Five top Thai places

Lan Na Thai, Groveside Court, 2 Lombard Road, SW11 (020 7924 6090). Very smart, very nightclubby, and very expensive restaurant set in a completely revamped riverside pub. Attentive service. Wonderful presentation.

The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street, W8 (020 7792 1246). The Churchill is a genuine pub serving a fine pint of Fullers beer. Out the back there is an old established Thai restaurant serving good, cheap Thai food.

Thai Square, 136-138 The Minories, EC3 (020 7680 1111). This new Thai in the City is part of a chain. It is very large indeed, and has a thriving bar culture. There is a good value set lunch for City folk without much time.

Busaba Eathai, 106-110 Wardour Street, W1 (020 7255 8686). A large and seriously busy Thai restaurant. This is the acceptable face of fast food - Thai style. A good starting point for novices.