Six exciting things to do for Chinese New Year across the UK
On the 16 February, people around the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year. So if you're looking for an exciting way to join in (without venturing into a very crowded China Town) you're in luck. We reached out to the experts at DesignMyNight to put together a GLAMOUR guide on what to do this Friday across the UK - and there's plenty of delicious food involved.
From lucky lion dances and bottomless bao buns in London, to awe-inspiring cherry blossom décor in Leeds, here are the top spots to welcome the Year of the Dog...
Hutong – London
33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RYIf you’re serious about celebrating Chinese New Year in London, there’s only one place for you: Hutong. Slung up on the 33rd floor of The Shard, scoot to the skies on the 16th for panoramic views and dishes worthy of the Jade Emperor himself. Featuring braised ma la pork ribs with nori and peppercorn, steamed sea bass with spicy garlic sauce, and a sweet New Year’s sticky milk cake to finish, this limited edition menu is more than worth the £88 price tag.
The Dead Dolls House - London
181 Upper St, London N1 1RQThe Dead Dolls House is a one of a kind restaurant nestled away in a grand three-story Victorian townhouse. Home to a ground floor Parlour, a second floor Library and Dining Room, and a third floor Ballroom, you'd swear it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. To celebrate the year of the dog, they've decided to make their bao offering bottomless for a cheap and cheerful £20 on the 16th.
Chinese Cricket Club - London
19 New Bridge St, London EC4V 6DBChinese Cricket Club is one of the best spots for Chinese food in the capital, so it comes as no surprise that they've pulled out all the stops for Chinese New Year. Entertainment will come in the form of a traditional lion dance on the 16th, alongside a menu that fuses modern techniques with authentic Asian flavours. A £38 ticket to their Friday celebration will get you the chef's signature dim sum platter with chicken and spinach dumplings, sautéed scallops with prawns, asparagus and cashew nuts, alongside lots of other plates with a chocolate and red bean Swiss roll with vanilla ice cream for the big finale.
Tattu - Leeds
Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PSTattu is one of the coolest restaurants in Leeds and if you haven’t been yet, take their Chinese New Year menu as an excuse to visit. Available until February 19th, your chopsticks will be flying through everything from truffle egg roll with truffled soy, cucumber and aioli to fiery Szechuan sea bass with chilli, Shaoxing wine and garlic. Leaving the best ‘till last, you’ll be served a zesty orange trifle dessert inspired by the traditional gift of oranges.
Black Dog Ballroom - Manchester
52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PWSeeing as it's the year of the dog, Black Dog Ballroom saw it as their sworn duty to team up with Meat Lust to offer a gluttonous feast to the Manchester masses. There will be four different dishes on their menu - each one guaranteed to make your mouth water - but our favourite has to be the veggie option. It's made with crispy salt and pepper tofu and salad tossed in Chinese BBQ flavour and sesame dressing. The hot dog shitake and ginger stir-fry is just as good though, topped with coriander and Meat Lust BBQ Mop, served with an Asian coleslaw and Green Chilli Mayo.
Crazy Pedro’s - Liverpool
25 Parr St, Liverpool L1 4JNThis year, Crazy Pedro’s are daring diners to ditch dim sum to celebrate Chinese New Year with their limited edition pizza, We Will Wok You. Visit this pizza parlour/late night bar anytime during February and get ready for slices topped with sweet ’n’ sour pulled pork, spring onions, bean sprouts, fresh chillies and a fistful of crushed prawn crackers. Yes, the toppings might be a little bizarre, but you’ll be begging them to make it a permanent fixture once it’s taken off the menu.
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