“We have many guests who come for dinner every night of of their holiday. Others who dine here every time they visit Phuket. And right now there’s one customer who has breakfast, lunch and dinner here EVERY day!” says Peter Lomm, genial host at Harrys Steakhouse & Restaurant in “Soi Patong Tower”.

Maybe not everyone’s style, but certainly testimony to the satisfaction level maintained at this gem of a restaurant, tucked away just off Patong Beach Road, where – surprisingly – you can sit outside undisturbed by the bustle and noise.

Harrys is part of a Swedish franchise – a hybrid between English Pub and American Steakhouse, with everything on the menu from Swedish food to pizza, pasta, burgers, seafood, Mexican to Thai; there’s even a Kid’s Menu... and breakfast too.

On a quiet, low season Sunday evening, we found the place relaxed, friendly and FULL! as we worked out what to sample. Idaho Potato Skins and BBQ Tiger Prawns demanded attention, followed by Steak and Carolina Red Hot Honey Ribs (Harrys special secret recipe).

The Prawns were not only tender, sweet and delicious, they were superbly presented too. The Skins are a meal in themselves (if you’re not starving). The Steak... the important things about steak are the quality of the meat and the chef’s ability to cook it to perfection; Harrys, naturally, scored top marks on both counts. The Ribs... a feast that leaves you desperate to find out that secret.

All this was washed down with a Hardy’s Semillion Chardonnay, a value at 995 Baht and at the top end of the wine list, a South African Stony Cape Cabernet priced at 1,200 Baht, a true bargain.

Amazingly, we still had room to share a dessert. Deep Fried Bananas with ice cream and butterscotch proved an imaginative combination. Resembling a mediaeval castle, it blends textures and tastes in a way that falls perfectly on the fullest stomach.

Expect excellent, friendly service. Expect perfection whatever dish you choose. Find out why those customers keep going back.