Giggling Squid extends its tentacles

The Staff Canteen

Editor 26th September 2014
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Giggling Squid has revealed plans for a new site in Salisbury, the group’s first venue in Wiltshire. The fast growing Thai restaurant chain, which opened its first restaurant in 2009 in Hove, has established a strong reputation for its authentic, rustic and fresh cuisine.

The food, described by The Times as “exciting”, is prepared by master Thai chefs using fresh ingredients, sourced locally where available.

Giggling Squid, currently running ten successful venues, will open its largest restaurant at the Salisbury site. There will be seating for 120 diners on the ground floor area and it is expected to open to the public in Easter 2015.

“Salisbury offers exactly the demographic profile that is attracted by our style of restaurant – up market discerning clientele with a penchant for

healthy, exotic cuisine,” said owner Andrew Laurillard. “There are some very good restaurants here, but our research confirmed there’s strong local demand and a gap in the market for a high-end Thai establishment.”
Co-owned by Andy and his wife Pranee Laurillard, meals are freshly prepared from scratch in the kitchen by master Thai chefs. Since opening the first Giggling Squid in 2009, the pair deliberately set out to look and cook differently – using drift wood and reclaimed timbers, to create a modern chic environment.

“It’s all down to the food,” said Pranee commenting on what makes the restaurants a success.

The latest opening is part of an impressive expansion plan, Giggling Squid’s formula of serving Thai cuisine with an emphasis on sea and street food, is a winning one.

Giggling Squid is also an extremely eye-catching name. Here are 5 of our picks for some of the more weird and wonderful names for dining establishments:

The ‘Soon Fatt’ Chinese Takeaway in Wicklow, Ireland, reminds you about the side effects of over-indulging.

‘Dirty Dick’s Crab House’ in Florida certainly leaves a lot to the imagination.

‘The Golden Stool’ in London leaves you wondering about Royal toilet habits…

‘Frying Nemo Fish & Chips’ in Port Campbell, Australia, is a more controversial choice for Disney lovers.

Everything about the name ‘McWanks’ in Watson Lake, Canada, screams run away!

Have you noticed any restaurant names that should maybe be reconsidered? Post your comments below or tweet us: @canteentweets

By Tom Evans

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