Secret Garden

My lasting memory of West Street in Bedminster, Bristol is - and always will be - when I got egged there back in August.

At least now I can say that there is one redeeming feature for this nasty end of town - and that emerald in the rough is the Thai Garden (complete with green facade and everything).

I've had a good time sampling various dishes on the menu and am always impressed with the quality of the product (king prawns are beautiful) and the delicate balance of spicing. The menu is simple but everything is freshly cooked. Their boiled rice is served in little wicker pods - steaming hot and perfectly portioned.

Having said that, the stand-out dishes so far are probably two which live either side of the main menu: the minced pork and prawn dumplings -  melt in your mouth divine (surf and turf with finesse), and banana pancakes - caramelised and comforting.

What's more, this is one of a few bring your own restaurants left in the city and with an offy next-door, you're sorted!