Thai Night in Shoreham
There’s something about Shoreham that instantly slows your step. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight bounces off the river, maybe it’s the quiet poetry of the church in the town centre, or maybe it’s just the fact that life seems to move at a different pace here. Whatever it is, when we set out for The River Bistro Café’s Thai Night on an early September evening, we knew we were in for more than just dinner. We were stepping into Shoreham’s very own flavour of bohemian magic.
A Stroll to Set the Scene at Thai Night
We arrived just before 7 pm, while the sun was still warm enough to paint everything with a soft golden glow.
Walking over the Shoreham Bridge, the river sparkling beneath us, felt like the prologue to a date night story.
From there, we wandered past the striking church at the centre of town, its presence both grounding and romantic, before heading towards the Bistro on the waterfront.
As locals ourselves, it felt like a little celebration of our own community – choosing to “dine local” not only for the flavours but for the joy of supporting the places that make Shoreham special. There’s something extra satisfying about knowing your night out is helping to keep the town’s independent spirit alive.
The River Bistro Café greets you with an ease that feels natural to Shoreham. There’s no pretension, no fuss – just the kind of neighbourhood spot where candles are already flickering on every table and you get that instant sense of being part of something familiar, even if it’s your first visit.
The Welcome
Inside, the atmosphere was buzzing in that very particular Shoreham way – lively chatter, bursts of laughter, friendly nods from locals. Within minutes of sitting down, we’d already been drawn into easy conversations with the tables around us. That’s the charm here: you don’t just go out for a meal, you slip into a little community for the evening.
And it’s not just the locals who make the welcome special – the staff here set the tone with genuine warmth. From the moment we sat down, we felt looked after in that relaxed, unhurried way that tells you the night isn’t about rushing.
Cocktails in the Spotlight
While Thai food was on the menu, it was the cocktails that stole the show for us. The River Bistro Café has carved out a little niche in Shoreham with its beautiful range of Aperol Spritzes – five different varieties, from the timeless classic to a playful limoncello twist. Each one was like its own chapter of the evening: light, fizzy, bittersweet, and oh-so-refreshing.
There’s something about sipping an Aperol Spritz beside the water that makes you forget about time.
We found ourselves slipping outside between courses, glasses in hand, watching the sun dip away and the lights start to glimmer on the river. It was less about “grabbing a drink” and more about letting the cocktail set the rhythm for the night.
And if cocktails aren’t your thing, let me tell you: the mocktails are just as thoughtful. I love that attention to detail – they weren’t afterthoughts or sugary stand-ins, but carefully made, flavour-packed drinks that felt every bit as celebratory as their boozy cousins. For anyone skipping alcohol, it meant you didn’t miss out on the fun.
A Feast at Its Own Pace
The Thai Night menu unfolded as a series of courses, each one arriving with a generous pause in between.
From crispy spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce to the comforting spice of pork laab, to fragrant plates of pineapple fried rice and rich, soulful massaman curry, the dishes were a journey in themselves. The finale – deep-fried ice cream – was pure nostalgia on a plate, the kind of playful touch that made everyone around the room smile.
But what really elevated the meal was the pacing. This wasn’t a night of rushing through plates; it was a rhythm of eat, sip, chat, step outside, repeat. That slower pace meant we could savour not just the food, but the whole experience – conversations that meandered, laughter that spilled across tables, and the rare luxury of letting time stretch.
Shoreham’s Bohemian Charm
By the time dessert arrived, we’d already made new friends. That’s Shoreham for you – friendly, unpretentious, full of warmth. It’s the kind of town where strangers don’t stay strangers for long, and The River Bistro Café seems to bottle that spirit perfectly.
There’s a romance here that isn’t about dim lighting or grand gestures, but about the simple, genuine pleasures: real candles on the table, the sound of glasses clinking, the comfort of knowing your neighbours, and the chance to share in it all together.
For us, as parents sneaking a rare evening away from the kids, it was exactly what we needed. A couple of hours to breathe, to sip something sparkling, to soak up the last of the summer sun, and to remember that life’s best moments often happen when you give yourself permission to slow down.
The Verdict
The River Bistro Café’s Thai Night is more than just a themed dinner – it’s a Shoreham experience. It’s where the river meets the rhythm of good company, where cocktails shine as brightly as the sunset, and where a neighbourhood bistro becomes the backdrop for a night that lingers in your memory long after you’ve crossed back over the bridge.
Whether you’re looking for a slow, romantic date night or a lively evening catching up with friends over Aperol Spritzes, The River Bistro Café delivers that rare kind of magic: a place that feels both special and familiar, both vibrant and unhurried. And if you’re a local, dining here feels like more than just a night out – it’s a way to celebrate and support the very heart of Shoreham.
