Words by Susan Perry
Good service can be an elusive experience. A birthday lunch at a top London Michelin-starred restaurant was once almost ruined for me by a waiter’s careless comment (fortunately the quality of the wine list acted as a suitable distraction). So, when I get good service I like to shout about it. The service at Piya Piya on the City Road was second to none. From the moment I arrived (on possibly one of the least inspiring wet Wednesdays so far this year) the staff were attentive without being intrusive and welcoming without being over-friendly.
Piya Piya is a blend of lounge, bar and Thai restaurant and while its location towards Old Street means it’s not the most obvious venue to discover on a walk-by, it’s well worth seeking it out.
Our waiter could not have been more helpful. He recommended the papaya salad for me and beef salad for my (jetlagged) companion. After these and a few glasses of a lively NZ Sauvignon Blanc we were both feeling considerably perkier. The sea bass with three flavoured sauce delivered on all levels, the garlic and chilli subtle enough to avoid overwhelming the tamarind. The key indicator dish of vegetable Pad Thai was just perfect for my taste – the rice noodles retaining their texture and a sauce which was glossy and delicate.
A chat with our lovely waitress revealed that the hot night to be there is Saturday and it is well-placed as a warm-up venue if you’re heading into Shoreditch or Hoxton, not least since their happy hour (5-6pm Mon-Sat) is on both selected cocktails and beers.
Piya Piya has a diverse agenda. Its food is nice and we found the service to be exceptional, but its funky décor and party nights mean it also has the ability to become more of a destination in its own right.
Piya Piya (Thai Restaurant & Lounge Bar)
1 Oliver’s Yard
City Road
London EC1Y 1HQ
(Between Inmarsat and Reuters buildings)
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Susan
Susan is a City lawyer with a love of structured workwear and sparkly things. Born in North London and raised in the ‘burbs, she has spent many happy years exploring the postcodes of SW. She likes tricolore salad and the wines of Burgundy and is a teeny bit obsessed with Hugh Laurie. Susan is here to let you know what’s hot in the Square Mile. She loves writing about most things the capital has to offer, including opera, cricket and shoes. Especially shoes.
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