A new sports pub on Sukhumvit is a pleasant place to catch the match

New pubs and bars traditionally popping up like mushrooms during the rainy season and the downtown end of Sukhumvit is the latest to welcome a new watering hold.

An easy walk from Soi Cowboy near the Asoke intersection, the two-storey English-style sports bar, The Penalty Spot is pleasantly decorated with lots of dark wood, brass knickknacks and high barstools. It's airy and spacious and the glass roof covered with some leafy greenery makes you feel as though you are sitting in a shady atrium. Head up to the second floor for a panoramic view of the entire premises.

This being a sports bar, there are televisions all over the place - 11 in total! The main bar screens soccer, tennis and rugby and occasional golf and you can enjoy the game no matter where you sit - whether at the bar, at the tables or even outside in the smoking area. And while most sport bars have one gigantic screen, Penalty Spot opts for several smaller ones, meaning that not everyone is forced to watch the same game or even the same sport.

There's live music every night, with acoustic, classic English hits performed from 6 till 9 by Ritchie Wednesday through Saturday, and by Johnny the One-Man Band from Sunday to Tuesday. A full band is scheduled to play later at night.

Drinkers might not be that impressed with the menu, which mainly features standard drinks and beers. And you're probably better eating before you go as, for now, there's no pub grub and only a few Thai dishes. Prices for both drinks and food are reasonable, though.

After two weeks in operation, patrons are mostly tourists and families during the day and early evening. Expat lads roll in later at night for a pint.

There are hostesses at the door but they won't hassle you - unless you want them to.