Work has begun to overhaul an empty property, a victim of the pandemic, into popular Thai restaurant the Giggling Squid.
The chain, which boasts 40 locations, will be opening in West Bridgford later year, in the former home of Italian restaurant Gusto in Bridgford Road, which shut during lockdown last year.
Once the Monkey Tree, the property had a major makeover when Gusto opened in 2017. Now it's to get another - and judging by other branches of the Giggling Squid, it's likely have colourful, floral decor.
Known for its fresh bold and exotic Thai flavours, the Giggling Squid dealt with the pandemic challenges "exceptionally well" and benefited from a "delivery-friendly cuisine".
Founders Andy and Pranee Laurillard came up with the idea for Giggling Squid in 2002. While sitting in the basement of a tiny, fisherman’s cottage (now their Brighton restaurant) they pulled together their first Thai tapas menu.
Food lovers can look forward to dishes such as salt and pepper squid, spicy mushroom larb (with mint, chilli flakes, ground toasted rice and shallots), Phuket mussels and hawker-style moo ping (garlic and coriander marinated pork skewers seared over charcoal with spicy tamarind sauce).
Main dishes include Khwae River Curry (a blend of red and green curry with pork), Crying Beef (marinated sirloin, grilled Thai style, served with stir-fried beans, red onion and sliced chilli) and Golden Bamboo and Chicken Bowl.
A number of curries - made using coconut milk - and stir-fries are suitable for vegans.
The Giggling Squid is one of more than 20 new food and drink venues set to open in Nottinghamshire later this year.
