Pad Thai and a pint? While it doesn’t sound like a classic British pub combo, there are a surprising number of traditional London boozers that serve up great Thai food. The tradition is said to have originated in the Churchill Arms, an 18th century pub in Notting Hill, where a Thai chef was hired to add a little pepper to the dinner menu in the 1980s. Now it is so easy to find dishes like Thai green curry and spring rolls on pub menus as it is to see fish, chips and pastries. We’ve rounded up the seven best pubs in London featuring Thai cuisines for when you want to turn up the heat on traditional pub food.
Churchill Arms, Notting Hill
Between Kensington and Notting Hill, this 18th century pub is colorful and full of character, both inside and out. The exterior is decorated with an impressive array of hanging baskets and window boxes, and the wood-paneled interiors are awash with portraits of British Prime Ministers and American Presidents, road signs, royal memorabilia, buntings, and copper trinkets. This popular pub was one of the first in London to introduce Thai cuisine in the 1980s and has since served affordable Asian dishes such as Pad Khing, Rad Na and Pad Siew.
The Heron, Paddington
This Paddington restaurant may not be the prettiest pub in the city, but its tasty menu attracts Thai foodies from all over London. From his small dining room in the basement, he serves some of the most authentic dishes in town. Many of the recipes come from Northeast Thailand and you’ll find salads, curries, stir fries, and more on the menu. The restaurant doubles as a karaoke lounge after 9pm
The Hesitant Fullback, Finsbury Park
This fun North London pub is a Finsbury Park favorite. It’s a great place to watch sports (mainly rugby and soccer / football games) and live music events, including acoustic sessions and open mic nights, are held regularly. The secluded beer garden is one of the best in London and to round out the many reasons to visit it serves top-notch Thai food. Spicy delicacies such as fish cakes and Tom Kha soup are offered in the back room from 6.30am every day.
El Woodbine, Highbury
This beautiful drinking den is decorated with reclaimed wood walls and chandeliers. It’s a modern take on a traditional pub and serves craft beers from London breweries based in Islington, Hackney and Greenwich. There is a long list of Thai dishes including a variety of stir fries, Tom Yum soups, and noodles.
Los Latymers, Hammersmith.
If you can’t decide between Thai and British food, head to the Latymers in Hammersmith and you can enjoy both. The lunch menu includes fish and chips on one menu and a selection of noodle dishes on the other. In the evening, you will find more elegant food, such as Thai style sirloin, roast duck and a number of sea bass specialties. There is an outdoor seating area if you need to cool down after a spicy feast.
King’s Arms, Waterloo
This pretty corner pub is on a beautifully preserved street near Waterloo Station. The cozy space features wood paneling and a roaring fire, and there’s a regularly changing menu of guest beers. Kanchana’s Kitchen serves affordable Thai dishes seven days a week, including entrees like spring rolls and sesame shrimp toast that are great bar appetizers.
The Lemon Tree, Covent Garden
Tucked behind the London Coliseum in Covent Garden, this cute pub is a bit off the beaten path in this part of town and even better. There are a number of real beers on tap and a good selection of wines. Thai food is served upstairs, including red duck curry and yum nua salad, along with a small menu of classic pub fare.
