I was recently asked to review a branch of the Thai Square chain of restaurants. Given that we have one locally here in the Roman city of St Albans, I was only too happy to pop in.
Like many of its local counterparts here in St Albans, Thai Square is a chain, with nineteen individual restaurants across London and beyond and apparently, a new health spa.
The Thai Square group came under local public scrutiny here in St Albans a few years back, when they took on the challenge of renovating the Tudor Tavern public house, a Grade II listed building. The former tavern dates back to 1400-1401 and can be found on the corner of George Street and Verulam Road, close to the Abbey Gateway.
At the time of opening, the Thai Square/Tudor Tavern St Albans conversion was hailed a success. Though many locals were quick to oppose the change, the general view on completion was that the building had been tastefully and sensitively converted. Thai Square continues to be one of St Albans’ most striking restaurants, internally. Many of the original architectural features, such as exposed wooden Tudor beams and brick walls were retained, and are complimented by Thai statues, carvings and decor.
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