Giggling Squid is a happy place for fans of Thai food
NEW Thai restaurant Giggling Squid has opened its doors bringing bold flavours and imaginative cocktails to Nottinghamshire.
The fast-growing chain, which has nearly 40 sites, has taken over the former Italian restaurant Gusto, in West Bridgford, which closed down during the pandemic.
Following a three-month revamp the property, in Central Avenue, has been transformed into an exotic floral palace with decor as bold as the flavours.
The restaurant opened on Monday and is already fully booked for the first week.
The menu features vibrant, fresh and flavoursome dishes celebrating the abundance of ingredients found across Thailand, all cooked by expert Thai chefs.
Bestsellers include salt and pepper squid and Thai green curry – the hottest curry on the menu.
Other dishes include vibrant jicama salad made from a crunchy, sweet type of potato, and tastebud-tantalising soft-shell pranee prawns
Giggling Squid co-founder Andy Laurillard said: “Thai mealtimes are energetic, informal, adventurous and where food is celebrated.
“It’s relaxed and there’s no standing on ceremony. We simply want people to have a great time over something tasty.
“Every Giggling Squid has its own personal touch to it, and this restaurant is no different; it’s a beautifully designed space that we hope will bring a lot of pleasure to our guests.”
Tapas dishes are available at lunchtimes – such as starving squid with chicken red curry, pork dumplings, spring rolls and jasmine rice.
One of the things Gigglers – fans of the chain – love are the cocktails. Mango Chilli Mosquito is like a Mojito but with a sting in the tail while Hammock Daze is “a glass full of paradise”.
Rooted from the “land of smiles” and with positivity in its name and nature, the Giggling Squid ethos is centered on guests leaving their restaurants feeling fulfilled “both physically and emotionally”.
Catering to the community during the “new normal”, Giggling Squid guests will still receive the same food, service and atmosphere the restaurant chain is known and loved for, but with even more stringent health and safety policies in place.
As well as eating in, there is click-and-collect takeaway and delivery.
The restaurant is open from noon for lunch through to dinner seven days a week.
There’s also seating outside surrounding a striking monkey puzzle tree, which inspired the name of the former pub at the site before Gusto.