London’s iconic Japanese food shop has a new flagship in Leicester Square
LONDON: Mei Ume is now at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, incorporating both Chinese and Japanese dishes into its menu of Asian flavours. The restaurant has a live sushi station and serves small plates such as Shanghai braised pork ribs and dim sum, alongside larger standout dishes including whole Peking duck and Wagyu beef from Kagoshima.

Chopsticks at the ready!
London is getting more Asian food courts. Bang Bang Oriental opened in North London – a sprawling venue with a pan-Asian Street Food Market vibe, celebrating Asia’s vibrant culture with 33 individual kiosks under one roof, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Malaysian cuisine.
The Japan Centre – London’s iconic Japanese food shop established in the 1970s – is opening a new flagship food hall on Panton Street by Leicester Square. Its large dining hall will be surrounded by open kitchens.
A new Japanese-inspired fast food joint with a cheeky name has arrived on Soho’s Wardour Street. Ichi Buns are unique Asian-style burgers brought to you by Alan Yau – the man behind popular restaurant chains Wagamama and Busaba. Choices include a panko meatball burger and ‘Hokkaido’: two grilled patties, red onions, shiitake mushrooms and blue cheese fondue. Or, you can opt for ramen and spring rolls – but these aren’t your average spring rolls. These are cheeseburger spring rolls.
US-based ‘Asian Table’ casual dining chain P. F. Changs arriving Covent Garden The affordable menu is inspired by street food and Asian flavours
Se is a tea house, bar and delicatessen from drinks expert Richard Hunt has opened in Stoke Newington. It specialises in apéritifs, globally-inspired cocktails and fine teas, and food inspired by Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Address: 4a Brooke Road, Stoke Newington, North London, N16 7LS