Established by the founders of BAO in Soho and Fitzrovia and designed in collaboration with Brady Williams, the 74-cover restaurant is split over two levels and features an emerald tea counter, where diners can experience competition level leaf teas and the theatre of a Tawainese tea brewing ceremony.
Influenced by 1930s Taiwan, the décor includes traditional Xiao Chi house wooden ceiling fans, five-seater pink marble dining bar and a hand-painted ‘Mountains of Taiwan’ mural.
“We are elated XU has opened its debut site in Chinatown, London, and joined our diverse mix of restaurant,” says Julia Wilkinson, Portfolio and Group Restaurant Strategy Executive at Shaftesbury. “The concept’s Taiwanese origins presented as a modern dining experience, reflect our curation of Chinatown London to create a destination that embraces East Asia traditions alongside modern culture.”
The news follows the announcement of Central Cross, a 48,000 square foot mixed-use scheme bordering Chinatown, London and providing a range of new double-height restaurant and retail units across up to three floors; and the recent signings of Thai operator Hot Pot and cult Hong Kong street food concept Bubblewarp on Wardour Street.
