The Thai Café, Southampton (From Daily Echo)

The Thai Café, Southampton

2:49pm Friday 6th July 2007

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PREVIOUSLY this restaurant had a hot spot opposite the Mayflower Theatre, and was always busy with couples, groups of friends or families enjoying good Thai food at great prices.

But things have moved on, and the Thai Café has left its old, well-worn, home behind and moved to a smart new venue near the up-and-coming restaurant area, Oxford Street.

It's quite a change in image for the homely business, so my partner and I popped in for a meal to see if its metamorphosis was a successful one.

The area certainly sets the tone well - every restaurant we walked past had people spilling out on to the pavement tables, soaking up the last of the summer evening rays. The restaurant itself is spacious with acres of wooden floor leading you through the bar area and into the restaurant. Squishy brown leather sofas in the bar provide a great spot for an after work, or pre-dinner, drink. In the restaurant the high-back padded chairs offer a level of comfort not previously associated with the Thai Café, and a trendy, modern style pervades throughout.

Thankfully the menu still offers all the favourites, and we plumped for a set menu for two, at £20 each, which included mixed Thai starters, red Thai curry, sweet and sour pork, cashew chicken, pad Thai noodles and plain rice.

Tea or coffee was also included in the price.

The starter was a big white platter with spring rolls, chicken satay, chicken wings and scrumptious prawn toasts.

All dishes were great, but our favourites were, without a doubt, the red Thai curry and noodles - both of which had such a heavenly quality to them, that I would happily eat until I could eat no more.

The wine list has seen an overhaul, offering much more in the way of variety and choice.

The service is friendly and helpful, and the restaurant looks set to bring all its old friends with it, and to make plenty of new ones along the way.

Jayne Stamp The Thai Café, 20-22 Queens Terrace, Southampton SO14 3BQ. Tel: 023 8033 0911. www.thethaicafe.co.uk

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