2012 marks a new start for Fulham Broadway bastion The Blue Elephant with the renowned Thai restaurant moving to a new location on London’s Imperial Wharf and a brand new menu as well.
The designers have used a combination of Thai antiques, art objects and luscious foliage to capture the spirit of famous Bangkok palace, Saran Rom. A focal point will be the Blue Bar highlighted by a replica of the Suphannahong - the Royal Barge of Thailand. With an intricately carved figurehead fashioned in the shape of a swan and gilded hull, it has been painstakingly hewn by Thai master craftsmen from a single trunk of teak.
A new menu inspired by Blue Elephant Bangkok is overseen by group founder Nooror Somany with dishes divided into three sections: Thai Cooking of the Past - based on ancient recipes, each with fascinating origins such as the fragrant Massaman curry of tender British lamb in coconut milk, Thai sweet potatoes, roasted peanuts and cashew nuts (originally described in a poem by 19th century ruler King Rama II); Thai Cuisine of Today - classic dishes such as Tom Yam Koong spicy and sour tiger prawn consommé with Eryngi mushrooms; and Thai Kitchen of Tomorrow - including Chef Noroor’s own personal favourite, lightly seared French goose liver with Thai tamarind sauce.
The new venue will also house its own cookery school run along the same lines as the company’s two existing schools in Bangkok and Phuket and offering a fascinating introduction to the gastronomic culture of Blue Elephant's homeland.
And with tranquil river views, a spectacular outdoor heated terrace and accessible parking too, this is one exciting new chapter that we can’t wait to start.
Opened 15 January
Blue Elephant, The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, Townmead Road, SW6
