Thai Square Bayswater: London’s Newest Thai Restaurant Opposite Hyde Park
Bayswater has a new Thai restaurant, and it’s already making waves. Thai Square Bayswater opened quietly, tucked opposite Hyde Park on Queensway, and it’s bringing something different to the area: proper northeastern Thai cooking that you won’t find at most London Thai restaurants.
This isn’t just another branch churning out the same menu. Head Chef Kied has brought flavours from Buri Ram, a province in northeastern Thailand known for its bold, rustic cooking. Think grilled meats, sticky rice, som tam variations that go beyond the standard papaya salad. It’s a step away from the familiar, and that’s the point.
Why Bayswater Needed This
Bayswater sits between Notting Hill’s polish and Paddington’s chaos. It’s got Hyde Park on one side, Portobello Market a 15-minute walk away, and a constant flow of visitors who know there’s more to London dining than chains and tourist traps.
The area has Thai restaurants, sure. But Thai Square Bayswater isn’t competing on volume or gimmicks. It’s betting that people want authenticity without the lecture, flavour without the fuss. The space is bright, airy, comfortable. You could bring your parents. You could bring a date. You could eat alone at the bar and nobody would bat an eye.
And with Hyde Park as your front garden, the location works for every occasion. Morning joggers stop in for lunch. Tourists refuel after the Serpentine. Locals treat it as their neighbourhood spot. It’s rare to find a restaurant that genuinely serves multiple audiences without compromising on any of them.
What Makes It Different
The Buri Ram Chicken is the standout. Marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled until the skin crisps up. Served with sticky rice and a dipping sauce that’s got heat, tang, and just enough sweetness to balance it out. It’s the kind of dish that makes you order a second round of rice.
The som tam here comes in multiple forms. There’s the classic green papaya version, but also som tam Thai (with peanuts and dried shrimp) and a milder version for anyone who doesn’t want to cry into their lunch. Each one is made to order, pounded fresh in a mortar. You can hear it from across the room.
And if you’re after something more familiar, the full Thai Square menu is available: green curry, Pad Thai, tom yum soup. The kitchen can do both ends of the spectrum without breaking stride.
The sticky rice here is worth noting. It’s not an afterthought or a side dish they begrudgingly offer. It’s central to northeastern Thai cooking, and it’s done properly: steamed in bamboo baskets, served warm, with just the right amount of chew. Pair it with the grilled chicken or any of the spicier salads and you’ll understand why it’s a staple.
The Drinks List
Thai food demands thoughtful drinks. The heat, the saltiness, the complexity: you need something that complements rather than competes. Bayswater’s bar knows this. The cocktail list includes classics with Thai twists. The lemongrass mojito works surprisingly well with spicy dishes. The ginger and lime martini cuts through rich curries.
For wine drinkers, the staff can guide you towards bottles that handle chilli heat without wilting. Rieslings and Gewürztraminers are obvious choices, but don’t overlook a chilled rosé or even a light red if you’re sticking to milder dishes. Beer lovers have several Thai lagers on offer, plus European options if you prefer something more familiar.
The Hyde Park Factor
Location counts for a lot. You’re opposite one of London’s best parks, which means you can walk off lunch without planning a route. In summer, grab takeaway and head to the Serpentine. In winter, warm up after a cold walk with something spicy.
It also makes Bayswater an easy pick for out-of-town visitors staying near Paddington or Lancaster Gate. You’re central without being in the thick of tourist chaos. The restaurant feels like a neighbourhood spot that happens to be in Zone 1.
The outdoor seating (when weather permits) gives you a front-row view of Queensway’s foot traffic. It’s people-watching without the intensity of Soho or Covent Garden. More relaxed, less performative.
When to Go
Lunchtimes are quieter, which works if you want to try the menu without the evening rush. Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm are ideal for a lazy meal. Evenings pick up, especially weekends, when the pre- and post-Hyde Park crowd filters in.
If you’re exploring other Thai Square locations, Bayswater sits nicely between South Kensington and Putney Bridge. Different neighbourhoods, same commitment to getting Thai food right.
Book Smart
It’s new, which means word is spreading. Fridays and Saturdays fill up fast. If you’re planning a weekend meal, book ahead. Weekdays are easier, but still worth reserving if you’ve got a specific time in mind.
And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, speak up when you book. The kitchen can adapt most dishes, but they’ll appreciate the heads-up.