Bó Drake, the much-anticipated restaurant and bar from chef and restaurateur Jan Lee will officially open to the public on Greek Street in Soho at 6pm on Thursday 12th February.
The menu at Bó Drake draws on Jan’s childhood growing up in his families’ Chinese restaurants in Berwick on the Scottish Borders, where fresh quality British produce was plentiful; as well as his extensive food travels throughout East Asia, Europe and the US, and his family’s homeland in Hong Kong.
Jan’s wife Jae, originally from Seoul, Korea, has also been a large influence in the menu, décor and vibe at Bó Drake, and was the original inspiration for the restaurant. All of this has led Jan to develop a varied cross-cultural menu, alongside Californian/Mexican Head Chef Heath McDonald.
Bó Drake accommodates up to 60 guests, comprising a seated bar area for up to 18 people as well as low-level tables to the front of the restaurant and an intimate dining area to the rear comfortably seating up to 20. The interior, designed by Jan and Jae with Hexagon Construction, is stripped back and minimal, with personal touches from Jan and Jae’s travels evident.
“My childhood revolved around food. I grew up in my parent’s kitchen and Chinese restaurants on the Scottish borders and by the North Sea where we had access to amazing fresh produce every day,” says Jan. “We took regular trips to my families’ motherland in Hong Kong where I was introduced to the world of street food vans on the roadside. I then met my wife Jae who is originally from South Korea and she introduced me to the life changing, fiery Korean cuisine and the idea for Bó Drake was born. All of this experience has shaped the foundations for our first London restaurant, which we hope will be an exciting and welcome addition to the London dining scene.”
Bó Drake will open for dinner service only for the first month at 6pm on Thursday 12th February on Greek Street
