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 well-attired connoisseurs can mingle with star-struck wannabes, while toying with well-cooked, Michelin-starred dishes and knocking back a glass of, say, beautifully crafted Ruinart or steely Assyrtiko.
Nothing is done by halves and the tasting menu is predictably an ever-changing thing of beauty. 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.