The story
Farang began in 2015 when chef Sebby Holmes traded from the back of his car at London street food markets. A year later, he set up a pop-up at the current Highbury & Islington space. Excellent reviews followed, and the pop-up became permanent. The name means “foreigner” in Thai – a playful nod to the kitchen’s approach to Thai cuisine.
Sebby Holmes started cooking at thirteen, training in British food before falling for Thai flavours during a 2008 tour of Asia. He worked at Jane Alty’s The Begging Bowl and later as head chef at Smoking Goat in Soho before launching Farang. His cooking balances traditional Thai techniques with a dedication to quality, seasonal Thai and British produce. The result is modern Thai cuisine that holds loyalty to balance and flavour rather than strict authenticity.
Farang sources the best ingredients from across Thailand and the UK. Fresh Asian produce leaves Bangkok on Sunday, arrives in London on Tuesday, and reaches the kitchen on Wednesday – prepared immediately for dinner service. Everything is made fresh from scratch. Dishes and ingredients change with the seasons and availability. The team also holds the ‘Thai Select’ award from the UK Thai Embassy, certifying the authenticity and freshness of their ingredients.
The restaurant recommends the feasting menu – a selection of the best dishes condensed into fewer bites, allowing guests to sample a wide range at once. Weekly deliveries ensure produce is at its peak. The atmosphere is relaxed and focused on the food. Farang has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years, recognising good quality, good value cooking. It has also been inducted into the National Restaurant Awards top 100.
Farang offers a larder stocked with fresh curry pastes, stir-fry sauces, and dipping sauces, available for takeaway or UK-wide delivery. Chef Sebby has also published a cookbook, Cook Thai, bringing his simple approach to southeast Asian food to home cooks. The team caters private events, creating bespoke menus for corporate parties, weddings, and birthdays.
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