Giggling Squid to make Welsh debut in Cardiff

The St David’s restaurant will continue the ambitious growth plans of the BGF-backed business, which recently added Chelmsford and Welwyn Garden City to its cohort to bring its nationwide portfolio to 42 sites.

With 146 covers, the 3,066 sq ft Cardiff restaurant will offer Giggling Squid’s all-day dining concept, including a newly-launched breakfast menu and an array of classic Thai curries, stir-fries and salads.

Andy Laurillard, who co-founded Giggling Squid with his wife Pranee back in 2002, said: “I love Cardiff, it’s an amazing place. Great shopping, cool entertainment scene and loads of great restaurants.

“We are opening in a fantastic space on The Hayes for our Welsh debut and are excited to introduce our fresh and flavourful Thai menu to the foodies of Cardiff and St David’s visitors.”

Pranee has overseen the design of the new restaurant, working with design partners PNW. The restaurant's interiors are described as 'modern, vibrant and fresh, with subtle Thai influences'.

Commenting on behalf of the St David’s partnership, Mark Warne, F&B and leisure director at Landsec, said: “Our ambition is to provide a vibrant and varied hospitality offer that appeals to every guest that visits St David’s.

”Giggling Squid is a really exciting addition to our premium dining line up and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to Wales for their first restaurant.”

It had been reported early last year​​ that Pranee had stepped away from Giggling Squid, and she subsequently launched her own concept called Lime Squeezy Thai Kitchen, which now has restaurants in Brighton and Chichester. 

A spokesperson for Giggling Squid confirmed to BigHospitality ​that Pranee 'still has involvement in the styling and interior design for the new Giggling Squid restaurants'.