Gordon Ramsay’s Asian Eating House Drops ‘Authentic’ and ‘Vibrant’ Tags

Today, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group has confirmed that the celebrity chef’s much-publicised “Asian eating house,” Lucky Cat, will open on Monday 24 June. Bookings are open as of today, Thursday 23 May.

Notable from press materials and information online, the restaurant — which when first announced, was referred to as an “authentic Asian eating house.” Following criticism from some quarters, it seemed the word “authentic” was ditched, with a subtle rebranding, it became Ramsay’s “vibrant Asian eating house.” Now, it is simply an “Asian eating house.”

The restaurant, located in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair marks Gordon Ramsay’s first London opening since 2014. It replaces Maze, Ramsay and Jason Atherton’s 14-year-old small plate, also East Asian-influenced fine-dining hotspot, which announced £3.8 million losses in the autumn of 2018.

Head chef Ben Orpwood’s menu, which while leaning heavily into an Asian small plates narrative, is actually almost exclusively Japanese. Indeed, a section is dedicated to Robata-grilled dishes; another to sushi and sashimi. With raw fish, plenty of citrus, expensive cuts of seared meat, and cocktails using spirits from the Far East, Lucky Cat looks to be borrowing the template which has made the likes of Zuma, Roka, and Sexy Fish so popular among a monied clientele in wealthy west London environs. It also announced that the bar will “offer a superb selection of Japanese gins and over 50 sakes, alongside wine, beer and whisky.”

Lucky Cat [Official Photo]

Design studio AfroditiKrassa, famous for designing The Fat Duck and Dishoom sites, has reimagined a space that had become dated and stale as Maze. Apparently diners can expect “to be taken on an experiential journey from the moment they arrive.” Each table promises an “exciting perspective,” at one of two chef’s tables, “where guests can choose from a bespoke, handwritten, seasonal menu and enjoy the theatre of watching expert chefs at work.” Or, alternatively, The Raw Bar where customers can order...sushi and sashimi.

More soon.