The oil-patch is a Global industry and over the years I've been fortunate to work on health and safety programs for companies around the World.
I've compiled a short list of my favorite bars, restaurants and hotels in some of the places I've been working.
Here they are...but look out for more next Friday...
1. London, UK -
Rooftop bar at the Trafalgar Hotel. Just a great location right in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London town. You even get to look Lord Nelson straight in the eye (he only had one) from the rooftop bar at this Conrad Hotel. One of my all time favorite experiences. Handy for Shell or Hess employees just down the Strand. Check it out by
clicking here.
2. Houston, Texas -
The Flying Saucer. Right on Main Street and so handy for workers from Shell, Eni, Hess, Exon Mobil, Chevron, and every other oil company in town. A great place to watch the World wander past. Check it out by
clicking here.
3 Perth, WA -
Rigby's Bar. Not nearly the best bar in town but a must visit for anyone in the oil patch. Full of Woodside, Santos, BHP, and Chevron employees after hours - especially on Friday's. The covered roof over the whole building makes it especially good if you need a beer during inclement weather (i.e., winter). Check it out by
clicking here.
4. Midland-Odessa, Texas -
Dos Amigos Cantina. As it says on the sign - "Beer, Babes and Bulls". What more can I say! Check it out by
clicking here.
5. Sakhalin Island, Russia -
Kona Bar. Anton Chekhov may have described Sakhalin as "hell on earth" but he visited in 1890 before the oil-industry arrived on the scene. I started to visit Sakhalin back in 2002 and it was still pretty primitive in those early days. Now you'll find curry-houses, sushi bars and the Kona bar. No website but it's in the Sakhalin Centre Building in the middle of Yuszhno and close to all the Exxon-Mobil and Sakhalin Energy project offices. You can't miss it!
6. Seminole, West Texas -
Charlies Place. You might be way out in the Permian Basin and be mighty thirsty but you ain't getting a drink in this dry Baptist town. Check out "Charlies" for the best Steak in this neck of the woods. You'll be drinking Coke or Dr Pepper though! Check it out by
clicking here.
7. Aberdeen, Scotland -
Peep Peeps. Spit and sawdust doesn't begin to describe the authenticity of this Scottish Ale House. Make sure you take someone who is really hard with you. Check it out by
clicking here.
8. Luba, Equatorial Guinea -
Kelly's Bar and Grill. You'll have to get a private invite but worth it if you make it there. Check it out by
clicking here.
9. Karratha, WA -
The Icon. Karratha is the home-town of the energy boom in Western Australia. Even so, it's not much to look at! The Icon is a good place for a beer and live music. Check it out by
clicking here.
10. Moscow, Russia -
Golden Ring Hotel. Not the best bar but certainly the best breakfast I've ever had. A real luxury hotel and close to Shell's (Salym Petroleum) downtown offices. Check it out by
clicking here.
Sydney, NSW. Nothing to recommend it. A town full of parasites feeding off hard working folks in the oil industry. Avoid.