Gordon Ramsay’s latest Lucky Cat outpost has been much lauded as having the best view in the city. Sitting resplendent on the 60th floor of London’s tallest building - 22 Bishopsgate - the February opening certainly gives the likes of Sushisamba and Duck & Waffle a run for their money in terms of the view, but is it worth it?
It’s a dazzling space; guests enter past the private dining room which undoubtedly has the wow factor, into the main bar and restaurant space that’s certainly a great spot for cocktails if you’re out to impress your date.the fourth location of Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is also home to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, a 12-seat chef’s table experience, and the Gordon Ramsay Academy powered by HexClad, where guests can learn the sharpest kitchen techniques while taking in unparalleled vistas of the London skyline.
The view of course is the star of the show, a panoramic spectacular of London’s most iconic sights, it’s easy to spend an evening just watching from above; but of course let’s not forget about the food. The Lucky Cat concept offers a unique Asian dining experience with over 30 new dishes on the menu, including Soft Shell Crab Maki, Uni Toast, and 'The World of Wagyu' with prime cuts from around the globe. Guests can also enjoy reimagined favourites like the GFC, Baby Squid, and Grilled Miso Salmon, while the interactive experience allows diners to watch chefs at the open sushi bar or enjoy the guest-facing hot kitchen. For a quick bite, the express lunch menu is the perfect option for power-hour lunch meetings, offering three courses for £35 and for those wanting to make the most of their weekends, a free-flowing brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
We tucked into a feast, kicking off with the tangy Kyoto cucumbers with sesame dressing and a dish of crisp baby squid, finished with salt and vinegar, shichimi and Szechuan. Wagyu maki with yuzu mustard were richly delicious, despite being but one delicate mouthful. Sweet and sour tempura prawns were perfectly tangy while the bonito fried duck leg bad, crisply shredded at the table, were a highlight. Don’t miss the impeccable wagyu gyoza, dangerously moreish. The iberico pork chop with saikyo miso, kimchi pickled gem and mustard seeds was tasty and the grilled miso salmon with wasabi miso, burnt orange melt-in-the-mouth, but neither had the particular wow factor, though the miso aubergine side with gochujang and sesame provided a further flavour hit. The pudding of hokkaido french toast with banana, beer and yeast ice cream was a hit however, sweet brioche style bread with caramelised banana and a pleasing umami hit from the ice cream.
The Taste of Lucky Cat tasting menus (from £80-£125 per person) offer a spread of the menu’s highlights and you will certainly leave with a tighter waistband. It’s no secret you’re paying in part for the name and the view; the menu sure has some hits, and some elements you’d find as good in Chinatown, but for a special supper in the sky that will live you with something to talk about, it’s definitely one to add to the diary.
gordonramsayrestaurants.com/22-bishopsgate-restaurants
