The Surprising Reason Why There Is so Much Thai Food in London Pubs
Trust me, a pad thai is exactly what you need after a couple of cold ones. It even leaves room for a couple more.
Philip Vogsted, MSc Politics and International Relations, 03/02/2025
In bougie Notting Hill, you can experience a most peculiar fusion. Nestled between rows of extravagant, two- and three-storey white townhouses lies a pub covered in flowers and flags called The Churchill Arms. Stepping inside is a rather bizarre experience. The interior screams Irish pub, with Guinness advertisements and bunting, but in between the eclectic decorations, you can also spot pictures of Bangkok temples and white sand beaches. As you progress past the bar, the restaurant area appears like a portal into Thailand’s lush landscapes. Many London pubs serve mouth-watering pad thai and gaeng panang along with their regular lagers and ales. But why? What’s the reason for this unexpected mix of British tradition and Thai food?
Thai food has become more prominent in British pubs over the last couple of decades as it has grown in popularity. Thailand emerged as a staple backpacker destination for young Brits in the 1990s and the Thai food trend took off in the UK around the same period. Thai food became popular in parts of London that were popular with younger people, in areas such as Stoke Newington, Camden, and Brixton. Where demand increased for healthy and tasty food from parts of the world people had experienced through travelling.
Even though the UK hasn’t seen large-scale immigration from Thailand, Thai people are well-represented in the hospitality sector. Official estimates show that the majority of Thai people in big UK cities work in the hospitality sector. British pubs might have become a popular choice of venue for Thai people, as it is cheaper to take over a pub kitchen than it is to start a brand-new restaurant. By the same token, it’s cheaper for pub owners to rent out their kitchens- than to staff and run them themselves. Along with a greater market demand for Thai food, this fusion seems profitable for Thai people entering the business, pub owners, and of course - pub goers.
Some social media users, food bloggers and journalists suggest that Thai food in British pubs is even better than in restaurants. It might just be the pints talking, but people seem to agree that Thai food is a great addition to British pubs due to the light, fresh, and flavourful nature of South East Asian cuisine. The Churchill Arms is believed to be the first London pub to serve Thai food and it might have inspired others to do the same. Thailand has also actively engaged in so-called ‘gastrodiplomacy’ since the early 2000s. Possibly in an attempt to revamp the country’s reputation as a destination for sex tourism. The Thai government launched the ‘Global Thai’ initiative, providing avenues for easier import of Thai products, hiring staff from Thailand, and even loans for entrepreneurs. Thai migrants are thus incentivised to open restaurants abroad, providing a solid foundation for the integration of Thai food into foreign cultures.
The Churchill Arms is probably the most famous Thai-serving pub in London, as well as one of the busiest pubs in the city, as scores of tourists make the trip to admire and snap some pics of the extravagantly decorated pub. I have taken the trip myself to see what the hype was all about, and surely enough, it did not disappoint. I recommend visiting the Churchill Arms on a weeknight if you’re not in a hurry. Prefer something closer to home? Try the College Arms just around the corner from SOAS. Nothing pairs better with a pint than a nutty, salty, and sweet noodle dish. Trust me, a pad thai is exactly what you need after a couple of cold ones. It even leaves room for a couple more.
