The Oriental hotel in Bangkok has a deserved reputation of being one of the best hotels in the world. Never stayed there, of course, but we’ve eaten at their restaurant frequently and you invariably find us at their Veranda bar on the banks of the river on at least one evening when we’re in Bangkok.

They also have a café in the Paragon shopping centre.

Here are 2 examples of just how good they are.

1

Mrs jb orders a blueberry cheescake and an espresso, I order my usual doppio and I’m – as usual – encouraged to try the cake.

All of a sudden (and you don’t even NOTICE its being placed on the table), there’s a plate with an extra fork.

2

The first time we went there, we asked if they served a light breakfast.

Would we like croissants and preserves?

That would be very nice.

Of course, please take a seat.

They don’t ACTUALLY serve breakfast, but instead of sending us downstairs to their bakery (which DOES serve breakfast), they send one of their staff downstairs to bring it upstairs and serve it.

Now, THAT’S style…..