GIGGLING Squid is set to bring its Thai tapas concept to Farnham having exchanged contracts on the former Colony Chinese restaurant in Castle Street.

The new 140-cover restaurant is expected to open in just over six months time as part of the chain’s rapid expansion to 18 premises across the south of England.

Once open, the £200,000 Farnham site will add to a growing array of eateries in Castle Street which includes Zizzi, Bill’s, Brasserie Blanc, and Pizza Express.

Giggling Squid managing director Andy Laurillard said: “We know Surrey people love our take on rustic Thai food in contemporary surrounds, and Farnham’s affluent demographic is a perfect match for our target customer profile.

“Customers travel from across the county to eat in our existing restaurants, and then beseech us to open in their home town.”

“I get details of vacant properties every time a ‘to let’ or ‘for sale’ sign goes up,” added Mr Laurillard.

Giggling Squid opened its most recent restaurant in Chapel Street, Guildford, offering “the simple, rustic, fresh food of Thailand” from street food to coastal specialities.