AsiaLIFE

"There's a new breed of expat in Cambodia," says Green Vespa's owner Alan. In the three years the river-fronted, emerald restaurant and pub has been in existence, Alan has learned to cater to this new breed. He attributes the secret of his success to experience. Alan worked as a restaurant manager in both England and Ireland before coming to Cambodia. When he first began, he was cautious.

"I gave it six months," he says. Fortunately, he found his past experience helped him create one of the best-loved pubs and restaurants in Phnom Penh. He prides himself on his abilities as an experienced restaurateur. "If I'd have come here as a plumber, it would have never worked."

But the Vespa is no one-man band. Alan says his talented female chef, Cheata, is equally responsible for the steady stream of happy customers. "The bar wouldn't exist without her," Alan admits. It is a sign of the times to have a Cambodian chef creating British dishes for international guests. The comfort foods like pies, roasts and pastas are generally made with more care and quality than the same offerings at other places along the river. The homey fare is one reason that many come back. "We seem to be attracting a lot more people for food," Alan says.

Food is hardly the only attraction at the Vespa. This pub boasts one of the best collections of single malt Scotch in Cambodia. From a ten-year-old Laphroig to a 12-year Glenlivit or a Lagavulin aged for 16 years, the choice is difficult. Thankfully, the Vespa has a Malt Mondays special where four glasses of the finest single malt are only US$10 - perfect for tasting, but not for driving your vespa back home.

Green Vespa, 95 Sisowath Quay