A night out in Chinatown is a must on any chic Londoners To Do List, and Noodle & Beer is the perfect venue for a bouji evening where the vibes, décor, food and cocktails are all on point.
Founded by Xiaoxiao Wang, a Chinese foodie raised in the restaurant industry, the concept germinated from the owner’s love for Chongqing Xiaomian, a bowl of noodles flavoured with ginger, sesame, chilli and preserved Sichuan pickles that embodies the spirit of the Sichuan and Chongqing provinces.
Noodle & Beer opened on Bell Lane, E1 in November 2019, offering laidback stylish dining, whether guests wanted a romantic meal or a long overdue dinner with friends. After becoming the toast of Spitalfields and surviving the tempestuous Covid years, a second Wardour Street branch opened in March to huge queues and the fizz of excitement.
A small but perfectly formed space, the upstairs dining area features bar seating, orb style light fixtures, crisp white curtains and sleek tables that combine to give the feel of a modern city eatery. But it’s the bold red basement that really gets guests talking. If there’s a better place to stare deeply into someone’s eyes while indulging in delicious food and cocktails, we’re yet to discover it.
And it’s not just the décor that brings the drama – the food is a feast for the senses. Indulge in seasonal specials which, while we dined, included sumptuous Sliced Beef with Garlicky Chilli Sauce and crisp yet fiery Wasabi Prawns.
You can’t visit Noodle & Beer without indulging in a bowl of deliciously unctuous noodles and the Miso and Butter Dry Noodles are some of the best we have ever eaten. Thick, soft handmade noodles, topped with a sauce of chickpea miso, Szechuan burnt butter and perfectly caramelised cabbage. If you’re planning to share an array of dishes with friends, be sure to order two portions so no fights break out.
The Choo-Shou dumplings are another stand-out small bite, packed with minced chicken filling and delicious when dipped in the accompanying spicy peanut sauce.
The restaurant is known for its Super King Braised Beef Ribs with Blanket Noodles which comes with a spritz of gold for added drama. Your server slices the rib tableside to make it a real main event. If you prefer your noodles with a broth, the Xia-Xia Mian house special soup noodles are packed with king prawns, fish balls, tofu, bok choi and coriander for a fresh, comforting bowlful of joy. Rice dishes are also available and the Ma-Po Tofu with Minced Beef Flank Rice is a spicy signature you’ll love.
It wouldn’t be Noodle & Beer without sampling a pint of the House Lager or grabbing a bottle of Sapporo, Asahi or Tsingtao to provide a refreshing complement to the spicy dishes on offer. Alternatively, the Signature Cocktails have an exotic Chinese twist. The Whisky Highball is flavoured with coconut and the Martini celebrates delicate pear and sandalwood. Soft drink specials take the form of a variety of teas, including Homemade Thai Milk Tea and Watermelon Grapefruit Tea as well as coolers flavoured with lychee or coconut and pineapple.
Finish your meal with traditional Chinese Bingfen, a delicious jelly that’s a light and cooling way to end a truly authentic dining experience.
Opulence abound at this dining spot that backs style with gourmet substance. We can’t wait to go
27 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PR
