Thai Square - Putney

 

The Putney branch of this classy chain of Thai restaurants is in the amazing building that used to be occupied by the Putney Bridge Restaurant. Right on the waterfront, its tapered shape reminds one irresistibly of a ship ready to set sail. Balconies, a front terrace and huge windows make this a magical spot in summer. The design has also been carefully managed so that all but a couple of the tables have great riverside views. The interior is impressively done-up with Thai antiques, and the traditionally dressed staff are, if anything, even more beautiful than the builduing. However, Putney is full of Thai restaurants, and this is, in truth, not the best of them. Our Tom Kha Gai was oversweet and our mixed starters were covered in a lovely crisp batter, but lacked flavour. A gorgeously chewy grilled pork 'Moo Ping' and some pleasantly flavoursome squid made fine main courses, but were part of a set menu that offered rice as a vegetable and no interesting sauces to pour over it. Still, it is hard to go far wrong with Thai food, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more glamorous spot to dine out in Putney and at such reasonable prices.