If you haven't heard of the Bright Courtyard Club, where have you been? This Mayfair stalwart opened back in 2010, but is part of the Shanghai Life Fashion Group whose first venue opened in 1997 and now runs various hospitality venues in East Asia focused on a concept of style, innovation and quality.
The London branch has a prime spot in the landmark building 55 Baker Street, in one of the capital's busiest areas. Here, you'll find a contemporary Chinese restaurant that's rooted in tradition, serving Cantonese cuisine such as dim sum, in a classically 'grazing-style' environment. The design of the restaurant brings together the past and present with contemporary installations and a minimalist feel, as well as traditional artworks.
The food offering spans several menus, starting with the extensive and varied a la carte. Expect appetisers of dim sum with spicy jelly fish, mini spare ribs Shanghai-style and fresh Scottish diver-caught scallops. Next up, is entrees with a selection such as golden squid in salty egg yolk, Wasabi king prawns and salt and pepper asparagus.
For mains, there's an impressive selection of seafood including lobster which can be served wok-braised with ginger and spring onions, oven-baked with butter and cheese or steamed with Chinese wine. Similarly, the fish selection spans baked Chilean sea bass in blackpepper sauce, braised hairtail rainbow fish and filleted dover sole, amongst much more. Within the meat section, we particularly like the sound of grandma's braised pork belly and ‘Kung Pao’ chicken with Cashew nuts.
Whether planning to enjoy a couple of snacks and premium cocktails before your meal, or simply looking for somewhere to relax, socialise and have a light bite, the lounge is an ideal spot for bringing friends or colleagues. Nibbles include the likes of chilled barbecued cuttlefish and the dim sum basket, while the cocktails sound utterly delicious. On the signature cocktail list you'll find, for example, the Alice in Wonderland, with muddled slices of fresh pineapple, pear and cardamon pods with wyborowa vodka, sprinkled with muscavado sugar, which we'd wager is worth a try.