Located on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, it offers the highest culinary experience in the capital.
What makes a restaurant a dining destination? How about a celebrity chef, blockbuster views and return-worthy food? British chef Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat in 22 Bishopsgate has all of that – and more. FACT visited the Asian-inspired restaurant during the opening week. While it could easily have been a white tablecloth wonder, it is plush, playful and packed with personality. Welcome to London's latest dining destination.
Gordon hails from Johnstone in Scotland. He has restaurants across the world in Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and more. He is famous for his cocky and controversial personality in TV shows ranging from Hell's Kitchen to The F Word. Profanity aside, he is an award-winning chef and his restaurants currently hold seven MICHELIN Stars.
22 Bishopsgate will also welcome the 12-seat chef's table Gordon Ramsay – High and Bread Street Kitchen. Gordon explained: "This is more than just a new opening, it's a significant milestone. We're not only launching the highest culinary experiences in London but also creating a vibrant culinary hub at the incredible 22 Bishopsgate. I'm so proud of the hard work from our teams. I cannot wait to share this unique dining experience with our guests."
Lucky Cat made its first incarnation in London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. It hit the headlines and was accused of cultural appropriation. The original claimed to offer an "authentic Asian" experience – which has now been amended – and the new restaurant claims to offer an "Asian-inspired" experience. Britain has a history of reinterpreting dishes – Chicken Tikka Masala was inspired by India, created in Glasgow and hailed the national dish by Labour politician, Robin Cooke – and it feels like Gordon is following in these multicultural footsteps.
Lucky Cat knows how to make an entrance. Once you've passed the airport-style security and ear-popping lifts, you are rewarded with wow-worthy views. Thanks to its prime position and not-so-high, not-so-low view, which would make Goldilocks grin, it offers a rarely seen angle of London. Sights include The Shard, Tower Bridge, the curves of the River Thames, loos with a view, and a waving cat. We dare you not to take a picture.
Lucky Cat is celebration-ready and opened near Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. While we didn't see Chinese diners, there were Chinese chefs in the open kitchen. The crowd ranged from canoodling couples to financial workers. By 8pm, the DJ was spinning tunes, and every seat in the bar and restaurant was full. Note: dinner tables are reserved for 90 minutes.
The menu combines street food staples with MICHELIN-worthy dishes. The dishes are spectacular for sharing. The menu spans snacks, raw, caviar, oysters, sashimi, nigiri, maki, salad, tempura, dumplings, bao, meat, wagyu, fish, and vegetables, rice and noodles.
Starters included Baby Squid, which was a surprising success. The fish was oh-so-fresh and fluffy. The Spicy Tuna maki rolls came with cucumber and gochujang, and Wagyu Gyoza showcased a rich beef flavour.
No trip to Lucky Cat is complete without ordering the GFC, which confidently stands for Gordon's Fried Chicken, naturally. The chicken soaked up the flavour and had a subtle spice and sweetness. The Bonito Fried Dug Leg Bao added some tableside theatrics – the crispy duck was shredded at the table, and we were encouraged to build our own embossed buns with lettuce and sauce. The Butterflied Sea Bream came with a dazzling dressing of black vinegar and shiso. And, the desserts combine Asian and European influences, and range from Chocolate and Cherry Blossom Delice to Mandarin Panna Cotta.
The staff were fun and friendly, but the service was on the slow side. We ate dessert in the lounge, as it took 15 minutes for the dessert menu, and another 15 minutes for a waiter. Since it had only opened and we could gaze at the heavenly St Paul's Cathedral while we waited, it was hardly a sin.
Lucky Cat's bar staff boasted an infectious passion. Local competitors have already praised the place, and we can see why. Classic creations range from the Gohan Old Fashioned to the Okinawa Margarita. Creative creations range from Nakatomi Plaza, which is a nod to Die Hard, to the Lucky Cat Negroni, which is served in style. We rolled a dice, and different numbers correlated with different blends. Plus, there is a Cocktail Masterclass, where you can learn from the experts.
Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate brings together elevated dining, drinking and a dramatic destination. And, as for Gordon, he has well and truly hit new heights.
GO: Visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com for more information.