27/11/17 - updated with first look photos
What: Duddell's
In a nutshell: Michelin-starred Cantonese and dim sum from Hong Kong.
Summing it all up: After setting down roots in Hong Kong, Duddell's is making the leap to the UK, opening its first overseas restaurant in the palatial St Thomas Church in London Bridge.
The low-down
Two Michelin-starred Hong Kong spot Duddell's has announced it'll be opening its first ever branch in the UK.
The new restaurant is in London Bridge's St Thomas Church. There, they'll be serving up the dim sum and Cantonese food with a modern twist that earned them their stripes in Hong Kong. At the helm will be Daren Liew, who was previously Executive Sous Chef with the Hakkasan Group and brings with him a whopping 20+ years of experience of cooking Cantonese food.
And on that menu will be classic (although updated) Duddell's dishes like:
- Ying Yang Prawn with Citrus Dressing
- Smoked Black Angus Ribs with Red Wine Soy and Baby Peach
- Truffle Chargrilled Black Cod with Chinese-Aged Vinegar, Lily Bulb and Nameko Mushroom
And some dishes that will only be in the London branch:
- Guandong Crispy Salted Chicken
- 12 Hours XO Beef Shin with Sea Vegetables
- Barbequed Iberico Pork with Honey Glazed Soy Bean
Yesterday, Hot Dinners got a sneak preview. The restaurant is situated in St Thomas's Church and, as you can see from the photos, it looks pretty incredible.
The building, which dates back to 1212, was originally part of the original St. Thomas' Hospital. You might know it if you've visited the Old Operating Theatre Museum upstairs. As with any other Grade II listed building, turning something this old (and beautiful) into a restaurant takes a lot of time. But the end result is extraordinary.
Responsible for the design is Michaelis Boyd, who also did Soho Farmhouse. They've added an open dim sum kitchen and bar and a galleried section to the restaurant. There's also a bar area with a collection of wines and a separate bar menu serving up craft cocktails with an oriental twist, where you can grab a perch before your meal, and perhaps discuss the merits of the many artworks Duddell's will exhibit.
More about Duddell's
Where is it? 9a St Thomas Street, Southwark, London SE1 9RY
When does it open? November 2017
Find out more: Visit Duddell's website or follow them on Twitter @duddellshk.
