behind the bar, you can always find a game worth watching. Additionally, there is a constant flow of live music coming through the venue. “We’re hoping to have two live music gigs a week,” says Alan. There isn’t a shortage of available acts to fill the venue. The Fumes, TJ Brown and Kheltica are just some of the musical acts coming through the bar.

Of course, what’s an Irish Pub without food? And Paddy Rice excels in this area. From the crispy beer-battered Fish and Chips (US$8) to the towering Guiness Steak Pie (US$8), the kitchen doesn’t just churn out pub-grub, “We brought in an executive chef to train the kitchen staff,” says Alan. “We want the service to be up to European standards,” he notes. “It makes a lasting impression.”

The delicious food items may attract people to the bar, but Alan is hoping they return for the ambience. “We’re trying to create a neighborhood pub. A place for live music, sports and drinking.” And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Paddy Rice is a welcome addition to the River Front bar scene.