Kala Thai, Bournemouth | Review

Thai restaurant, Bournemouth

So last night I was kindly invited by a local PR company to a sneak preview of the brand new Kala Thai, Bournemouth. Now Thai is my favourite food of all, so this restaurant launch was something I’d been looking forward to.

First things first – location (location, location). I had to find the place, but it didn’t prove to be a challenge in the least. As I was cycling onto town I had a look on Google Street View first to see if there was a safe looking bike rack nearby. Indeed there was – and what a great spot. At the bottom of a hill leading into the town centre is Horseshoe Common, and Kala Thai faces that.

Sitting and sipping

So my first impression was of a lovely place to be on a sunny day. The booths outside the restaurant make such a great base for sipping a cocktail as you watch the world go by.

Mixology by Mitch

Once inside, I headed to the bar where the cocktail magic happens. In charge of drinks is mixologist Mitch, who shook and stirred like a magician as he created delicious mocktails as well as cocktails. A lovely guy, and just as dedicated to making people feel welcome as the owner Tom.

Tom from Thailand

Tom hails from Bangkok, and this is his first UK restaurant. He is completely devoted to creating the most delectable Thai food imaginable. Even starters, like the spring rolls, are handmade on the premises – no heating up pre-packaged morsels here.

Dish(es) of the day

As part of our visit we got to sample a range of dishes from across the menu. A king prawn pad Thai, green chicken curry and a tofu stir-fry with egg fried rice from the mains menu, as well as those homemade duck and vegetable spring rolls. And – oh my – the Thai fishcakes. One of my all-time favourites, and I can safely say these are as good as it gets. Divine.

Warm, local wood

Inside, no expense – or time – has been spared in creating a very inviting setting indeed. A particular highlight of the decor for me was the solid oak bar, crafted from a vast, single slab of solid oak. Sourced from an old Bournemouth tree, no less. Tables, meanwhile, are made with wood from the nearby New Forest, making this very much a local affair.

An authentic taste of Thailand at Kala Thai, Bournemouth

My overall impression? Fab-u-lous darling. If Kala Thai isn’t the massive success that Tom and his team deserve it to be, then I’ll eat my hat. Or rather, my cycle helmet.

Thank you Route PR and Kala Thai, for the fabulous food, cocktails and a very warm welcome.

Since my visit, Kala Thai has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of the most popular eateries in central Bournemouth.

I’ve also reviewed, and can recommend, Ventana Grand Cafe at the Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth.

Note – I was invited to the review of Kala Thai by Route PR. As such, I received a complimentary meal and drinks in return for my honest opinion. All words and thoughts are entirely my own.