The Thai Swan Isleworth

Just what Isleworth needed - another pub serving Thai food. The Thai Swan in this sleepy London suburb promises to deliver authentic Asian cuisine alongside your typical British pints, a combination that usually works about as well as a chocolate teapot. I approached with the enthusiasm of someone getting a root canal.

The exterior doesn't help its case. It's every bit the traditional London pub, which means you half expect to find microwaved shepherd's pie rather than pad thai within its weathered walls. But The Thai Swan Isleworth has apparently been serving up Eastern fare to West Londoners for years now, so either they're doing something right or the locals have horrifically low standards.

I'll admit, grudgingly, that the interior provides the first pleasant surprise. They've managed to strike that elusive balance between cozy pub atmosphere and subtle Thai touches without turning the place into a tourist trap caricature. No plastic Buddhas or tacky bamboo screens here - just thoughtful decorative elements that suggest someone actually put some consideration into the space.

The service, much to my chagrin, is genuinely warm. The staff seamlessly transition between pulling pints and explaining the intricacies of Thai curries with equal expertise. It's almost annoying how competent they are - I was rather looking forward to a proper moan about confused bartenders who couldn't tell their tom yum from their timothy taylor's.

Now, about the food. I ordered with skepticism, fully expecting the usual bland, westernized versions of Thai classics that plague so many London pubs trying to be something they're not. The menu is extensive - perhaps too extensive - but focuses on the familiar hits that British diners expect. Yet somehow, against all odds and my carefully cultivated cynicism, the kitchen actually knows what they're doing.

The pad thai arrives with proper wok hei - that elusive smoky breath of the wok that separates authentic Asian cooking from pale imitations. The noodles are perfectly chewy, the tamarind sauce balanced between sweet and sour. Even more impressive, they don't shy away from proper Thai spice levels when requested. A green curry had me simultaneously cursing and reaching for more rice, exactly as it should.

Their vegetarian options are surprisingly numerous and thoughtful, not just meat dishes with the protein removed. The fact that they serve both proper Thai beer and decent ales feels like an embarrassment of riches. They even manage to nail the sticky rice, a simple but crucial element that so many places botch.

You can enjoy your meal in the traditional pub setting inside or, weather permitting, in their outdoor seating area. The latter is particularly pleasant during summer evenings, though you'll want to book ahead as the locals seem to have cottoned on to this fact. Yes, they take reservations - another point in their favor that I'm loathe to acknowledge.

The lunch deals are surprisingly reasonable for London, and even the regular menu prices won't send you reeling. They offer takeout and delivery, though the food is undeniably better fresh from the kitchen. The dine-in experience, with its mix of proper glassware for both beer and wine, along with traditional Thai serving vessels, shows an attention to detail that's frustratingly admirable.

For groups, they offer a decent spread of sharing options, and the space accommodates larger parties without feeling cramped. Sports fans can catch the match while enjoying their massaman curry - a cultural fusion that somehow works better than it has any right to.

Look, I wanted to dislike The Thai Swan Isleworth. Another London pub serving Asian food should be a recipe for mediocrity. But they've managed to create something genuinely worth visiting, combining proper Thai cuisine with everything you'd want from a local. Whether you're after a quick lunch, a proper evening meal, or just some bar snacks with your pint, they've got you covered. Go ahead, book a table - just don't tell them I sent you. I've got a reputation to maintain.