If you happen to be a postcard collector, there is a chance that you might have come across a set known as the “Bangsar Vintage Shops”.
This 2023 collection features a series of six printed sketches from the original artworks of Malaysian artist and former art director Gladys Teo-Simpson.
One of the establishments featured was Ronnie Q Pub and Restaurant that was set up in 1992.
Ronald Quay, 77, the eatery’s sole proprietor, is especially proud that out of the 50 or so restaurants operating in this upmarket suburb, his pub was chosen for the postcard series.
“We have been in business for 33 years.
“We are the oldest pub in Bangsar,” said Quay, who is of Baba-Nyonya descent and a former Victoria Institution student.
When asked how he had managed to stay in business for so long, the former state cricket player said it was all about maintaining standards of friendly service, good food, ambience, and clean toilets.
There is no loud music but on days when major sports events are being televised live on the pub’s TV screens, one can expect a lot of loud cheering from the floor.
The latest cricket matches, tennis grand slams, golfing majors and Six Nations Rugby championships are shown live at the pub.
They have also garnered about 600 regular customers who are kept abreast of the pub’s latest promotions through an online chat group.
“We have a respectable customer base who come here for friendship and gatherings.
“Even if you come alone, you’ve got television to watch,” he said.
Quay, who used to own an advertising agency, admitted that he had started the pub as a hobby.
He could not have found a more convenient location, as his office was just above the pub.
“It was my love for cricket that got me to open my own pub.
“Having travelled the world to play and watch the game, I saw that it was tradition for players to go to a bar after a game, to conduct post-mortems and foster friendship.
“That was when I felt that I, too, should have my own bar so that sports people like cricket and rugby players would have a place to mingle,” he said.
As Quay was formerly a member of the Malaysian Cricket Association’s administration, his pub was also where many discussions of the game took place.
Among sports personalities who visited the pub were retired Australian cricket fast bowler Dennis Keith Lillee who stopped by in 2001.
Former British rugby lock forward Martin Johnson also visited the pub between 2015 and 2016.
Quay also served as president of the Bangsar Baru Business Council for 20 years.
With about 70 members, the council became dormant after the Covid-19 pandemic.
During its active years, the council had worked closely with authorities and residents associations to improve security and hygiene in the area.
When it comes to food, specifically food at his pub, Quay’s personal favourite is the bangers and mash.
He said the pork sausages are of the premium variety containing 97% meat.
They come served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with green beans on the side.
While its menu offers the usual favourites too, like Chicken 65 and shepherd’s pie, the pub is well-known for its lamb varuval and crispy crust pizzas.
The tender, spicy and addictive lamb varuval is made with Australian lamb.
It is their signature item and is served with slices of toasted bread.
The Ronnie Q Pub and Restaurant, No.32, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2201 0722) Business hours: 3.30pm to 12.30am.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
