Thai Square (St Albans)

We visited this restaurant at the recommendation of an acquaintance, having started to run out of decent places left to eat in Hertfordshire. We are usually hesitant to eat at 'chain' restaurants but thought we would give it a go. Should have gone with gut instincts!

The interior decor is the only positive of this place. The starters were ok but hugely overpriced and certainly nothing special. I ordered a dish from the so-called special menu, which I supposed would be something a little different. It was described as slow braised beef in a coconut and thai spice reduction. What arrived was huge lumps of braising beef covered in a gloopy, corn-flour rich sauce, and crunchy 'sticky' rice. (I thought it was supposed to be sticky?)

My partner ordered a lamb dish which was slightly better but still very disappointing. We had 2 beers each (came in cans, not bottles) and the biggest shock was the bill, which, with an added optional 10% (which we did not pay) came to £68. We took these issues up with the staff who were, at best, disinterested. Do not go here, stick to what you know as we should have done. We'll be returning to Barney's, where the food is good and fresh if a little unimaginitive, but that's probably why it's so good in there, the staff friendly and the bill reasonable.
Comment on this reader review

Nicky Draper
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, July 09, 2008