Since its new owners took over Hookers Fishing Resort in Huay Yai, Pattaya the changes have been remarkable. The obvious ones are to the fishing lakes (large and small) with improvements in the quality of the water, the variety of fish and the plants and general landscaping across the resort. Hookers Fishing Lake now has around 40 different species of fish and because of its size can stock extremely large specimens that grow to over 200kg. So staff are on hand to help with that photo moment for a real whopper! For more information about the amazing varieties to be found, have a look at their website (hookerspattaya.com).

Although fishermen can be quite a hardy bunch, their other halves or family members may require more creature comforts.

Therefore Hookers have upscaled their lakeside lodges and we went to have a look at a 2 bedroom one, perfect for a family. Ithad air-conditioned comfortable living spaces, Netflix, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, sun loungers, a plunge pool andeven bunk beds for the kids.So perfect for anyone who just wants to stay,chill and enjoy the lovely tranquil space.The less immediately obvious improvements are very well worth

discovering within the all day dining area “Catch Bar & Restaurant”. Already gaining a great reputation for visitors coming here just for the food Chef Danny Wogan leads his team in the kitchen. Moving to Huay Yai last year he arrived with a very impressive CV having worked at restaurants in London’s Lanesborough, Connaught, and Dorchester (alongside famous 3-star Michelin chef Alain Ducasse). Also for the King of Dubai at Jumeirah. It was whilst there that he was included in the MasterChef 2014 live shows (an extension of the famous TV show) which featured some of the best of the capital’s chefs in an event lasting over three days at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre.

Now Danny has a new life and a new partner here in Pattaya and we are lucky to have him with us. His Fish and Chips and traditional East End Pie and Mash have fans returning again and again. However, we were there to try another very popular meal, his Sunday roast. Although portions are generous enough to just be a meal in themselves, we decided to add a couple of starters (purely for the sake of the photos you understand).

My colleague decided to go “Surf and Turf” declaring his prawn cocktail fresh and juicy with a flavoursome Marie Rose sauce. Then selecting the roast beef – already given a big thumbs up by some friends and fellow diners at another table. I went with the Prawn Gambas which I loved, cooked in garlic, paprika and olive oil, served with sourdough toast and salad. My roast of choice was the chicken and pork combo with meats perfectly cut (not too thin – which can sometimes be annoying) andaccompanied by all the correct sauces and condiments. These were served straight away without us having to request them.

Desserts you really should try include Danny’s own recipe Banana bread and if you’re feeling too full to finish it – there’s always the doggy bag! Which reminds me “Catch” is pet friendly so it’s an excellent restaurant to bring your furry friends. This plus plenty of on-site parking, spacious well air-conditioned interior, scenic views, elegant outside terrace and fantastic food make

it a great Sunday lunch destination – but try it anytime. They are open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Catch Bar and Restaurant facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/HookersFishingLakePattaya