Harden's survey result
Summary
Dating from an era (1982) when Asian cuisine was seldom associated with fine dining, the Peng family’s popular Pimlico veteran – benefiting from a recent refurb – continues to plough its idiosyncratic but accomplished course as “one of London’s best Chinese restaurants”. It helps that “the need to decide is taken out of your hands” with their ‘no menu policy’ – having told the team your likes and dislikes “you get what you are given! And this means that you get to try something different that’s always totally delicious” (typically over 12-18 courses, for £119.80 per person). There’s also a “remarkable wine list at very reasonable prices”.
Summary
“The dishes just keep coming and not one of them disappoints” at the Peng family’s Pimlico veteran – “an unusual Chinese restaurant that asks what you like and produces a banquet of what suits you until you say you’ve had enough”. “They’ve been doing it for a long time” (since 1982) “and they do it well” – it remains one of London’s better Chinese restaurants in a “rather agreeable retro way”. “The team try hard to make every visit special” and – though it is quite “pricey” – it’s excellent “for a treat”.
Summary
“Course after course of utter deliciousness!” – comprised of “Chinese tapas that never ceases to impress” – has won renown for this Pimlico veteran, whose “very different 18-course tasting menu is tailored in terms of spiciness and dietary preferences” in discussion with the staff. It’s a formula that’s served the Peng family well for over 40 years (although their personal service is not quite as intrinsic to a visit as once it was). “As other authentic Chinese cuisine has become available across London”, it is perhaps no longer the leading destination it once was, although all diners feel “the food deserves its excellent reputation”. “The venue does not create much in the way of ambience” however and it is often noted in feedback that a meal here has become “very expensive now”. Top Tip – “don’t eat all day before you go”.
Summary
“Just say what you want and it keeps coming until you say ‘stop!’” at this acclaimed, family-run veteran in Pimlico (founded in 1982), where, according to your preferences, Mr Peng orchestrates the ensuing “Chinese tapas-style” banquet. Many reporters “have been going for years, yet still find new dishes”. And despite the odd concern this year about “staff turnover” and a slight “loss of touch”, most are wowed “time after time” by the “amazing” results (“crazily good fun, if you go with an open mind”). “Talk to the owner about the wines too: he knows a lot and is very enthusiastic”.
For 34 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 Hunan?
51 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
Restaurant details
Hunan Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The hits keep coming at this implausible but brilliant place among Belgravia’s antique shops. Everything was delicious, so may courses it is hard to remember them all but magnificent venison and a stunning Tuscan red to go with it from a serious if expensive wine list. Why don’t more restaurants just bring plate after plate of great food without the fuss of menus and decisions? I’ve been before and this time it was better - and friendlier - than ever. "
"Brilliant food, service, wine list and atmosphere. Still feels more under the radar than it should be. An excellent place."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £55.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
51 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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