Amex Dining Experience
Invited by American Express Dining, I was excited for a night at Speedboat Bar, one of London’s buzziest Thai-inspired spots now housed at The Electric in Portobello. Sadly, what began with high expectations quickly turned into a mixed bag of a night — a fantastic setting let down by service that missed the mark and an Amex “experience” that felt like an overpriced detour.
Atmosphere:
Let’s start with the good: the vibe was electric (pun intended). The place was buzzing, packed with chatter and sizzling woks — the kind of chaos you want when you’re reminiscing about Bangkok nights.
The interior nailed the aesthetic — bright lights, mismatched metal chairs, colourful plates, and even the cutlery that screams “I’ve eaten this meal on a Thai street corner before!” It felt authentic, nostalgic, and gloriously loud in the best way possible.
Service:
It was rushed over all, but then there was an oddly long wait after the corn fritters — disjointed, impersonal, and frankly disappointing. It felt as though we were being managed separately from the regular guests rather than welcomed as part of the dining experience.
Thai hospitality is usually defined by warmth and genuine care — sadly, none of that made an appearance here. Even a simple smile or a touch of kindness would have gone a long way.
Drink:
The Jelly Bia cocktail. I’m not a beer person, but their take — with a zing of ginger — was unexpectedly delicious. Refreshing, spicy, and perfectly balanced. If you go, order it.
Price:££
The Amex Dining price was far higher than what you’d pay if you booked directly. The dishes themselves are reasonably priced on the regular menu — and, in fact, everything we were served was from that same menu. So what exactly were we paying extra for? Amex, if you’re reading this — please get in touch.
For the record, the restaurant itself offers great value; it’s the Amex markup that left a bad taste.
What I Ordered:
Sweetcorn Fritters
Crispy, golden, and bursting with sweetcorn flavour. A strong start.
Crunchy Chicken with Green Mango Kerabu
The chicken was impossibly crispy, and the tangy mango salad underneath added just the right kick.
Minced Beef with Holy Basil
Warning: very spicy. To the point where it overpowered everything else. A fried egg and rice helped, but the heat drowned out the balance.
Pineapple Pie with Taro Ice Cream
This was pure heaven. The Taro ice cream was silky, fragrant, and brought a lovely tropical finish — the perfect way to cool down after all that spice. I only wish we’d each had our own instead of sharing one between the two of us!
Conclusion:
Speedboat Bar still wins for atmosphere and flavour, but the Amex Dining Experience? A definite misfire. I’d happily return on my own terms, skip the so-called “curated” markup, and simply enjoy their full menu, finishing with that unforgettable Taro ice cream.
I think I’ll have to go back to Speedboat Bar to write a proper review — the score might stay the same… or even go higher.
Menu available: https://speedboatbar.co.uk/speedboat-bar-at-the-electric/
Their original location is in Soho, right in the heart of Chinatown!
