For this year’s Easter holiday I’m traveling to Japan and China. I’ll be in Hong Kong next week and during my research, I came across one of the cities fine dining scene’s classics: Duddell’s. Unfortunately, the restaurant is fully booked for when I’m there, but I jumped with joy when I found out that Duddell’s has opened a second location in London! The setting couldn’t be a higher contrast to Cantonese cuisine: it’s located inside London Bridge’s historic St. Thomas Church. Look at it, isn’t it fantastic?
THE RESTAURANT
Designed by Michaelis Boyd (Soho House Berlin and Soho Farmhouse) the restoration of the place aimed to maximize as much daylight and heritage elements of the building, which remains one of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in London. Mixing modern materials like brass fixtures and lightings, terrazzo worktops and green tiles it’s a slight hint to the retro feel of the 1960ies tea restaurants in Hong Kong.
THE FOOD
Famous for authentic Cantonese cuisine, the Michelin starred restaurant in Hong Kong has brought joy to its guests by reinterpreting and modernizing iconic dishes. The same goes for the new London location, where hand-crafted dim sum and other beloved dishes are served, using only with the freshest premium ingredients. The setting inside the historic St. Thomas Church is relaxed and you can look forward to some London-exclusive dishes. If you’re there make sure to try their signature dish “Dim Sum Symphony” that is made up from 6 seafood dim sum in a basked. What’s so special about it? Take a close look, there are two dumplings that are formed like little tiny cute goldfish!
Head Chef Daren Liew has spent some time at Duddells in Hong Kong and previously executive sous chef with the Hakkasan Group. His menu starts off with delicious dishes such as “Smoked Black Angus Ribs with Red Wine Soy and Baby Peach” or “Supreme Lobster Noodle” and “Truffled-roasted Black Cod” – my absolute favorite!
But if you’re really into something special you should definitely go for true Cantonese tradition and another signature dish at Duddells: Peking Duck. And have one of the innovative cocktails, like “Hybrid JIA tea” – a Gin infused jasmine tea. Cheers!
Address: Duddell’s, St Thomas Street Southwark London SE1 9RY
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday for Lunch: 12pm – 3pm and Dinner: 6pm – 11.30pm
Sunday for Lunch: 12pm – 3pm and Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm
Bar: Sun – Thurs 12pm – 12am Fri – Sat: 12pm – 1am
You like what you read? Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more travel & food stories.
All pictures: Duddell’s