Harden's survey result
Summary
“Superb original food, a very amenable chef, plus helpful and friendly staff” – on limited feedback, that’s the upbeat take on this Chinese fine-dining restaurant, where the kitchen is run by Dave Critchley, who – having worked in some of the city’s top kitchens – took his career in this different direction in 2019 (and in 2021 represented the North West in BBC2’s Great British Menu).
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Lu Ban?
Owner's description
Experience small plate dining, or xiao panzi. Lu Ban Restaurant offers beautifully presented food inspired by the authentic flavours of Tianjin, and prepared using traditional Chinese methods and skills.
In Tianjin, the custom of eating the right food in the right season has existed for a long time. Following research visits to the region, Dave Critchley, our Executive Head Chef, has created a menu that includes an array of seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes designed for you and your guests to enjoy.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £59.00 |  |
|
|
|
| Pretheatre | £35.00 | |
|
|
|
| SundayLunch | £35.00 | |
|
|
|
| Brunch | £39.50 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 99.00 | Dinner only | 7 |
| Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £5.50 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Dave J Critchley is Lu Ban's Executive Head Chef.
Dave Critchley, returned to work in Liverpool in 2019 after a two-year spell with Manchester-based Living Venture Group and their flagship Australasia brand, where he held the position of executive chef.
Critchley, who spent four years as executive head chef at the prestigious London Carriage Works at Hope Street Hotel, and had senior roles at Portico in Albert Dock, Gallery in Formby, Noble House, Alma de Cuba, 52 Lark Lane and Neighbourhood Cafe Childwall.
Stanhope Street, Liverpool, L8 5XJ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 3 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 3 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
