The Londoner: Panama City Brittish Pub

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The Londoner: Panama City Brittish Pub

(5 votes)

Written by Matt Landau

Tuesday, August 21 2007

When asked "what regularly comforts you when travel?" most drinkers can confidently answer that, regardless of the town or language, a British pub is a thing of familiarity that, whether you're from England or not, makes everyone feel a little more at home.

The thriving tourism mecca that is Panama City did not, up until very recently, have anything that mildly resembled a British pub. The few that claimed to exist were about as British pub as I am black. But now, hooligans, sloppy drunks, and fish and chips extremists have a place they can finally call home. It's called The Londoner and it's brilliant mate.

The uneven stools, the broad beer coasters, the deep fried foods. To me, a Brittish pub is not unlike a bank or a hospital in that it is a requirement of any city that wanting to attract tourists. All tourists, no matter how cultured or adventurous they say they are, love to drink cold beer in the presence of others.

The names behind the project are the same masterminds who've made next-door Ozone Café one of the city's most consistent dining establishments. However The Londoner has a totally different vibe. The doors open into a theatric and smoky pool table area-the kind of thing that wouldn't be out of place in a WWII romance flick. Wood paneling, swinging doors, laid-back college vibe, the whole get out.

At other so-called pubs in the city, you usually have two beer options, Atlas or Balboa. The service is dull, the décor is dim, and the food nauseatingly resembles Brittish kibble.

The Londoner though, is characterized by the same core service and stellar cuisine we've become accustomed to at Ozone. Waiters and bar backs are always there when you need them, never hovering around when you don't. The menu is simple and really well done: the actual bar, extremely well stocked and an insane number of imported cold beers on draft. The ambiance is intensely British pub, but the underlying casual feel is enough to let your guard down and slug down another round.

Sit in one of their booths or around the bar and you're bound to be transported back to that semester abroad when you amazingly pulled off a 3.21 GPA and drank one too many Irish Car Bombs. It conjures up late nights with friends and intense sports rivalries, those of which The Londoner shows on giant plasma TV's scattered throughout the floor. What so special about this place is that it's not innovative or trendy, but rather this comfortable and recognizable environment where locals and travelers alike will feel at ease.

Sure, the thrill of travel is in finding new places and experiencing new things. But to people like me, small bits of comfort in the form of tall pint glasses, are not only welcomed, but quickly consumed.

Directions: It's located just around the corner from Habibis, and directly across from Starlight in the Banking District, on Calle Uruguay. They're open almost every night and parking is available in front valet style.

Comments (7)

Adam and Alex: Best British Pub in S.A.

We've been to almost every country in S.A and Central America only to be diaappointed in just about everything we've seen thus far. This place on the other hand has far surpassed our expectations. The atmousphere and amazing personalities found here were nothing but top notch. The owner, Pierce, was absolutely the center point. Completely inviting and exceptionally kind. We would recommend The Londoner to everyone that is travelling even in the vicinity of Panama. Loved it. WE WILL COME BACK!

August 31, 2007

nick martin: aussie football

gday, was just wondering if you guys had the channel setanta ehich plays afl football. it is finals time and i am desperate to see a game on sat night. tomorrow. thanks, nick

September 07, 2007

Mister: ...

Another ugly american who thinks every part of the world has to
be just like America or Europe.
Accept the countries the way they are.
Or just stay in America.
Losers!

September 28, 2007

Stefan: A pub missing the important thing

It's a nice place with original decoration which makes you think you're not in a tropical country. But hey, this so called English pub doesn't have any draft beers at all. They don't even have a tap on the counter. When I asked for a beer I expected to be offered at least a panamanian brewed Guinness. Instead they have bottled beer from all parts of the world (Germany, Mexico, Denmark, Dominican Republic) and just one single brew from England (Newcastle Brown Ale) which is, due to its taste, usually avoided by the english folks here. Since these bottles never have the volume of a pint (except the german Paulaner beer) freshly served pint glasses look a bit sad since they are only filled to 3/4. On top of that they charge you for a not-even-full glass of bottle beer 4 to 5$. At least the free pool table could alleviate my disappointment a bit.
So come on guys, get a tap and serve draft beer, fill up those pint glasses until they brim over, charge not more than $3.50 and I'll be your guest again.

October 11, 2007

Yossarian: Authentic

As a Brit who's paid a few visits to the Londoner I can confirm that it does indeed offer an authentic British drinking experience.... especially the expensive beer, thats a stroke of marketing genius that reminds me of home sweet home every time!

February 26, 2008

RugbyfanNY: Is there any place in Panama that will be showing Six Nations Ruby?

My boyfriend and I will be in Panama and he is looking to watch the final week of the Six Nations Rugby tournament. Anyone know of a place that will show this? Thanks.

March 01, 2008

Chap: Best of how many?