Southwark, Thai Restaurant Guide

“Epic Thai cuisine” from “an interesting and varied” menu, “including the old favourites along with some more-innovative choices” distinguishes this contemporary, white-walled, new pub-conversion near London Bridge, on the site that was formerly Suchard’s Freehouse (RIP) but has been transformed into this newcomer by the owner’s children.

“Unusual Thai cooking with interesting Malay influences” has for many years drawn a steady flow of diners to a sidestreet near Guy’s Hospital, now in the shadow of the Shard. “Service is quick and helpful”, and the “small, slightly cramped” restaurant “has a lovely hideaway table for a romantic dinner”.

The “lovely Thai food” at these reliable cafés is “impressively authentic given that they are a chain” – “excellent value” and “fast”, if occasionally let down by “iffy service”. Founded in 2008 by Saiphin and Alex Moore, who inherited the name of their first East End site, the group has 15 branches in London and expanded to Liverpool and Leeds this year following the sale of a majority stake to US investors. The couple also have two spin-offs, Lao Café in Covent Garden and the new Chinese noodle bar Hoh Sek in St Katharine Docks.

The fifth pub from Windmill Taverns Ltd, a traditional Irish pub in the heart of Southwark with an authentic Thai twist.