Restaurant review: Imperial Hotel, Stroud
It was really buzzing at The Imperial in Stroud when we strolled in for a child-free dinner treat.
Clearly it has a reputation which has spread, although there is plenty of space and tables available. In recent years The Imperial has undergone a transformation since being taken on by Lakshman Gallage in 2010. And on a Friday night, it offered a spacious and sophisticated destination.
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The Imperial Hotel's Head Chef Lek Matman with a beautifully carved melon
With its extensive Thai menu, it is the only Thai food restaurant for miles. Service was excellent, there seemed to be plenty of staff, who were quick and attentive, bringing us a basket of prawn crackers promptly.
I joined forces with my veggie partner to order the vegetarian Thai Imperial mixed platter, a selection of spring rolls, tofu tod, (deep-fried tofu) thong tod, (deep-fried mixed vegetables) and mun khao phod (deep-fried sweetcorn and potato cake) served with chilli sauce and another sauce which, sadly, I couldn't identify.
Sunday and Monday evenings £12.00 per head for an all inclusive meal with Indian and Thai cuisine (normal price £14.50).
Bring this voucher to the restaurant complete with your name and email address on it.
Terms: Expires 31st July
Contact: 01452 223782
Valid until: Wednesday, July 31 2013
The platter was beautifully presented and I enjoyed the thong tod and the dips were an interesting mix of flavours.
The khao phod were a little tough, and thong tod would have been better with less batter and oil and more tofu. I imagine the meat version of this dish is better.
There's plenty of choice on the main menu and, knowing from previous visits that The Imperial's green and red Thai curry are both delicious, I decided to be more adventurous and ordered the phad med mamung (stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, chilli, pineapple, onion with Thai sauce, £10.95).
I enjoyed the combination of cashew nuts, chilli and pineapple and this was a tasty dish although, unexpectedly, the chicken was fried in a crispy batter which, given our deep-fried starter, wasn't the best menu choice.
My partner's pla tod kratiem pricthai (deep-fried sea bass fillet with garlic and pepper sauce £13.95) was tasty and he was pleased the well-stocked bar served Hobgoblin ale on draft.
Vicky Temple
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