Ping Pong James Street

When the first Ping Pong launched on Great Marlborough Street, it was something of a revelation. Decent dim sum was suddenly available outside of lunchtime, in stylish surroundings, & with great cocktails to boot. Nowadays, the slick interiors & killer drinks remain, but the culinary standards are inconsistent at best. When on song, it’s a fun place with dates or mates: the 60-strong, ‘pick & tick’ disposable menu even has boxes so you can alert staff to a celebration or the need for privacy. Traditional dim sum is the order of the day, from doughy buns stuffed with char sui pork to steamed seafood shu mai & hoisin vegetable puffs. It’s just a shame that dishes often lack finesse, with too-thick pastry & under-seasoning regularly cited as criticisms. Service can also be brusque. Perhaps there should be a box saying ‘could do better’?