For the past year, Northern Thai restaurant Khao Bird (which originally started life as pop-ups in Brighton) has had a very successful residency above The Globe Tavern in London Bridge. However, now it's time for them to put down permanent roots, and they've chosen Soho for that, in a space that was apparently once Soho's last adult cinema.
Run by restaurateur Mike Palmer and Head Chef Luke Larsson, the permanent restaurant will be influenced both by their trips across Thailand and also what went down well at the residency. Food-wise, that means contemporary interpretations of traditional, hyper-regional techniques from Chiang Mai. There will also be a big focus on live-fire cooking and BBQ. He lists his specific influences as Samuay & Sons, 100 Mahaseth, Bo.lan and Haawn supperclub.
Dishes planned fot the menu include prawn khanon jeen made of fermented rice noodles, minced prawn curry and mustard greens (served cold), khao soi with beef brisket and Shan BBQ meatballs. They'll also have their own version of beef larb with Campari, and plenty of vegetarian dishes too. Downstairs at the bar, there will also be a few "off-menu" items, like house-made beef jerky with fried lime leaves.
As for the restaurant itself, it's a two-floored affair (48 downstairs and 30 upstairs) and the whole place is decked out in a blue and steel colour palette which is meant to reference Chiang Mai traffic signage. There will also be lots of Thai craft and artworks throughout. Downstairs is where the open kitchen will sit, apparently taking the space that once held the cinema screen.
Drinks-wise, the always reliable Zeren Wilson is once again on the wine list, while there will be Thai and small-batch British beers on offer. Cocktails will change regularly, being steered by what the kitchen is cooking. They're promising classic cocktils, reimagined with fresh Thai herbs, seasonal fruits, and some icy slushies too.
About the new opening, Palmer says it, "features Northern Thai classics, particularly the flavours that light up the City's night markets, with some playful twists that reflect our journey from Brighton to Thailand."
We had a great meal at the Borough Market pop-up, so think this is definitely one to watch this autumn.
More about Khao Bird
Where is it? 24 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SS
When does it open? October 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @khaobird.
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