A temple to authentic Thai dining, Chaophraya recently unveiled its exciting transformation at an exclusive launch event, which my friend and I were lucky to attend. We were greeted with great excitement by fire breathers, a red carpet, and women in traditional Thai dress who welcomed us to Palm Sugar, a bar which “fuses traditional Thailand with modern glamour”.
After glimpsing the refurbished interiors, we made a beeline for the bar, and I opted for a concoction of muddled berries topped off with champagne. The cocktail menu boasts an impressive selection of both classic and Thai inspired creations as well as a range of boutique beers no less. To accompany our drinks, the friendly staff produced an impressive selection of canapés including prawn toasts and mini spring rolls, whilst dancers provided sophisticated entertainment
Up the grand staircase to the main restaurant area, the chefs were preparing Pad Thai and Som Tum at stations in front of the guests, naturally using the freshest ingredients. The Pad Thai was some of the best I’ve ever tasted and we definitely returned for seconds, or perhaps, possibly potential thirds. The Som Tum was spiced piquantly with heaps of chilli and garlic. To round off our evening, we enjoyed a few more of Chaophraya’s hand-crafted cocktails and music in the lounge. Overall, it was a fabuous launch and I awaited another indulgence in Thai delicacies with much anticipation.
Gratifyingly our return was equally impressive and again, we started with the faithful Thai inspired cocktails. I’d highly recommend ‘Made in Thailand’, with delectably sharp citrus vodka. In terms of food, the menu has something to suit all tastes with stir fries, curries, meat and fish from the grill as well as plenty of vegetarian options. For starters, we shared marinated pork with honey and the Asian Platter’s abundance of appetisers, my favourite of which was the incredibly fresh duck salad. Main courses were equally tasty with my Spicy Seafood Udon Noodles definitely living up to their name, whilst my friend relished the Penang Curry with tender beef strips. Despite feeling incredibly full, I couldn’t resist Chaophraya’s pancakes which, filled with sticky rice and coconut caramel, proved to be a delicious Thai twist on this classic dessert.
With appetisers averaging at £8 and mains starting at £10, it’s a significant step up from the old takeaway. However, if you love authentic Thai food and are looking for somewhere that extra bit special, say when the parents are visiting or for a birthday, then Chaophraya has got your back. It’s ideally location a stone’s throw away from Call Lane puts the Palm Sugar bar on the map too as the perfect venue to enjoy cutting-edge cocktails.
Words: Catherine Cloughley
20 Swinegate
LS1 4AG
0113 244 9339