Entrepreneur opens Thai restaurant with ‘street market’ feel in Lancaster

A business graduate from Lancaster University has opened a Thai restaurant in the heart of Lancaster.

Jing Pongwisaitat, founder of TwoThai restaurant, seeks to offer an authentic Thai street food menu and market atmosphere in her new restaurant in China Street in the city centre.

Originally from Thailand, Jing came to Lancaster University back in 2015 to study MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Practice. On completion of her degree, she set up a business making and selling Thai ‘street food’ and travelled across the region with a fellow Thai student, selling their food at market stalls and food and drink events. 

When her business counterpart returned to Thailand, Jing focused on the production of Thai table sauces. Having settled permanently in Lancaster she then decided to go one step further and open a restaurant.

TwoThai has capacity for over 30 diners and will also offer take-away options. Once operating at full capacity, Jing will have a five-strong team, including full-time waiters, chefs and front of house staff.

Jing received support from Lancaster-based law firm Harrison Drury in establishing the new venture. Jack Stephenson, senior associate solicitor in Harrison Drury’s corporate and commercial team and Laura Bradley from the commercial property team assisted with the acquisition of the business.

Jing said: “My vision is to create a fun, casual atmosphere that reflects the hustle and bustle of a Thai street market offering a traditional menu, with dishes including Pad Thai noodles, a range of Thai curries, papaya salad and Tom Yum soup. I want it to be a special place to visit and experience Thai food, but also a fun place for people to ‘hang out’.

“The process of setting up my own business, finding a location and getting my restaurant ready to open has been very challenging, but the support I have had from Harrison Drury has given me a great start.” 

Jack said: “Jing has a true entrepreneurial spirit and a determination to make the restaurant a success. The location on China Street is perfect as it had previously operated as a Thai restaurant, so it ticked all the boxes. It’s another exciting venture in this popular area of Lancaster and she has worked very hard to convert it to reflect her own vision and be ready to open for the start of the festive season.”

Laura said: “It is always a pleasure to help young entrepreneurs with the enthusiasm to set up a business and go it alone. Jing will be putting new life into the restaurant venue in Lancaster and making it her own. I have no doubt it will be a success.”

TwoThai restaurant is located at 6 China Street in Lancaster and operates six days a week for sit down meals and take away food.