Chaophraya and Palm Sugar Lounge offer the ultimate Thai experience for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal or cocktails with friends. Chaophraya Leeds celebrated its tenth birthday in December 2014, and is jointly owned by Kim Kaewkraikhot (owner and chef director) and Martin Stead (CEO). Kim has always had a passion for the fresh Thai flavours and dishes of her homeland. Her journey started in Bangkok, where she was renowned in the local neighbourhood for her simple method of using fresh ingredients to create food bursting with flavour. Along with Martin, who saw a gap in the marketplace for Kim’s style of Thai cooking, a joint vision to bring authentic Thai cuisine and genuine Thai hospitality to the UK was born.
In 2004, Kim and Martin opened Chaophraya Leeds to widespread acclaim. Then, eight years on, they decided to expand, opening Palm Sugar Lounge, Chaophraya’s downstairs bar. Palm Sugar Lounge is a sophisticated setting for the city’s socialisers, with artistic cocktail-makers on hand and an interior that fuses traditional Thai design with modern glamour.
The restaurant has an extensive à la carte menu and a range of set menus designed by Kim, which are uniquely served banquet-style, so that everything is designed to share. The restaurant also has great lunch and early dining offerings.
Furthermore, cooking schools and cocktail masterclasses can be held throughout the week and are a perfect experience for corporate events, birthdays and special occasions. The former option involves creating a culinary Thai feast with the guidance of Chaophraya’s expert chefs, whereby guests can discover the art, culture, origins and ingredients of Thai cooking before enjoying a meal fit for royalty. The latter will have the restaurant’s talented bartenders explaining the making and history of cocktails, as well as guiding you through how to shake up a drink James-Bond-style. With unique sunken seating available for private dining and plenty of space for semi-private dining, Chaophraya really is a great venue for functions with a difference.
