Review on The Duck and Rice
The Duck and Rice located in the heart of Soho is the latest venture from London based restaurateur Alan Yau OBE, who is famed from founding and subsequently selling, both the Wagamama and Busaba Eathai chains, as well as Hakkasan and Yauatcha, which is just next door. Occupying the premises of the Endurance a traditional old English pub, it has undergone a stylish makeover by Istanbul based Autoban design studio. The new Chinese gastropub is now the jewel in Berwick Street with its stunning frontage of opaque and transparent glass, divided by aluminium strips, creating a dazzling modern stained glass effect.
Spread over two floors the ground floor operates as a watering hole as well as serving bar snacks. There's brass taps dispensing London Pride and St Austell's Tribute and four bright shiny copper tanks of unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell, delivered weekly from the Czech Republic. The splendid dining room is situated on the first floor, accessed by a dramatic spiral cast iron staircase, it features bespoke furniture of banquettes and richly veined marble tabletops wrapped in a sinuous oak shell with aged brass bases. Paying tribute to the iconic blue and white porcelain glaze first used during the Tang Dynasty, large white tiles with beautiful blue floral motifs cover the walls, as well as sections of the ceiling. When the weather is warm the windows slide open so guests can take in the hustle and bustle of Berwick Street below.
Typical offerings on the carte include steamed diver scallop or maybe salt and pepper squid, while carnivores might opt for grilled Iberico Jamon, Sierra di Jabugo or dim sum of chicken feet. When it comes to main dishes there's plenty to choose from including crispy aromatic duck, Malaysian chicken curry or organic salmon and black bean sauce. To finish with something sweet there's warm tofu pudding with ginger syrup or a refreshing papaya with vanilla ice cream.
Duck and Rice offer a carefully compiled wine list to complement the food as well as a large selection of beers, together with Asian inspired cocktails.
The Duck and Rice is also featured in: Hardens
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Chinese / Gastro pub
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm
Dinner: 5.30 - 11.30pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card