It’s been over two decades since Bridget Jones first graced our screens, woefully wailing out ‘all by myself’ in her legendary London living room. And from that very moment, her (highly-enviable) Borough Market flat has been one of the city’s most iconic pieces of rom-com real estate. I’m sure you know that the property is no stranger to visitors, with people often seen snapping pictures outside it. But what you might not know is that you can also head inside and tuck into some of the tastiest Thai food in town, thanks to a hot new restaurant that recently opened up right inside Bridget Jones’ living room.
Khao Bird
Khao Bird is the shiny new Thai barbecue restaurant that you’ll find in a permanent residency upstairs from the Globe Tavern. Inspired by the vibrancy of the open-air night markets of northern Thailand, this hot new London Bridge locale transports diners (and their tastebuds) straight to the lively streets of Chiang Mai. Following on from his beloved Brighton eatery, Lucky Khao, Khao Bird is founder Mike Palmer’s debut on the London food scene – and it looks pretty darn delicious.
Credit: @khaobird via Instagram
The food at Khao Bird
Steering the kitchen’s ship is Head Chef, Luke Larsson, who draws from his own personal experience of working in Thai kitchens to curate the perfect menu. He’s cooking up sustainably-sourced British ingredients alongside authentic Thai spices to create playful riffs on some of northern Thailand’s best-loved dishes. Visitors can tuck into the delicious likes of Chiang Mai-style herb pork sausage with pickles, white corn ribs with laab sauce and coconut relish, pork Hung Ley, and vegetable Som Tam.
To wash everything down, a perfectly refreshing drinks menu has been curated. The wine list has been carefully curated to pair with the complex flavours of the food, but if it’s a cocktail you’re after, look no further than their Thai-inspired takes on the classic margarita. Locally sourced beers and Thai lagers are also on offer, so there truly is something for everyone.
The venue is a love letter to the local night markets of Chiang Mai, so diners can expect an atmosphere as bright and vibrant as the food itself. And I reckon Bridget Jones would whole-heartedly approve.
Head Chef, Luke Larsson, said: “From my experience in Bangkok and Northern Thailand, I’ve learnt the importance of respecting the authentic history of the food while also recognising that it’s about fun and bringing people together. At Khao Bird, our dishes honour the people who taught me, those who frankly know better than I do, while offering a glimpse into the guilty pleasure of blending the different cuisines and influences that shaped me.”
Find out more and plan your visit to Khao Bird here.
📍 Khao Bird, at The Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale Street Upstairs, SE1 9AL. The nearest station is London Bridge.