The first Chinese restaurant to be recognised by Michelin, over two decades later Hakkasan continues to be celebrated for its luxurious Cantonese dishes that are devoured globally. Opening the opulent doors to its Fitzrovia flagship in 2001 on an unassuming street, the brand’s success has since seen it open on the nearby streets of Mayfair, before spreading its wings onto the international circuit.
Reflective of its West End locality, the iconic Hakkasan Hanway Place recently launched a limited edition pre (or post) theatre menu to welcome the arrival of its musical production neighbour; The Devil Wears Prada. Fusing fashion and flavour, the two iconic brands that revel in sophistication allow exclusive access to theatre tickets for diners to watch the show and enjoy a meal tailored to the on-stage story.
With my guest trotting out of Tottenham Court Road Station in her fittingly red heels, zipping past the bright lights of the show at the Dominion Theatre, we dove conveniently nearby onto Hanway Place to give this new fashion-forward Cantonese collaboration a try. Stepping into a smart, low-lit space that embodies the cosmopolitan restaurants of Manhattan (where The Devil Wears Prada novel by Lauren Weisberger is set), we perched at the bar to sample the new cocktails that headline this theatrical menu. Described as ‘devilishly crafted’ in keeping with the theme, the team have used the West End show as their main source of inspiration.
Their resulting concoctions include the ‘That’s All’ consisting of Campari, Vermouth di Torino Rosso 1757, Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, Akashi-Tai umeshu and the ‘It’s Not Just Blue, It’s Cerulean’ – a vibrant blue cocktail made with Courvoisier VSOP, Saicho Darjeeling Sparkling Tea, apple, Blue Curacao, Champagne and Sūpāsawā. If it’s a glass of vino you’re after, you also have the opportunity to upgrade with some Rock Angel, Château d’Esclans, Côtes de Provence Rosé.
A new menu that champions Hakkasan’s signature authentic Cantonese cuisine with contemporary influences, the team champion a menu that illustrate their uniquely interpreted dishes, crafted using traditional techniques and the finest quality ingredients. Small plates to start include a trio of classic steamed dim sum, vegetable spring rolls filled with morel mushrooms, or my favourite (and a classic from Hakkasan) the crispy duck salad that packs a punch with crispy textures and fragrant flavour.
The main courses for this limited-edition menu have been inspired by the iconic ‘Devil’ herself, and include a further line-up of signature crowd-pleasers. Choose from the stir-fried black pepper rib-eye beef with Merlot, a delicate grilled Chilean sea bass in honey and roast chicken in a rich satay sauce. Dessert is a performance; a chocolate and hazelnut bomb finished at the table with a steaming, hot chocolate sauce.
Beyond the menu, diners also have access to Hakkasan’s renowned wine list which has become known as one of the most influential in the industry, consisting of over 300 labels from some of the globe’s leading wineries. Meanwhile priding themselves on crafting desserts which explore classical European techniques and their relationship to the flavours of Chinese cuisine is the team of talented pastry chefs.
With a vibrant atmosphere that is both intriguing and inviting, Hakkasan was originally designed by renowned interior designer Christian Liaigre. Christian’s cool and contemporary design concept has become synonymous with the Hakkasan brand and can be seen across the group’s growing portfolio of restaurants worldwide. Since the opening of the original London restaurants at Hanway Place and Mayfair, international openings include Miami, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Doha, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Dubai, Bodrum, Riyadh, and Istanbul, with Muscat on the cards.
Factbox
Address: Hakkasan Hanway Place, 8 Hanway Place, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1HD
Phone: 020 7927 7000
Website: hakkasan.com
Image credits: Hakkasan
