Patara

Less overtly Thai than most teak-house mock-ups, this branch of the Patara mini chain plays it smart & subtle with cool interior design & voguishly re-interpreted, indigenous food. Rice-paper wraps accompanied by a zingy dipping sauce have an almost Vietnamese feel, carpaccio-like tuna tartare is flecked with coriander & bathed in an ice-cold dressing of lime & fish sauce; elsewhere, slow-cooked beef melts into a creamy green curry full of sweet, sharp & salty tones, & coconut ice cream is a necessarily refreshing dessert – yes, it’s all Thai, but not quite as we know it. Greetings are smiley, but there are no ‘sawasdees’ or traditional garb; likewise the decor blends tropical foliage & Buddha bas-reliefs with smart trappings & contemporary seating. Creative, fairly priced cocktails are the big players on the drinks list, but don’t miss the apple & mint ‘mocktails’.