Guildford Tickled Pink By Giggling Squid

Published on: 5 Aug, 2015
Updated on: 12 Aug, 2015

It’s always great fun to try out a new restaurant and the Giggling Squid hits just the right notes.

Contrary to the understated grey exterior, the inside was happily rustic. It felt very comfortable and intimate without being oppressive. The staff were wonderfully welcoming, as you would expect, and we felt that they were genuinely pleased to greet us.

Comfortable and rustic setting at the Giggling Squid

The menu had a good range of spicy and less spicy foods, with vegetarian options for most of the dishes. We always welcome having that preference well catered for.

As we were making our choices, a delightfully full dish of prawn crackers with a lovely chilli sauce was served – very tasty.

We chose starters of Chicken Satay and the ‘must try’ Salt and Pepper Squid. The Chicken Satay was attractively presented with the skewers of chicken delivered in a little wire basket and decorated with parsley.

There were two sauces, one peanut which was typically moreish and a cucumber and shallot relish which was even nicer. I would have to recommend this starter. The salt and pepper squid was again temptingly presented and the chilli peppers were enough to blow your socks off. Recommended if you like it hot.

Freshly cooked!

For our mains, the famous Thai Green Curry option did not disappoint. Subtle flavours with a bit of a kick – plenty of chicken in the dish and a very satisfying meal. The Stir Fried Cashew dish with the vegetable option was a colourful sight to behold. The vegetables were obviously fresh and each held their flavour thus complimenting the whole dish.

The Thai beers were good, a bit stronger and fuller tasting than our local beverages but an excellent accompaniment to the meal.

The Giggling Squid has landed in a good location too in the restaurant row of Chapel Street. The people of Guildford, I’m sure will be happy to have this new independent family owned restaurant within the town. Quality food at a reasonable price and at lunch time, the option to have Thai Tapas is very seductive.

Giggling Squid with a good location in the restaurant land of Chapel Street

Giggling Squid will be open for lunch through to end of play Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday to Thursday will close at 3pm and re-open at 6pm. The intention is to have sittings of two hours each through the evening.

Recommendation: Independently owned restaurant, good fresh food, nice ambiance, reasonable prices and in a lovely part of town. Well worth a visit.