Chiang Mai -- the Writers Club is writing its own legend.

The Writers Club is run by ex- Fleet Street journalist Bob Tilley and his lovely Thai partner Tong, ably assisted by a friendly team including some of her children. Chiang Mai being home to many writers (such as myself), journalists, screenwriters, novelists, photographers and filmmakers, this is a firm favourite with local and visiting scribes. Friday night in particular is when they're particularly out in force, debating whether there should be an apostrophe in the club's name, and telling tales of derring-do and whopping lies around the bar.

Think of it as Chiang Mai's answer to the FCC in Phnom Penh. On a good night you can meet James Conrad, Somerset Maugham, and Ernest Hemingway. Jing jing!

Wine is expensive in Thailand, but the Writer's Club have a number of 1 litre carafes of red and white wine from France, Italy, South Africa, etc, which start at 120 baht. Not bad value.

The food is a good mixture of local favourites and hearty western pub grub. You can sit around the bar or take a cafe style table under cover out the front.

All are welcome for a drink or a meal here ... you don't have to be a writer or a member, just roll on in. Open midday to midnight-ish. Note: closed Saturdays.

My Favorite Dish: Thai beef salad. Cooked to tender perfection, with just enough spiciness to give it a good kick along.

Address: 141/3 Rachadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai. Rachadamnoen Road is one of the main lateral roads of the old city, and runs from Tapae Gate in the east across towards Doi Suthep in the west. The Writer's Club and Bar is about half way between Wat Phrasing and Tapae Gate.