Irish Boozer With Thai Kitchen Will Open in Southwark Next Month

Windmill Taverns Group have announced the opening of their fifth London site, Mc & Sons. It’s the group’s first opening in 10 years.

Opening 16 October on Union Street in south London, Mc & Sons will see “two worlds collide — neatly brought together by the traditions of an Irish family and authenticity of Thai cuisine — delivered in a modern way.” The latest generation of the McElhinney family sees Johnny and wife Lailar bring together their respective cultures in "a true Irish pub" with "authentic Thai streetfood," a marriage of food and drink that is more ubiquitous than it may first appear.

Courtesy Mc & Sons

Mc & Sons will offer takeaway Thai lunchboxes between 12–2.30pm, with dinner service from 6.30pm in the evenings. The food appears to have a pronounced emphasis on northern Thai cuisine, happily staying away from the catch-all (coconut milk-curry-dominated) notion of Thai that still dominates many UK outposts. As for the drinks, a "carefully-curated drink list" will pair with the inevitable "great value, ever-changing beer and ale list" — the former tailored to the food that will be served.

The emphasis on heritage and history will extend to the room, with a "living memory wall" (some photos) telling the story of the McElhinney family, and countless reclaimed items of pub furniture ready and waiting for willing bums on seats. With opening (relatively) fast approaching, this looks to be an interesting addition to the clutch of establishments in the Southwark area, joining the likes of The Anchor & Hope and the residents of Flat Iron Square.