Crazy Bear

 

Tucked away on a quiet street in Fitzrovia, Crazy Bear is on a mission to redefine luxury oriental dining in the capital. Combining chic décor with first-class service and a seriously impressive menu, Crazy Bear has a kitchen to rival Fulham's Blue Elephant but a far superior sense of cool.

Crazy Bear occupies two floors. In the basement excellent cocktails are served to a glamourous crowd putting their feet up on swish cowhide barstools. It's a sensual and uplifting start to an evening. Proceeding upstairs, the dining room is impeccably set out under low lights with seating and hardwood tables that are both stylish and comfortable.

The dishes devised by a head Chef Anusak Thepdamrongchaikagul draw on oriental traditions with the emphasis on Thai. The menu is long and enticing, with house specialities including hot and sour soup, veal escalope and slow-roast pork belly. The latter was the highlight of our visit, delightfully chewy and full of flavour, while Thai staples such as green curry and Pad Thai are handled with aplomb. The wine list is extensive and contains a number of gems - our excellent waiter steered us towards a wonderfully crisp Alain Brumont Gascogne 2002.

Crazy Bear is a welcome addition to London’s restaurant scene and one of the most original and memorable Thai kitchens in town. Expensive it may be, but this is a truly spectacular place.