Patara

This Oxford Circus branch of the upmarket Thai chain has all the hallmarks of its ever-reliable siblings: charming staff, classy cooking & surroundings that are several notches up in smartness from many Thais & imbued with a warm atmosphere. While the menu offers a rundown of all the fishcake & curry favourites, ingredients such as wild boar & beef cheek offer a more unusual slant on the Thai repertoire &, though fans of authentically spicy cooking might be disappointed, the likes of prawn, chicken & pork dumplings, Gressingham duck breast stir-fried in a garlic & chilli sauce with crispy basil, & a diverting side order of sauteed aubergine in a spicy yellow bean sauce with sweet basil always hit the spot.