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Le Grand Thai
Get carried away

It seems like every other pub you walk into in London has an 'authentic Thai kitchen' tucked away round the back.

Unfortunately most of them are about as authentic as Chantelle's hair extensions, which is why we were so excited when we heard that Saran Rom, a restaurant specialising in "classic, un-Westernised Thai delicacies", would be opening in Chelsea.

Unfortunately the latest press release has made us a bit nervous. For a start, the place is going to be vast. Modelled on the 'palaces of the Far East', there's going to be room enough for a couple of hundred banqueters, and that's on top of the two bars, lounge area and an outside heated terrace.

The owners assure us that the atmosphere will suit romantic meals and parties alike, but right now it sounds more like hen night territory than anything else. And then there are the 'authentic' touches: lots of solid teak and hanging silks, and (oh, the humanity) a fleet of Tuk Tuks to pick up and drop off guests.

Of course the success of Saran Rom will lie in how good the food is and with the promise of classic ingredients, Thai wines and an underlying philosophy to support trade in Thailand, it all sounds pretty promising.

But wait, what's this? A "modern 'Thai-pas' grazing menu". Make it stop!

 

Saran Rom - opens today
Waterside Tower, The Boulevard, Town Mead Road, Imperial Wharf, SW6 - 020 7223 4488
 
by RH
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