A stark, utilitarian dining room near Old Street serving authentically fiery Sichuan drama to bankers and spice-seekers.
Ordering Strategy
The Grilled Fish is a communal event requiring commitment; order with extra sides like sweet potato vermicelli and black ear fungus to soak up the numbing liquor.
What to order
Grilled Fish Special
Jay Rayner calls this 'a masterpiece' and 'a drama full of character.' Served in a deep dish submerged in a 'liquor the colour of a 2p piece,' it triggers a total physiological response with numbing Sichuan peppercorns that make lips 'vibrate and fizz.'
Red Braised Pork
Described as 'uncommonly lovely,' this classic features 'tender and umami cubes of swine flesh' with 'soft, jelly-like layers of belly fat' served in a rich, sticky sauce.
Hand-Torn Aubergine
This chilled starter is praised for its 'buttery fleshiness' and its contrast of 'invigorating acidity' provided by a 'bright and sharp vinegary sauce.'
Salad of Black Ear Fungus
A 'brisk wake-up' of a dish dressed with chilli, vinegar, sesame oil, and soy that critics say 'swiftly starts the appetite’s engine.'
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: Jay Rayner (90%)
Editorial Weight 57 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 8 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 8 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 14 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
1 Elite · 1 Editorial · 4 total signals
Public signal
4.7★ (2,400 reviews)
Good to know
The chef, Zhang Xiao Zhong, formerly cooked at Bar Shu and Hutong. The decor is functional and simple.
Locations
Trust signals
- ○Not yet visited
- mediumConfidence level
More Sichuan in London
- Panda's Kitchen££88· Angel
- Sichuan PoPo££79· Earl's Court
- Chilli Cool£79· King's Cross
- Jincheng Alley££77· St Giles
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