Noodle and Beer Chinatown

Noodle and Beer is both exactly what you’d expect, and then not. The name alone is enough to lure in waves of punters craving fiery noodles and frosty pints, but while the original Spitalfields spot does what it says on the tin, the rebellious younger Chinatown sibling throws a bit of a curveball.

At ground level, it’s all casual cafe vibes, but descend the stairs and you’re suddenly in a mood-lit, red velvet den of noodle-fuelled debauchery. It’s a vibe clearly built with the 3am licence in mind, though it’s a touch disorienting if you’ve just popped in for a quick lunch.

We sink into plush tub armchairs that are perfect for sipping a Pear Martini or Whisky Highball, though not so much for slurping spicy broth. And slurping is unavoidable here. Things get messy, fast. Pro tip: don’t wear white - chilli oil doesn’t forgive.

The menu is short and snappy - starters, rice dishes and a clutch of hearty noodle bowls. Portions are generous. We start with a Sichuan chicken salad drenched in red chilli oil and crushed peanuts. It’s bold, punchy, almost veering into overkill but staying just the right side of the tracks.

If you’re here for noodles (and you should be), the braised beef rib number will no doubt attract your attention. It lands with theatrical flair: a hulking rib perched like a Flintstones centrepiece, sprayed with gold dust. Although it's high on pomp, it’s pretty well executed too: the meat is tender with just enough chew; the noodles pleasingly springy; the sauce deep and rich, if a little oily by the end.

There’s also Bing Fen on the menu - Noodle and Beer claims to be the only place in the UK dishing it up. This cold jelly dessert from Southwest China arrives with unroasted peanuts, sesame seeds and raisins. It’s texturally interesting, but the flavour combo feels a bit off. One of the fruitier versions might hit better.

In the end, Noodle and Beer is great fun, even if the food is a bit of a mixed bag. Upstairs suits a speedy daytime bite, but downstairs? That’s where the real fun starts - preferably post-midnight, cocktail in hand, chopsticks at the ready.

Noodle & Beer brings the bold, addictive flavours of Sichuan cuisine to the heart of London’s Chinatown. Following the popularity of its original Spitalfields site, this second location takes the concept further, pairing high-impact dishes with a lively setting that balances tradition with modern flair.

Set across two floors, the restaurant offers a contrast of spaces. Upstairs, the interior is bright and casual, with mosaic-tiled floors, pale beechwood details and a constant buzz of energy from the open kitchen. Downstairs, the tone shifts to something darker and moodier, with deep red lighting and a sultry atmosphere that lends itself to late-night dining and cocktails. It is here that the restaurant’s cocktail bar comes into its own, serving a tight but creative list of drinks designed to complement the food’s bold spice levels.

The menu is unapologetically flavour-forward. Sichuan pepper, chilli oil and fermented sauces bring depth to every dish, with spice levels clearly labelled. Highlights include the Super King Braised Beef Ribs served over wide, silky blanket noodles, and the Xian Jiao Niu-Rou: dry noodles with spicy beef, peanuts and pickled greens. For a gentler option, the Miso Butter Noodles offer a rich, umami-packed bowl without the heat.

Small plates are designed to share and include Choo-Shou dumplings stuffed with chicken and lotus root, as well as Sichuan-spiced fried chicken wings that pack a punch. The drinks list features carefully chosen beers and cocktails like the Lush Desir Sour and Velvet Heat Highball, both of which are calibrated to cut through the intensity of the dishes.

Open late into the night, Noodle & Beer Chinatown is a destination for both comfort and excitement. Whether you’re in for a quick bite or a long, fiery feast, it delivers on flavour, atmosphere and energy, helping it stand out in a highly competitive part of the capital.