Matthanee Nilavongse is the founder and creative force behind Ginger Panther, an Indochina-inspired kitchen in Hebden Bridge, and Splashing Tiger, a riverside bar in Amphawa, Thailand. Originally from Thailand and now based in the UK, she has spent years bringing people together through food, music, and hospitality.

Inspired by the street food, markets, and home cooking of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, her cooking blends bold flavours with fresh local ingredients and a warm, welcoming spirit. Beyond the kitchen, she has a long history of promoting music events and believes that great food, great music, and great people create unforgettable experiences.

Every venue she creates is more than a restaurant or bar—it’s a place where strangers become friends, stories are shared, and everyone feels at home. Her philosophy is simple: serve with heart, celebrate culture, and always make people smile.