The Islington branch of award-winning restaurant group, Thai Square, will be reopening its doors on 2nd November following a full refurbishment. With redesigned sleek interiors, a late night bar serving innovative cocktails and a delicious new menu to match, Thai Square is set to spice up Islington’s drinking and dining scene.
Following its closure in December 2016 due to severe flooding after a public water main burst, the restaurant is now almost unrecognisable thanks to the work of managing director Haim Danous. Set over two floors, the spacious ground floor seats up to 100 people and is home to a striking living wall. Covering the back wall in its entirety, the lush green wall injects a bright pop of colour and texture into the room, reminiscent of the buzzing forests of Thailand. Incorporating contemporary finishes with authentic Thai artefacts and a palette of red and golden hues, the design creates a welcoming feel and reflects traditional Thai establishments.
The a la carte menu, served on the ground floor, features Thai favourites like tender Lamb Massaman Curry packed full of potatoes and peanuts; Weeping Tiger – a succulent sirloin of beef marinated in Thai Square’s chilli sauce and Pad Thai filled with juicy prawns, crushed peanuts and bean sprouts. There is also a selection of Thai Square specialities like Poh Tak Soup – a delicious seafood broth packed full of lemongrass, fresh lime leaves, Thai basil and Thai chillies; hot and spicy Drunken Noodles, stir fried with beef, fresh chillies and Thai basil leaves and Golden Soft Shell Crab crispy fried and topped with yellow curry sauce, eggs, onions and celery. Thai Square Islington also has a special set lunch menu, which includes a side and main dish with an onzen egg, papaya salad and egg fried rice – served from 12-3pm.
Make your way up the sweeping staircase to the top floor overlooking the main restaurant; a statement alabaster bar dominates the room. Dressing room-style mirrors surrounded by exposed lightbulbs cover the back of the bar, adding a touch of art deco glamour with high stool seating, perfect for a pre-dinner or after work drink. Designed specifically to accommodate a live band, four large booths at one end of the bar are positioned to chat with friends while enjoying the performance. Open until the early hours Friday and Saturday night, it’s a great late night venue for dinner and drinks in Islington.
The new bar menu, designed by chef Mannuthat Tanpradit, focusses on small plates, such as crispy fried Duck Spring Rolls or tender Thai grilled pork, Kor Moo Yang. These flavour packed morsels are a great accompaniment to the new drinks menu designed by mixologist Chertchai Banjongrak. Classic cocktails have been given a Thai twist with highlights including Bangkok Dangerous, Copper and Clover Club.
Whether you want a quick midweek lunch or late-night dinner and drinks, Thai Square Islington has been designed to ensure the setting is just as luxurious as the cuisine.