Similan Thai Closes After 21 Years in Highcliffe

Similan Thai, a fixture on Lymington Road in Highcliffe since 2004, served its final meal on the evening of 4 October 2025. Run by Somporn and her family, the restaurant became a go-to spot for residents seeking genuine Thai flavours without venturing far from home.

After 21 Years ( Is that really correct ? ) Somporn is retiring and Similan Thai will shut. Our final session will be the evening of the 4th of October. We would like to thank all our patrons over this period for their support and wish Somporn a long and happy retirement. Similan Thai have been very happy to be part of Highcliffe’s growing community and wish you all well in the future.

Similan Thai Restaurant

For first-time visitors to the area, it offered an accessible entry into Dorset’s dining scene, blending traditional recipes with a personal touch that made repeat trips inevitable.

The decision to close stems from Somporn’s retirement, marking the end of an era for this family-operated venue. Over the years, Similan Thai built its reputation on dishes like pad Thai, green curries, and tom yum soups, all prepared with fresh ingredients that echoed the owners’ Thai heritage.

Locals recall it as a place where evenings unfolded slowly, with conversations flowing amid the aroma of lemongrass and chilli.

For those new to Highcliffe, it provided a warm introduction to the village’s high street, where independent eateries like this one stood out against chain alternatives.

The closure reflects broader shifts in the local food landscape. Highcliffe, with its coastal charm and proximity to Christchurch, has seen other spots evolve – such as the recent reopening of Bamboo with a fusion menu – but Similan Thai’s departure leaves a gap for pure Thai authenticity.

Residents have shared fond memories online, from early patrons in 2013 praising its freshness to more recent visitors highlighting the consistent quality that kept them coming back. For visitors exploring the area, this news might prompt a search for similar experiences nearby, perhaps at Britannia Thai in Milford on Sea or spots in Brokenhurst that capture a comparable homely vibe.

Reviews on Tripadvisor paint a vivid picture of its appeal, with 344 entries averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. Common praises focus on the superb food, efficient yet friendly service, and authentic tastes that felt like a trip to Thailand.

Diners often noted the lovely ambience in the small space, with one reviewer calling it “a gem on the high street.” Complaints were rare, though some mentioned waits during busy periods post-pandemic reopening. Recent quotes include “absolutely lovely, great food, excellent service” and “will return, thanks,” underscoring the loyalty it inspired.

As Highcliffe moves forward, Similan Thai’s legacy endures in the stories of satisfied customers. For residents, it’s a reminder of how such places shape community life; for newcomers, an invitation to seek out the area’s remaining hidden treasures.