Boulevard Books

Absolutely fantastic. I popped in for an early dinner on a Tuesday and was greeted by one of the chefs. She was very friendly, and offered me a small table tucked away in a corner of the bookshop. It is, indeed, a functioning bookshop as well as a Thai restaurant. The books are all for sale, and marked with prices.
The menu is a bit limited, but everything is fantastic. They do two courses for £13 plus a 10% service charge. I elected to pay a flat £15 because the service was excellent. There are a few pricier entrée options as well, and some desserts. I opted for the chicken satay starter and lamb massaman curry, which was the special that evening (it had been simmering away for four hours according to the chef). Everything is cooked fresh and it shows.
The chicken satay was easily the best I’ve ever had — tender meat, spiced beautifully with a gorgeous peanut sauce. It came with a small serving of sticky coconut rice, which was excellent when dipped in the peanut sauce.
The lamb curry was equally delicious — perfectly spiced, the lamb fell apart with I picked it up with my fork, and the jasmine rice was just enough to mop up the remaining sauce.
In terms of drinks, they bring you a pitcher of free ice water and you can get tea for a small charge. Alcohol is bring your own, and there is a £2 corking fee per person.
The food was bar none the best I’ve had in Hastings, and easily some of the best Thai I’ve had full stop. I’m tempted to return before my trip is over, it was so good. If you get a chance, definitely give them a try.

This Thai restaurant situated within a quaint second hand bookshop is a true gem of the Hastings old town. Serving up fresh and authentic Thai food of the highest calibre with a fantastic vegetarian selection also available and the option to bring your own alcohol all for a more than reasonable price makes it a personal and group favourite!

It’s not just a bookshop you know! In the evenings it doubles as a Thai restaurant which is such a bizarrely ingenious idea, it just keeps you coming back for more. Boulevard Books was recommended by a friend who is known for his eye for good food (yes, I’ve nagged him to start Unilocaling), so who was I to pass it up!
The tables are spread out amongst the bookshelves and, although the place is small, it offers tables for large groups and intimate couples (that’s intimate tables for couples, not… ahem), however I STRONGLY suggest booking in advance.
They do not have an alcohol licence so remember to bring a bottle of plonk should you desire. This part of the review normally discusses the wine list so instead we’ll just have some hold music… do doo dooo do doo dooo hummm hummmm hummm. Can you guess what banging 80’s tune that is? Thought not…
And you’re back in the room. And the room is full of books. So, as you sit and delight in the exquisite and genuinely authentic (which is something not as easy to find as you may think) Thai food, you can also peruse some fine novels and educational aids should you so wish. In fact, my companion picked up a cheeky little page turner to take with her to Morrocco next month and for a mere two golden nuggets.
The menu is small, but offers a choice of pork, beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Two courses will set you back a mere £13 and comprises of a starter and a main. Prawn crackers and two dips are £2 and you can add Tiger Prawns to any dish for £3. The food is outstanding and really cheap for the quality.
The restaurant is staffed by the owner and his wife who are a lovely couple and so so welcoming. It is easily the best service I’ve ever experienced in Hastings (which isn’t difficult to be fair). Very humble people who are genuinely interested in your enjoyment and satisfaction.
If you want something different and some top quality Thai food, great service from the lovely owners, amazing food at very reasonable prices, you’d be silly to walk past this place.