Admittedly, it was valentine's day but I had booked a table that was assured to be available at the time of booking. We arrived 20 minutes early and were told our table would be free at the agreed time. After constantly asking how long it would be before we were seated, it reached 10.30pm (we arrived at 9.10) and we still hadn't been seated 1h20 after arriving. By 11pm (1h50 after arriving) we decided to leave as the evening was ruined anyway. There were about 12 other couples miserably waiting as well and many of them left like we did.
On phoning the restaurant afterwards to politely ask if there was any compensation they could offer if we came again such as a free drink or discount, they were rude and offensive to me saying that they were busy and I should've been more patient- almost 2hours waiting it patient enough I think! I can't comment on the food (although i must say that it did smell and look good) but I did tell the manager that they should respect customer's opinions and that many bad experiences like mine would give a nice restaurant a bad reputation to which they replied "tell all the friends you want, we get enough business it doesn't matter". I don't think this is acceptable service and vow never to go again and to advise it against anyone who considers going.
Ysl
Although we went on a quiet Sunday night, the service was friendly and attentive. The starters and the soup were fantastic - Fresh and incredibly flavoursome without anything being overpowering. The mains however, were a disappointment and FAR too salty (and that's 3 out of 4 dishes). The presentation was lovely though, and were it not for the apparently enthusiasm for salt, the dishes would have been very good. Redemption came in the form of a very 1970's style dessert trolley, where the chef's penchant for spinning caramel webs was all too apparent. Would definitely go for the soup and starters again, but would only have the mains if they held back on the salt a bit.
Steven Bates
excellent food, the best Thai restaurant i have been to, and i have tried a few. if you want top food and a reasonable price try here.
Thai Orchid
Have eaten at the Thai Orchid a number of times both for evening a la carte and for lunchtime buffet. Both have been excellent. I find it worthwhile opting for the set menus in the evening, their seafood menu (C I think) is outstanding with good quality and copious amounts of food). Their lunchtime all you can eat buffet is very good value and a very good selection of hot and cold starters, soup, meat and vegetarian main courses and a large sweet table (the crunchie trifle is a must). Service is pretty good with all the usual range of beers wines etc and have always been warmly greeted. I eat widely in Birmingham and have found this to be one of my favourite restaurants.