Review of Liv Pan Asia at Woodlakes Park in Stowbridge: Outstanding flavoursome food enjoyed in a double-decker bus

lucy.carter@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 18:03, 21 July 2023

My only experience of eating on a bus has been scoffing a half-melted KitKat on the way home from school. But that soon changed for the better when me and my parents visited Liv Pan Asia at Woodlakes Park.

Located in Stowbridge, the Thai restaurant gives visitors the unique option to dine on the top of a refurbished double-decker bus, as well as in a number of outdoor pods or outside overlooking the picturesque lake.

We opted for the first option and on arrival were pleased that I booked in advance as the bus was comfortably busy with happy-looking customers.

We were greeted by friendly staff members and shown to our table which has colourful seats, adding to the uniqueness of the bus experience.

Before I tell you about the divine food we devoured, I’ll start with drinks. As a cocktail lover, I was happy to see Liv Pan Asia had a number on offer so decided to order a mojito (£11).

My mum ordered 250ml sauvignon blanc (£6.95) and dad opted for a pint of Singha (£5.95).

We agreed that the drinks were on the pricy side, but all enjoyed what we had. My cocktail was refreshing and minty.

Moving onto starters, I chose vegetable spring rolls (£6.95) and I can honestly say they were some of the best I’ve ever had.

The rolls were filled to the brim, hot and crispy and served with side salad and sweet chilli sauce.

Mum was very happy with her chicken gyozas

My veggie spring rolls were cooked to perfection

Mum went for the chicken gyoza (£7.45) and dad had the soft shell crab (£7.45) and both said how much they enjoyed their food, with dad saying his crab “melted in the mouth”.

The starters were generous and left us all excited and with high hopes for our main courses.

And we weren’t let down as our mains were incredible. We agreed it was the best meal out we’ve had for a long time.

My mum had pad mee luang with chicken (£13.95) which consisted of stir-fried egg noodles with bean sprouts and veg.

Dad went for pad med with crispy belly pork (£18.95) which came with sticky rice in the chef's ‘special sauce’ and I went for the tofu pad Thai (£13.95).

Fireworks of flavour oozed through my main course, and my parents agreed. Everything was genuinely delicious and fresh and although portion sizes were generous, we weren’t left with that stodgy full feeling.