LULU LE VAY, NOVEMBER 2017
With Chinese New Year around the corner this February 2018, which celebrates year of the dog, there is no better place to hang out in London than Chinatown. The dog as a zodiac animal symbolises action, so there are no excuses – get to know the area with our neighbourhood guide.
Golden Gate Cake Shop If you haven’t tried the Golden Gate barbecue pork buns (Char Sui) you haven’t lived. These delicacies have a crispy crust and juicy sweet filling to die for. This bakery also has 80 different types of Oriental cakes, including mango cake and custard buns. Perfect for a quick carb and sugar shopping pit stop during the Christmas shopping season.
New Loon MoonThis was the first Oriental supermarket in the area, having opened almost 40 years ago. And it’s not just Chinese groceries that can be found here, but Thai, Malaysian, Korean, Singaporean, Indonesian and Burmese. This products on sale here are impressive, the team travel regularly to small vendors across Asia to keep their shelves brimming with goodies.
The Experimental Cocktail ClubChinatown doesn’t have to be all about Peking duck and noodles. There are some sizzling spots to have cocktails, and the Experimental Cocktail Club is our favourite. Hidden behind an old door in a townhouse on Gerrard Street, this atmospheric spot is must-go for dates and groups of friends. And if you fancy venturing further afield, its sister venue, the Experimental Beach Ibiza, is also well worth a visit.
W London Right in the heart of Chinatown is the luxury hotel brand, W London. Although the W has been a hot spot since it opened six years ago, it has recently undergone a lounge and public bar refurbishment. The new design reflects the cutting-edge vibe of contemporary London, which is also reflected in the eclectic DJ programming at weekends. Definitely worth a pre-or-post dinner drink.
Wong KeiAlthough there is a myriad of restaurants to choose from, we have to mention the classic. Wong Kei has been an institution in Chinatown for the last 30 years, once famous for the rude service, which became a key attraction. Since it was renovated in 2001, the staff are now friendlier. The food is great value and the Baroque and Art Nouveau building worth a visit.
