Ong says the pub has a sophisticated sound and light systems for big names to perform at.
Pubs with good live bands have a winning formula.
This formula has sustained Tom Dick and Harry’s (TDH) for the past 15 years.
“We’re like the local version of Hard Rock Cafe,” said owner Ernest Ong, 44, who has branded his bars as neighbourhood pubs.
Ong started his first outlet aged 29 in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, with five partners and a capital of RM270,000.
He now runs two TDH outlets — one at The Sphere in Bangsar South and the other at Oasis Ara Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Enjoy the ambience of a neighbourhood pub in bustling Klang Valley.
Both feature live music, are equipped with full kitchens and have six beer brands on tap, including Hoegaarden and Sapporo.
We were told that the kegs, mostly quarter barrels, are changed daily.
The magic lies in the compressors, which ensure the beers dispensed from any of the 12 galvanised steel tower taps are served within the 3°C to 13°C range.
The kitchen of TDH’s The Sphere outlet is headed by chef Krishnan Tharmalingam, 70, who previously worked at five-star hotels.
Among recommendations by the chef, better known as Uncle Krishnan, are the pies which have three options – chicken and mushroom, beef and onion, and chilli cheese.
He also recommends the German pork knuckle on mashed potatoes with a demi-glace made from pork drippings.
Tom, Dick and Harry’s offer six types of beer on tap, including Hoegaarden and Sapporo.
The major draw for TDH are the live band performances.
Ong said his outlets were among very few pub venues that had sophisticated sound and light systems for big names to perform at.
“Our stage is equipped to bring out the best in them.”
A recent performance featured The Amazing Line Up, a five-piece band with singer Shasha, drummer Ahmad Aizad Mohamed Fauzi, bassist and band leader Galang Bimandiri, guitarist Aimey Mohamed, better know as Tommy, and keyboardist Muhayudin Ramly, better known as Kudin.
The members had previously played in different bands but were handpicked by TDH.
Shasha, with her rainbow-hued tresses and honeyed, powerhouse voice is the lead vocalist.
Ahmad Aizad has been playing drums since age 16 and is a National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage graduate.
Galang from Indonesia is a product of Farabi Music School in Jakarta, while Tommy from Brunei is self-taught and has 30 years’ experience.
Kudin is a member of popular local band Headwind.
The main reason the members agreed to play together was their friendship with Ong.
“During the (Covid-19) movement control order, when we lost our livelihoods, Ong came to our homes to deliver food,” said Shasha.
TDH regular Park Youn Mi, 39, a South Korean native who works in investment banking, is one of their fans.
Park, a music lover who plays the piano, flute and drums, said she had goosebumps the first time she heard the band play.
Ever since, she insists on getting a table in front of the stage whenever she frequents the pub.
On the night Park was there with her friends, Shasha serenaded one of Park’s male friends.
When Shasha asked him how long he would be staying in Malaysia, he quipped that it would be up to her.
“We like to create lasting memories for our audience.
“I am sure Park’s friend will remember this evening,” said Shasha.
TDH at Bangsar South features live bands on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9.30pm.
Tom, Dick and Harry’s, No.11&12, Ground Floor, The Sphere, G7, 1 Avenue, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 013-340 8800) Business hours: 4pm to midnight, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
