Thomas E. Lawrence’s famous quote is one of many decorating the walls of Thamel’s Sam’s Bar, and despite recent renovations including repainting, the quote remains. [break]
Perhaps it is because this is one such quote which has inspired those behind Sam’s to keep going through the devastating blow the 11pm ban has had on business.
Sam’s Bar has been an institution in Thamel for over ten years, with its official opening in October 1997.
And you can read all 12 years experience in straight-shooting Verena’s voice as she explains how the bar came to be. Co-owner and wife of the infamous ‘Sam’, Verena is a riddle wrapped in a rhyme.
Firstly, for a businesswoman who has remained successful throughout Nepal’s difficult times, watching her prepare drinks with a deftness which would put Tom Cruise to shame in Cocktail, it’s hard to understand her reasons for starting the bar “out of necessity”.
Secondly, for someone whose alcoholic tastes begin and end with beer, the Austrian ex-pat certainly has all senses finely-tuned to what connoisseurs who come from far and wide really want.
And she makes a pretty mean cocktail.
But it all depends on the freshness of the ingredients available. “Mojitos are not on the menu, but that doesn’t mean we don’t make them. For instance, there’s no good mint now. I only make them when the mint’s fresh and good. So, no Mojitos.”
What sets Sam’s apart, besides the quality and sheer range of choices on the menu (both local and imported spirits, beer, shooters and cocktails), is the fact that, besides freshly-popped corn, Sam’s is one of the few establishments which doesn’t serve snacks.
The beauty of Sam’s is that it is a place “… where friends meet” to whet their appetite with an aperitif or two before heading out to dine; returning afterwards for the all-important digestive. At Sam’s you’ll find yourself in a cultural enclave of locals, ex-pats and tourists, and sitting around the open courtyard’s open fire, you’ll soon know this is the place to meet people. Go there on your own and you won’t be for long.
Several famous faces have been spotted in Sam’s flickering firelight. Besides the usual suspects (mountaineers, politicians and royalty), Julian Lennon is even rumored to have paid the bar a visit while in Kathmandu.
But Verena can neither confirm nor deny this. She may know her patrons on a first name basis, but doesn’t delve too deeply into their personal lives. She’s just too darn busy.
Kantipur FM 96.1’s notorious radio jockey Asish Syangden happened by the night of the review and summed Sam’s Bar up to a tea. “This is just my second time here, but I really like the environment. No-one cares about who’s who. It’s great how it’s so relaxed like that. And prices are reasonable too which is most important!”
About Sam’s Bar:
Sam’s Bar is located in Thamel, upstairs and opposite Hotel Mandap. Any night is a good night to stop in at Sam’s. But for something special, Saturday is reggae night, so spruce up the dreadlocks, get yourself in a Marley frame-of-mind and get down to the funky sounds with one of Verena’s exquisite tropical cocktails.
Business Hours: 4.00am to 11.00pm (daily)
Verena – +984 152 0347
Email – samsbar10@hotmail.com
miriam@myrepublica.com
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