Latest opening: Chet's

06-Jan-2023 - Last updated on 06-Jan-2023 at 11:37 GMT

Thai/American fusion concept Chet’s has launched a permanent site at the newly-opened The Hoxton hotel in London’s Shepherd’s Bush.

What: A 'Thai-Americana spot' that takes inspiration from retro-style American diner comfort food and ‘the fragrant flavours and textures’ off Thai cuisine. Housed within the newly-opened The Hoxton hotel in London's Shepherd's Bush, the launch of Chet's's first permanent spot follows a successful four-month residency last year at The Hoxton Holborn's wine bar and incubator site Rondo La Cave.

Who: Chet's has been developed in collaboration between Hoxton owner Ennismore’s Carte Blanched concept group and US chef Kris Yenbamroong. Yenbamroong is also the creative force behind cult natural wine and Thai food hangout NIGHT+MARKET, which operates three restaurants in the chef's hometown of Los Angeles, alongside a single site in Las Vegas.

The food: Positioned as the main dining spot within The Hoxton Shepherd's Bush, Chet's is open from 7am each morning and alternates between a 'day' and 'night' menu, with many dishes leaning heavily on Thai flavours. The 'day' menu features a range of breakfast and lunch options including a breakfast bodega sandwich with sai uah sausage, egg and cheese (£12); crispy rice salad with ginger, onion, peanut, coriander and a tangy spicy dressing (£12); and a dish of Chiang Mai curried noodles, katsu-style fried chicken, pickled radish, red onions, coriander, bean sprout and roasted chilli oil (£17). The 'night' menu is split between a selection of small and large sharing plates including a selection of salads and vegetables, and chef's specials. Options range from larb fritters with tofu patties, lemongrass, coriander, lime leaves and 'creamy goddess dip' (£11); Chet's wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, candied pork jowl, blue cheese dressing, spicy and garlicky nam jim (£9); and crispy whole sea bream with green beans and herb salad (£32). The menu also features Chet’s signature smash burger on both menus – a popular dish at the Rondo La Cave pop-up that comes with a beef and pork patty, American cheese, 1000 island sauce, chilli, pickle and fries (£17).

The drink: As was the case at the Rondo La Cave residency, Chet's features an extensive list of natural wines with prices starting at around £30 a bottle and rising to £160. There's also a selection of cocktails including the Holy Chet! with Martini Ambrato, Ostara Hedgerow white vermouth, holy basil and cucumber (£12); Chet's Bloody Caesar with smoked vodka, mezcal, dry sherry, ‘Chet’s Mix’, lemon, clamato, celery, king prawn, chilli, salt and olive (£12); and the Thai-Ball with Chivas Regal 12, Mehkong, Tempus Fugit banan, Branca Menta, soda and lemon peel. There's also a sharing cocktail, the Thaiami Vice, which serves two to four people and features Mehkong, Bacardi Carta Blanca, strawberry, coconut, lemongrass, pineapple, citrus and mint, and is served in a full moon bucket with half bottle (£40).

The vibe: Perhaps not as loud and flamboyant as you would expect from a restaurant that takes its cues of American diner culture; although aficionados of such Americana will welcome the Chet's-branded neon signage. It's a smart, warm restaurant split between a large dining area and central bar that both feature plenty of bucolic touches, a magic hour colour palette, metal tables and leather banquette seats.