Clapham's Thai gem, The Pepper Tree

On a wet Tuesday in May Nub News visited The Pepper Tree for a delicious Thai feast.

The beloved Clapham restaurant turned 27 earlier this month and a visit soon solidifies why this charming restaurant has won a number of awards, including Time Out's Best Restaurant in Clapham and a Love London award.

Walking into the small canteen-style restaurant you are immediately greeted by the smiling and friendly staff.

Even for a Tuesday at 19:00, during a torrential rain storm, the restaurant is full of happy customers.

Visitors sit on long tables which mean you're elbow to elbow with your neighbour, but it is all a part of the charm.

Service is fast and fuss free, with water placed in front of you immediately. 

For those with a sweeter tooth there's a selection of delicious cocktails coming in at under £8.00 each, we tested the ginger martini, chilli mojito and tom yum siam.

With ingredients imported from Thailand, The Pepper Tree is as authentic as it gets.

Starters consisted of prawn toast which was meaty on the inside and perfectly crisp on the exterior.

As well as salt and pepper squid which tasted incredibly fresh.

The Pepper Tree is great option for vegans too with an entire menu dedicated to it.

If you decide to visit make sure you're hungry as the portions are very generous. Mains consisted of Talay Rad Prick, a crispy fish dish with a sweet and sour sauce, vegetables and rice, and a vegan drunken noodles.

Both dishes were demolished without space for dessert.

Since opening in 1995 Clapham Common has seen staggering growth but the Thai-owned establishment has not lost its unique flare over the course of 27 years.

Restaurant Manager Nina said: "When The Pepper Tree first opened, Thai food was almost unheard of in England. Many of our customers back then were experiencing the cuisine for the first time and had no idea what to order - our job wasn't just to serve food but to educate about it!"

The Pepper Tree's loyal customer group also expands to big names in showbiz. Renowned celebrity chef Rick Stein has referred to The Pepper Tree as his go-to eatery for Pad Thai. Other fans of the restaurant include Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and British actor Neil Pearson (best known for Bridget Jones's Diary), who has remained a long-term customer from the start.

So why not pay this local gem a visit, with indoor and outdoor seating it's perfect for this fickle English weather.