Speedboat Bar Menu Guide to London’s Vibrant Thai Dining
When it comes to bold flavors, neon lights, and the energy of Bangkok’s street food culture, few places capture it like Speedboat Bar in London. Just as food lovers explore the Trullo Menu London’s Iconic Italian Dining Experience Guide to uncover authentic Italian dining, exploring the speedboat bar menu gives you a ticket to the heart of Thai-Chinese cooking — right in the middle of Soho and Notting Hill.
Speedboat Bar London: Origins and Inspiration
Speedboat Bar is the creation of Chef Luke Farrell, one of London’s most talented chefs known for his authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant is part of the JKS Restaurants Group, the same group behind popular names like Bao and Hoppers.
Farrell’s vision came from Bangkok’s Chinatown, especially the famous Yaowarat Road, known for its bright lights, late-night canteens, and fiery street food. He wanted to recreate that same atmosphere — fast, fun, and full of flavor — in London.
Today, Speedboat Bar operates at two main London locations:
- Soho (30 Rupert Street, W1D 6DL) – The original and lively main restaurant.
- Notting Hill (191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED) – Inside The Electric, offering a relaxed yet colorful experience.
Both venues showcase the same passion for authentic Thai flavors but with their own vibe. Soho is compact and bustling, while Notting Hill offers a more cinematic, social setting.
What Makes Speedboat Bar Unique
Speedboat Bar doesn’t try to tone down Thai food for a Western palate. Instead, it celebrates the real thing. The kitchen uses herbs, spices, and ingredients sourced directly from Farrell’s own greenhouses in Dorset, where he grows Asian produce such as lemongrass, Thai basil, and makrut lime leaves.
The speedboat bar menu focuses on dishes from Bangkok’s Chinatown — where Chinese and Thai cuisines meet. Expect smoky stir-fries, fragrant curries, noodle soups, and crispy pork dishes that combine spice and sweetness perfectly.
Unlike typical Thai restaurants with endless pages of dishes, Speedboat Bar keeps it simple and focused. Every recipe is tested for quality and taste, ensuring consistent excellence.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Diners consistently praise the speedboat bar menu for its spice, creativity, and authenticity. Reviews describe dishes like the Beef Tongue Curry and Chicken Skins with Zaep Seasoning as unforgettable.
Some mention that prices are slightly high, but almost everyone agrees the quality and experience make it worthwhile. The restaurant’s cocktails — especially the Snakeblood Negroni — also receive high praise for originality.
Overall, customers love the bold flavors, friendly staff, and electric atmosphere that Speedboat Bar offers.
Complete Speedboat Bar Menu
Below is a full and detailed table of all dishes currently available across both London branches. Prices are approximate and may vary by location.
Snacks / Starters
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Skins with Zaep Seasoning | Crispy chicken skins dusted with spicy Thai zaep seasoning | 5.00 |
| Sweetcorn Fritters | Crunchy golden corn fritters with sweet-spicy dip | 9.00 |
| Crispy Pork with Prik Nam Som | Fried pork belly with tangy chili vinegar sauce | 10.00 |
| Pickled Mustard Greens & Chinese Sausage | Tangy pickled greens paired with sausage slices | 11.00 |
Salads / Light Plates
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Matches with Green Mango Kerabu | Shredded chicken mixed with mango, chili, and lime | 11.00 |
| Poached Pork with Lime, Garlic & Chili | Slices of pork in spicy garlic-lime dressing | 10.00 |
| Salted Duck Egg with Celery & Anchovies | Savory duck egg salad with anchovies and chili | 11.00 |
| Green Papaya Salad | Crunchy papaya with peanuts, lime, and fish sauce | 10.00 |
Stir-Fries / Wok Dishes
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Minced Beef with Holy Basil | Stir-fried minced beef with chili, garlic, and basil | 15.00 |
| Stir-Fried Morning Glory | Water spinach tossed in garlic and soy | 10.00 |
| Purple Aubergine with Chili & Basil | Soft aubergine cooked with basil and chili heat | 12.50 |
| Naem Fried Rice | Fried rice with Thai fermented sausage | 11.00 |
| Crispy Pork and Black Pepper | Pork bites fried and tossed in pepper sauce | 15.00 |
Curries & Specials
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Tongue and Tendon Curry | Slow-cooked beef in rich coconut curry | 15.00 |
| Crispy Pork in Black Pepper Curry | Crispy pork cooked in spiced coconut gravy | 15.00 |
| Whole Seabream with Makrut Lime | Fried fish topped with lime-chili dressing | 22.00 |
| Seasonal Gourd & Potato Curry | Vegetarian curry with tender gourd and potato | 12.00 |
Noodles / Suki Hotpots
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Cellophane Noodles with Chicken & Suki Sauce | Glass noodles with chicken in spicy suki broth | 14.00 |
| Cellophane Noodles with Seafood | Noodles with prawns, squid, and spicy broth | 17.00 |
| Tom Yam Mama Noodles | Spicy and sour noodles with pork, prawns, and squid | 16.00 |
| Crispy Egg Noodles with Gravy | Fried egg noodles in thick savory gravy | 17.00 |
Desserts
| Dish Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple Pie with Taro Ice Cream | Fried pie filled with pineapple, served with taro ice cream | 8.00 |
Cocktails & Drinks
| Drink Name | Description | Approx. Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Snakeblood Negroni | Signature cocktail with bitters and citrus | 9.00 |
| Drunken Fruit Martini | Tropical fruit martini | 9.50 |
| Whiskey Soda | Classic whiskey highball | 8.00 |
| Singha Beer (Bottle or Jug) | Thailand’s popular beer | 6.00–15.00 |
| Beer Slush | Icy beer served frozen | 8.00 |
| Big Serves (Cocktail Jugs) | Large sharing cocktails for groups | 18.00–25.00 |
Opening Hours and Delivery Timings
| Day | Soho (Rupert Street) | Notting Hill (Portobello Road) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Delivery Timing:
Speedboat Bar offers delivery to select London areas through food apps. Timings depend on your location, but lunch and dinner slots are most active. For the full experience, dine-in is recommended to enjoy the lively environment.
The Atmosphere and Dining Experience
From the moment you enter Speedboat Bar, the atmosphere feels electric. The walls are covered in Thai pop-culture art, the lighting is dim with pink neon glows, and the air smells of chili, basil, and sizzling garlic. The music adds to the fun, creating a Bangkok night market vibe.
Customers describe the experience as bold, playful, and slightly chaotic — in the best way possible. Every dish on the speedboat bar menu bursts with spice, texture, and contrast. Whether you’re seated near the bar or upstairs with friends, it feels more like a social event than a quiet meal.
Why Diners Love the Speedboat Bar Menu
- Authentic Thai Flavors: True to Bangkok’s Chinatown, full of spice and depth.
- Creative Drinks: Unique cocktails designed to complement bold dishes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Locally grown herbs bring real aroma and freshness.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: A mix of music, color, and energy makes dining fun.
- Compact Menu: Few dishes but perfectly executed — quality over quantity.
Many guests note that every visit feels like a celebration. The staff encourages sharing plates and trying a bit of everything, which makes group dining more enjoyable.
Tips for Visiting Speedboat Bar
- Visit with friends to try more dishes.
- Book in advance, especially for weekend dinners.
- Try at least one curry and one stir-fry for balance.
- Don’t skip dessert — the pineapple pie is legendary.
- Pair spicy food with their creative cocktails or Singha beer.
Speedboat Bar is not for quiet dinners — it’s for those who enjoy excitement, bold flavors, and late-night fun.
Just like the Wasabi Menu Guide to Dishes, Locations, Reviews, and Timings helps diners discover Japanese dishes, the speedboat bar menu helps Londoners explore Thailand’s culinary heat without leaving the city. Both focus on simplicity, strong identity, and authentic flavors that tell a cultural story.
Final Thoughts
The speedboat bar menu is a love letter to Bangkok — fast, fiery, and full of life. Chef Luke Farrell and his team have captured the heart of Thai street food and brought it into London’s dining culture.
Whether you choose the bustling Soho branch or the stylish Portobello Road spot, every visit feels like a journey. From the crispy pork starters to the spicy curries and cool cocktails, each bite tells a story of heat, heart, and heritage.
So next time you crave something bold, authentic, and unforgettable, step into Speedboat Bar and explore the speedboat bar menu — where London meets Bangkok in a whirlwind of flavor and fun.
