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P S V CuisineA-Worth Trying

Name: P S V Cuisine
Address: THE CROWN AND CUSHION, 133-135 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

THE CROWN AND CUSHION, 133-135 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR · Laotian restaurant, Thai restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (255 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Hidden-above-a-pub Laotian/Thai spot delivering bold, spicy flavors with quick, friendly service and fair central London pricing, though spice can run hot and a few guests report service misfires.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

This hidden-gem Laotian restaurant delivers bold, authentic flavors with standout laab and papaya salad paired with quick, friendly service that keeps diners returning. The generally reliable execution and fair central London pricing make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though the modest pub-above setting and occasional consistency dips in secondary dishes prevent grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

Up a narrow staircase above a traditional pub, the room feels warm and bustling rather than polished, with the kind of hidden-gem energy people love to discover. Servers move quickly and most diners rave about the food arriving fast; one happy guest shared, "We ordered upstairs and they brought it down to the pub, super convenient." While the vibe is relaxed, expect a lively pub buzz and the occasional tight squeeze at peak times. The kitchen leans Laotian with Thai support, and it shows in the boldness of the flavors—papaya salad with fermented depth, sticky rice baskets, house-made sausage, and even raw prawns in spicy fish sauce. The culinary approach leans authentic regional with a contemporary mix: distinctly Lao dishes complemented by familiar Thai staples. Most plates hit big on herbs and heat; a few diners found certain dishes oily or the pho underwhelming, so stick to the Lao signatures if you want the best of the menu. For families, the food options are surprisingly accommodating thanks to the pub section downstairs—fish and chips, burgers, and mild noodles can keep younger eaters happy while adults explore the spicier Lao items. Desserts like banana fritters and ice cream are easy wins for kids. One review mentioned a less welcoming interaction with children upstairs, but that was an outlier; food-wise, there are plenty of kid-friendly choices.

At a Glance

Bold Lao flavors with standout laab, papaya salad, and house sausage
Hidden-gem setting above a pub with fast, friendly service
Fair central London pricing with generous portions
Spice can be intense; occasional oily or tough-meat reports
Small room gets busy; a rare complaint about staff attitude toward kids

What Sets It Apart

authentic_lao_menu_in_central_london
eat_in_pub_or_upstairs_room
raw_seafood_and_fermented_lao_specialties

What People Love

The thrill of discovering a great spot above a pub
Fresh herbs, heat, and sticky rice combos
Speedy service that respects your time
Choice to dine upstairs or in the pub with the same menu

Points of Concern

Pricing for specialty mains (£18-25, whole fish £25-30) feels high to some for the setting but aligns with central London norms
A few dishes (pho, occasional overdone noodles, tough pork) draw mixed feedback
Room is small and can be noisy during busy pub hours
Review patterns show no manipulation, but a small number of ultra-short raves may overstate consistency

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£32-44 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Tum Lao or Naem Kao, share Sai Oua, then split Pun Pa; finish with banana fritters if you have room
For kids or spice-averse, choose fish and chips or mild noodles from pub/Thai options

Perfect For

Pre-show meal near Waterloo and South Bank
Casual group dinners that want flavorful food without fuss
Adventurous eaters seeking authentic Lao dishes
Quick, satisfying solo dinner with a pint downstairs

Location Insights

Area: Central London zone near Waterloo with a mix of commuters, tourists, and locals; lively pub culture.

Safety: Generally safe, busy thoroughfares; occasional doorway crowding by smokers noted.

Nearby: Steps from Waterloo Station, near South Bank attractions like the London Eye; pub downstairs provides drinks; restaurant upstairs.

LambethA dynamic inner-city neighborhood with a mix of historic and modern architecture, featuring significant cultural institutions and proximity to major London attractions.

Westminster BridgeA high-traffic area connecting Westminster and South Bank, characterized by its proximity to major landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and London Eye.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday13:00–21:00 Sunday13:00–18:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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