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From Seaside Arcade to Global Sensation: How Moran’s Thai Resturant Conquered TikTok
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Moran’s Thai Restaurant in Westward Ho!, North Devon, has become a viral phenomenon, racking up over 66 million views on TikTok in just 12 months – a testament to the power of authenticity and a thriving community spirit in a challenging hospitality landscape.
In an industry still reeling from the impacts of lockdowns, labor shortages, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Moran’s stands out not merely for its survival, but for its remarkable growth. The restaurant,tucked away on the North Devon coast,has captured a global audience by focusing on what it does best: delivering exceptional food,fostering a vibrant atmosphere,and forging genuine connections with its customers.
A Family Legacy Transformed
Moran’s Thai Restaurant began its journey approximately 13 years ago when John and Jacqueline Moran reimagined an abandoned amusement arcade into a welcoming dining space. “They used their wealth of knowledge in hospitality to create a thriving Thai restaurant,” explains Frankie Moran, who took over the business in 2015 following her parents’ retirement.As then,she has steadily grown Moran’s into a local favorite and a destination for visitors from across the United Kingdom.
The restaurant’s foundation is rooted in a deep gratitude for Thai culture. “We’ve always loved Thai food and culture – the flavours, the warmth, and the sense of community that surrounds it,” Frankie Moran shares. “Westward Ho! has such a strong local identity and lovely coastal energy, so it felt like the perfect place to combine that with Thai hospitality and fresh, vibrant food.”
More Than Just a Restaurant
Describing the experiance to a first-time visitor, Frankie Moran paints a picture of a versatile space. “It’s a Thai restaurant and cocktail lounge – relaxed but with a sense of occasion. You can come for a quiet dinner, a lively bottomless brunch with live music, or cocktails with friends overlooking the sea.” This adaptability has broadened Moran’s appeal, attracting both loyal locals and curious tourists discovering it through their mobile devices.
What truly distinguishes Moran’s, however, is its unique character. “It’s the personality,” Frankie Moran emphasizes. “We’ve got a creative, hard-working team who make every visit feel special. Our Thai chefs are incredibly talented, and our bar team constantly create fun, colourful cocktails. We blend authentic Thai food with a coastal, contemporary atmosphere – it’s a little slice of Thailand in North Devon.” The restaurant’s Appledore monkfish yellow curry is a particular standout,according to Moran.
Over the years,the menu has evolved to incorporate modern Thai street food influences and a greater selection of vegan options,while maintaining the core values of the establishment.The bar has also experienced meaningful growth, becoming a destination in its own right. “We’re now known as much for our drinks and live music events as for our food. The atmosphere has become livelier, especially with themed nights and social media followers coming in from further afield.”
The tiktok Effect
The restaurant’s surge in popularity began when Frankie Moran started posting short, engaging videos on TikTok. Initially, the content was lighthearted and focused on showcasing the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and tasty food. “I started posting just for fun, really. I wanted to show people what we were up to and share the energy of Moran’s. I never expected it to blow up like it did.”
The videos quickly gained traction, resonating with viewers who appreciated the restaurant’s authentic and unpretentious approach. Moran’s TikTok account now boasts a dedicated following,with videos regularly receiving hundreds of thousands of views. The platform has not only driven foot traffic to the restaurant but has also expanded its reach to a global audience.
“TikTok has been incredible for us,” Frankie Moran says. “It’s allowed us to connect with people we would never have reached or else. We’ve had customers travel from all over the UK and even from abroad after seeing our videos. It’s also been a fantastic way to build a community around our brand.”
Looking to the Future
Moran’s success on TikTok hasn’t led to complacency. Frankie Moran is committed to continuing to innovate and evolve the restaurant’s offerings. “We’re always looking for new ways to improve and create memorable experiences for our customers.”
Looking ahead, moran’s plans to expand its events program, with more themed nights, live music performances, and creative bottomless brunches. They are also developing exciting menu updates and collaborations with local producers. And TikTok? It’s hear to stay. “It’s not just marketing – it’s part of our identity now.it keeps us connected to our customers and lets us share what makes Moran’s special with a wider audience.”
For Frankie
