High-end Chinese restaurant Lu Ban has a loyal following of fans thanks to its contemporary menu from Executive Chef Dave J Critchley and his team.
Clean, modern interiors are all stripped-back tables with minimalistic crockery and chopsticks and the distinctly tonal colour scheme in white, charcoal and black sets the tone for an evening of sophisticated calm.
There are various menus to choose from, depending on the occasion. From vegan banquets through to bottomless brunch, there’s something for everyone and any time of day. For something really special the tasting menus are guided by the chefs, and give you course after course of luxurious Chinese flavours.
You might start with a ‘five flavour’ cucumber salad – a combination of chilli, shitake, ginger and rice vinegar – or traditional steamed buns stuffed with honey roast rare breed pork fillet, cheek and crackling. For traditionalists there is also roast duck and pancakes with a Lu Ban twist. Here you can expect cherry wood roasted duck with orange, plum and hoi sin sauce, served with all the trimmings – cucumber, pancakes, and spring onions.
Little ones are also catered for by way of a dedicated kid’s menu which features fun riffs on classic party food. Think popcorn chicken, bowls of noodles or straw fries as well as lollipops for pudding.
Back to the grown ups, and make sure to leave room for the restaurant’s beautifully presented desserts. Sweet tooths are satisfied by way of creations like their chocolate sphere. Under a shiny dome of white chocolate, you’ll find peanut butter and sesame ice cream with smoked sea salt caramel. Heaven.
Come the weekend there’s a special bottomless brunch where you can enjoy 90 minutes of food and drinks for just £34.50. Noodles, spring rolls, dumplings and roast meats are all present and correct, while drinks to choose from include cocktails, beer, and prosecco.