Wednesday January 25, 2023– The Londoner Brewpub in Bangkok’s east side invited the Bangkok Pipe Band to come and help celebrate a Burn’s night on the correct date, despite it being a Wednesday this year.*
The Londoner offered special menu items for those looking to enjoy Burn’s Night with traditional fair. Good food and good beer was made available for those coming to hear the bagpipes and drums.
*For those yet unaware, Burn’s Night in an annual Scottish ‘holiday’ that celebrates the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Often the day is celebrated with his poetry, some whisky, and Scottish things in general. Many Scottish organizations choose to celebrate Burn’s night on a Saturday close to January 25 so as to make a bigger deal than a fan could on a weekday. To properly celebrate the bard often needs at least a day recover.
-Clif
Bangkok pipe band playing at the Londoner:
Although the original idea was for the band to play on the rooftop of the bar, we ended up playing outside on the pavement, and inside the bar’s main floor. I don’t think anyone minded not climbing the 2 flights, especially the (acting) bass drummer, Mark. We played a couple sets where we started outside, played a few pieces, and then went inside to finish the set with a few more tunes. The bar had a solid stone floor and high ceilings, so the sound reverberated well, and the patrons were happy to take lots of photos.
We finished our second full set, and ordered a few drinks as we put our pipes and drums down. Soon after, we were informed someone had just arrived after traveling across the city just for the pipe band. Could we possibly strike up again in a few minutes?
“Sure! Why not?”
Bar manager was happy for us to play a bit more, and we had a whole table wanting more tunes, so we scratched together a little more, and even had a couple solos.
In the end, the band played three sets, and a good time was had by all.
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