Busaba Eathai Wardour Street

With more than decade of trading under its belt, this sexy, budget Thai mini-chain still has what it takes, & now boasts five branches across the capital. Crowds of office groups, tourists & fashionistas sit elbow-to-elbow at communal dark-wood tables with the scent of incense in the air & alluring artefacts all around. Busaba serves excellent, reasonably priced ‘fodder’ that comes out ‘fresh & fast’. Among the many hits are tender monkfish curry with pea aubergines & sweetcorn, pad thai, green papaya salad, & Mussaman duck curry with potato, peanut & lime. Service is efficient & ‘you never feel like you’re being rushed out’. Drinks range from a handful of wines to sakés, beers, juices & tea. Queues are a fixture – come rain or shine.