Bloomsbury, Chinese Restaurant Guide

“Exceptional, hand-pulled biang biang noodles” are the star turn at this “no-frills diner” near Russell Square, where an “unprepossessing” exterior gains access to a menu of “subtle, interesting and authentic regional Xi’an cuisine”. “The prices are very reasonable for the West End.” Proprietor Wei Guirong also runs Xi’an Impression near Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

“Still making an impact” – this blingy brand broke the mould when the “dark” and nightclubby Hanway Place branch debuted in 2001, and, for its army of fans, it “still sets the standard for modern Chinese cuisine”, enhanced by the “extremely lively” atmosphere, which is buoyed along by “ordering one of their many delicious cocktails that leave you in a blissful haze”. Nowadays the cornerstone of an international group with 18 branches across the globe, it’s evidently no longer as cutting-edge as once it was, and ratings slipped a little further this year on gripes that it can seem “so overpriced”. All things considered, though, it retains an impressive level of support.

2021 Review: “Great food at a good price” continues to win acclaim for the Deptford branch of this Sichuanese duo, whose chilli-hot and numbing cuisine makes it one of SE8’s brighter culinary sparks. No feedback in the last survey on its less noteworthy Goodge Street branch.

2019 Review: Vietnam meets Japan at this “buzzy” outfit in an “attractive townhouse off Charlotte Street” in Fitzrovia. Chef Ian Pengelly’s “delicious and mostly authentic food” combines with “attentive service” for “a wonderful experience that’s hard not to enjoy”.

“A basic restaurant with many fiery dishes” – this student-friendly canteen in Bloomsbury is known for its good prices and lip-tingling Sichuan noodle dishes.

The largest deployment of video screens in the world will make it hard to ignore The Now Building – a new landmark venue, near Centrepoint – and its anchor restaurant will be this first London branch of the well-known northern chain, which provides a contemporary and extremely glossy Chinese experience that promises ‘a sensory journey from East to West’. In short, probably not a particularly foodie hotspot, but somewhere to go with Instagram at the ready.