The Greedy Elephant

Walk past the window of this High Street spot and you'll clock the queues. That's because they're doing proper Thai here, not the diluted stuff you find elsewhere. The kitchen doesn't mess about with heat levels—if you ask for spicy, you're getting spicy—and the curries have the depth that comes from knowing your spice pastes. It's unpretentious, busy most nights, and the sort of place where regulars have their standing orders. You'll eat well without breaking the bank, surrounded by families, couples, and groups who've clearly made this their go-to for a reason.