Review: Elephant Royale

So if you fancy celebrating head to Elephant Royale, near Island Gardens DLR station, one of the best Thai restaurants in the area.

Owner Peter Yeung, who opened the restaurant in December 2000, explained why Elephant provides an experience diners never forget.

He said: "There are three rules we have always followed - quality of food in terms of tast and arrangement, service and atmosphere. If you keep those things right then you will be a winner."

The restaurant certainly delivers on all three counts, and if you opt for the chef's specials you will be in for a genuine Thai treat.

Before you tuck in why not sample one of the multitude of cocktails, including mojito and mai tai (both £6.80).

Perfect for transporting you back to the beach at Kho Samui or Phuket.

A starter of soft shell crab with a garlic and oyster dipping sauce (£9.50) is not something you would normally knock up at home.

It might look daunting but the taste is sensational.

The seafood theme is maintained with a main of chilli tiger prawns (£13.50), marinated and barbecued and served with a spicy red chilli sauce.

The prawns are succulent and the sauce not so fiery it'll detract from the flavour but hot enough to make a lasting impression.

Best of all was the E-Sam Kai Yang (£10.50), that's chicken to most of us. Boned thigh meat is marinated in the chef's secret recipe, grilled and served sizzling with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.

This fantastic dish will make those Sunday afternoon barbecues seem very dull indeed.

Vegetarians are well served. Tofu has never been better dressed up than in the Massaman Ja (£6.90). A subtle red curry sauce is simply superb, enough to convert even tofu-sceptic carnivores.

Alternatively try the Pad Thai Ja (£6.50). More tofu, this time stir fried with noodles and cashew nuts for a simple, filling a tasty meal.

There is so much to explore on the Elephant Royale menu you could discover some new favourite every time you visit.

As if the food wasn't attraction enough diners can enjoy fine views across the river to Greenwich.

What better way to spend an early summer's evening than basking in the sunshine, contemplating the Thames with a cocktail in your hand, waiting for a Thai feast.

Elephant Royale is holding a Songkran celebration tomorrow (April 15), offering four courses from a set menu at £45, with live music and traditional dancing, plus unlimited refills on house wine, beers and soft drink.

Now, if that's not something to celebrate, what is?

Elephant Royale
Locke's Wharf
Westferry Road
E14 3WA

Tel: 020 7987 7999

elephantroyale.com