Launching this October, Long Chim, will open its first-ever residency in Soho, London. Located on Rupert Street, Long Chim will take-over the ground floor of Hovarda, pitching its distinct sound of clashing woks against the beating rhythm of the pestle as it hits the mortar. Long Chim, which means to ‘come and try’, will present accessible menus replete with authentic dishes inspired by the food stalls and markets of modern Bangkok.

David Thompson is the world-renowned chef and culinary lead at Long Chim. His decision to leave London for his adopted home in Bangkok more than ten years ago left a gap in London’s dining scene. His return to the capital has been eagerly anticipated. The concept and menu of Long Chim is anchored around Thompson’s vast knowledge, understanding and interpretation of the brilliant dishes that are enjoyed day and night in Bangkok, honed from decades spent exploring the complex network of alleys and laneways that weave across the city.

Chef Patipan ‘Pae’ Jipromma, currently head chef at Thompson’s Michelin-starred Aksorn restaurant in Bangkok, will lead the kitchen team throughout the residency which will run into early 2025. Pae has worked alongside David for more than five years and is unquestionably one of the most exciting chefs of his generation cooking Thai food anywhere in the world.

David Thompson comments: “Long Chim is intended to be fun, ‘sanuk’ as they would say in Thailand, with food and drinks that everyone loves. Our menu has all the dishes that Thai’s miss the most when away from home. Pae and I are looking forward to opening our residency in London with our Hovarda partners.”