Why are so many Thai restaurants hidden inside London pubs?
Pints and pad Thai may seem like an unlikely pairing. But tucked away in London's backstreets is a culinary tradition with a surprising history.
TL;DR
- Thai restaurants are commonly found in the backrooms or upstairs lofts of traditional British or Irish pubs in London, creating a "Thai-rish" pub culture.
- This trend emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as British tastes evolved and more travelers returned from Thailand with an appreciation for its food.
- The Churchill Arms in Kensington is credited with pioneering this concept in 1988 when owner Gerry O'Brien allowed Thai chef Songkot Boonyasarayon to cook in the pub's kitchen, leading to unexpected popularity.
- The Thai government's "gastrodiplomacy" efforts, such as the Global Thai Campaign, also contributed to the rise of Thai restaurants abroad, with many chefs finding opportunities in UK pub kitchens.
- The pairing of aromatic Thai flavors with crisp beers is considered a natural fit, making these fusion establishments a successful and distinctive feature of London's dining scene.