Many restaurants have had their fair share of trials and tribulations to face - we have all seen Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares - but one in Twickenham has encountered a devastating inferno and emerged from the ashes better than ever.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

An arson attack in March this year caused a blaze that severely damaged the front half of Thai-upon-Thames, but it re-opened in October with a new team of dedicated staff following a refurbishment.

Of the wide range of appetisers, the tom kha gai coconut soup has an excellent balance of flavours, while the green papaya nut salad is as fresh as if it were bought on the beaches of Koh Lanta.

The batter of the vegetable tempura was light and crunchy, and the generous portion of prawn toast was as good as any I have had.

The chicken with cashew nuts, served with sticky coconut rice, is complemented by crisp and crunchy vegetables, while the red curry was flavoursome with a welcome spicy tang.

For dessert, the tropical island dish is an interesting mix of warm sweet rice, coconut ice cream and juicy Thai fruits.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The restaurant is back in businessThe restaurant is back in business

  • Thai upon Thames; 346 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2DU; Open 6pm to 11pm; call  020 8892 6808 or visit thaiuponthames.co.uk.