Chongqing noodle queens Charlene Liu and Liu Qian have opened the third branch of their cult brand Liu Xiaomian, inside new Czech-beer specialist pub The Stranded, opposite Charing Cross station.
The duo have attracted a devoted fan base for their good-value wheat noodles (xiaomian), glass noodles and wontons served with ultra-spicy meat or vegan toppings that are described in the 2025 Harden’s guide as “from nuclear grade down to wimp”.
Having started out operating supper clubs, they now have a long-term residency at the Jackalope pub in Marylebone and a standalone venue in Kingly Court, off Regent Street in Soho.
Meanwhile another growing Chinese operation, the Taiwanese Mr Bao group based in Peckham, has opened its first Cantonese-inspired venue, Wonton Charlie’s in London Fields. The 18-seat, no-booking restaurant joins Mr Bao spinoffs Daddy Bao in Tooting and Master Bao in both Stratford and Shepherd’s Bush Westfields.
