Billed as a “cultural and social destination for people who have an active appreciation for the arts” Duddell’s certainly delivers on its promise of providing a stylishly relaxed place for enjoying creative ideas and a contemporary art programme, including lectures, talks and exhibitions. It’s certainly an elegant setting where afficionados mingle with star-struck wannabes and a few overdressed ladies-who-lunch, while toying with their Michelin-starred dishes and knocking back a glass or two of steely Assyrtiko or well-crafted Ruinart.
Nothing is done by halves and the tasting menu is predictably a thing of beauty, continually changing with what's in season. An appetiser selection of honey-glazed barbecued pork, deep-fried Bombay duck or marinated fungus in a vegetable broth can by married with what they call their Asian, adventurous, signature or non-alcoholic pairings – read sparkling saké for adventurous and Krug for signature. Elsewhere don't miss signature spring rolls or pork and shrimp dumplings with scallops and caviar. Equally fine dim sum comes at a more manageable cost and is freshly prepared for each customer.
Come the weekend, brunch here is an institution. Soft drinks and juices are offered, but equally free-flow Veuve Clicquot and cocktails like Espresso Martini or Bloody Mary are popular options, and not bad value either.