Kuti's Royal Thai Pier

Gate House

Royal Pier, Town Quay

Southampton SO14 2AQ

Tel; 023 8022 6173

www.kutisroyalthaipier.co.uk

Vegetarian: Yes Parking: Not easy during day, not so bad at night Wheelchairs: Easy Loos: Average

Visited November 2008

We were five on a reasonably busy Thursday evening at this spectacular venue, shame the food was not of the same quality! The former Royal Pier is a welcome development for this city where precious little of its extensive waterfront is open to visitors, so well done Kuti's for having the vision to restore this building to its former glory .

The staff upon arrival were welcoming. The upstairs, where we ate, has a fantastic view enabling you to watch the marine world sail by. A Summer's evening sitting on their balcony will be something to look forward to.

In retrospect we all agreed that we should have ordered individually from their A La Carte Menu but as the Set Menus state - recommended by the chef for easy choice and sheer enjoyment - we all went for the £23.95 per person (minimum for two people) Kiew (green) set Thai A Menu. Choice of starter - Mixed Starter or Aromatic Duck served with pancakes, cucumber julienne's and Hot Sin Sauce in Thai style. We all went for the aromatic duck. I am not a crispy duck connoisseur but when I have enjoyed it in the past it has been freshly separated at the table. This arrived in a mound already done and although it was a reasonable portion we didn't think it was particularly fresh.

Our Main courses were Ped Gratium, deep-fried duck in garlic-pepper sauce served with fresh coriander. Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai, corn fed chicken in green curry with bamboo shoots and aubergines flavoured with sweet basil and coconut milk. Phad PhakChoy, stir-fried phak-choy with garlic and oyster sauce. Phad Thai Gai, fried Thai noodles with corn fed chicken and bean sprouts, served with chopped leek and sweet turnips. Khao Suay, steamed Thai fragrant rice. These descriptions all sound great but again we felt it had been re-heated and not freshly cooked. Which is why we wondered whether a Set Menu was such a good idea. No pudding is included in this menu just jasmine tea or coffee.

Cost £ £ £ £ £ £ inc 1 bottle of wine and 2 soft drinks

Quality of food 2/5

Variety of Menu 3/5

Staff & Service 2/5 One of our waiters sat in my seat, when I got up to leave, to count the money we had left with our bill! Perhaps five smart ladies looked like we were trying it on. Never happened to me before in all my 50 years of dining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ambience, setting and decor 4/5

Value for money 2/5 Perhaps the A la Carte menu would have been better value

Total Yummy Factor 13/25

Report SM

5/5 = Cannot be improved upon, 4/5 = Very good, 3/5 = Good, 2/5 = Satisfactory, 1/5 = Poor, 0/5 = Terrible

The higher the "Yummy" factor, the better the food & service. The higher the number of £ signs the more expensive. ( Roughly one £ sign = £5 per head )

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