Discovering Bangkok Diners Club: A Culinary Gem in Manchester
Bangkok Diners Club offers a unique dining experience that feels reminiscent of a cozy sidestreet in Rattanakosin, the historic heart of Thailand, rather than an upstairs room above a pub located 6,000 miles away in Ancoats, Manchester. The husband-and-wife duo Ben and Bo Humphreys have infused their culinary expertise into the Edinburgh Castle—a beautifully restored 19th-century pub that has gained significant acclaim. Prior to their arrival,this space was helmed by Shaun Moffat from Winsome, who garnered numerous accolades before moving on to establish his own venue. This left the upstairs area seeking new talent to continue its legacy.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The Humphreys bring with them a wealth of knowlege about contemporary Thai cuisine. Bo hails from Isaan in northeastern Thailand and later moved to Bangkok as a teenager. Meanwhile, Ben has honed his skills at notable establishments such as Manchester’s Thai fusion restaurant District,along with stints at tattu,Rabbit in the Moon, and Lucky Cat. After District closed its doors in 2022, they spent three years traveling through Thailand and the United States, gathering inspiration for dishes that blend authentic Thai flavors with influences from Korean and Mexican barbecue traditions found in Miami smokehouses.
This fusion results in an exciting culinary landscape where vibrant spices like fresh turmeric and shrimp paste meet the slow-cooked essence of American barbecue.
Innovative Dishes That Redefine Traditional Thai Cuisine
While many chefs across bangkok utilize live fire cooking techniques, those flames are frequently enough more intense than what can be achieved within this quaint wooden-floored pub kitchen nestled in north-west England. The menu features inventive dishes such as pork jowl tacos accompanied by rich smoky burnt-tomato jaew and southern Thai mutton gaeng khua , wich is spiced up with black pepper and dried red chili while being paired with pickled celeriac alongside fresh roti.
Bangkoks Diners Club boldly claims innovation—something every new restaurant tends to assert—but they genuinely deliver on this promise. Their small kitchen serves raw bass drizzled with silky calamansi nam jim alongside rice bran at intimate tables far removed from traditional UK Thai dining experiences characterized by pad thais adorned with decorative Buddha statuettes from home goods stores like Dunelm.
A Menu That Celebrates Authenticity With Flair
The offerings at Humphreys’ establishment are not only authentic but also boundary-pushing—strikingly unique yet entirely sensible. For instance, smoked mackerel garnished beautifully comes atop a salad featuring fresh grapefruit paired harmoniously with ginger; followed by thick slices of salt-aged beef presented within a hearty nam tok salad complemented by bone marrow aioli .Bo enthusiastically serves us while celebrating my brother’s birthday; she insists we sample battered pickled onion rings seasoned generously along side grilled chicken skewers enhanced delightfully through milk caramel glaze.
The artichoke combined seamlessly into golden beetroot massaman curry—richly flavored using cardamom , cinnamon , star anise —stands out prominently among our selections accompanied decadently good chicken-fat rice . Additionally , roast pork belly prepared via phat phet method paired perfectly rhubarb stir-fry proves equally popular choice amongst diners . We opt steamed broccoli tossed funky fermented yellow beans ensuring we hit our vitamin quota whilst indulging papaya salad made even more meaningful thanks addition shrimp floss .
A Promising Future for This family-Owned Establishment!
This charming family-run eatery is making waves quickly becoming one hottest dining spots manchester has seen recently! Its concise menu reflects extensive travels inspiring each dish crafted here showcasing generous heart behind every plate presented! On our visit evening featured debut dessert creation shaped like delightful icy treat resembling Jackson Pollock artwork splashed vibrant fruit sauces atop it ! Simple yet enjoyable enough leave us feeling uplifted ready explore Saturday night scene knowing we’ll return soon!
When diverse cuisines converge unexpectedly delightful surprises arise—from battered pickled onion rings serving as perfect example illustrating how wonderfully eclectic nature food culture truly can be!
- Bangkok Diners Club
- The Edinburgh Castle,
Blossom Street,
Manchester M4,
01614140004.
Open lunch Fri & sat,
noon–3pm;
dinner Tues–Sat,
5–9:30pm.
From approximately £35 per person à la carte plus drinks/service.