250-year-old concept, Songhelou, makes international debut in Chinatown London

Shaftesbury Capital has announced that renowned heritage concept, Songhelou, has opened its first-ever restaurant outside of China, in Chinatown London.

Spanning 3,600 sq ft at 22 Wardour Street, across three floors and with 144 covers, Songhelou’s international debut in Chinatown London allows visitors to choose from a range of soup-based noodle dishes, that have been popular in China for centuries. Customers can select from a range of toppings that include Sweet and Sour Squirrel-Shaped Bass, Suzhou-style Braised Pork, Sizzling Eel Slices in oil, and Stir Fried Crab Meat and Roe.

The space itself has been designed to reflect the tranquillity of Suzhou’s water towns, incorporating natural materials such as bamboo, grey stone, and antique copper. The concept was founded in the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, and brings with it an authentic culinary heritage that hails from Jiangnan in Eastern China. Songhelou is officially recognised as a ‘Time-honoured Brand of China’ by the Chinese government and is renowned for its Suzhou-style noodles.

Emma Matus, Head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “Chinatown London is a window to the Far East, a destination to enjoy a collective of cuisines that cannot be found anywhere else outside of East and Southeast Asia. Steeped in history and a staple of China, Songhelou is an exceptional addition to Chinatown London, embodying the traditional experience this destination will always be renowned for.”

Mr Pan, Chairman of Songhelou, added: “As Songhelou’s first steps outside of China since conception in 1757, it was extremely important for us to partner with a location that both appreciated and championed the history and traditions the brand embodies, with a well-informed customer base. Famed for its vibrant and authentic food, drink and culture scene, Chinatown London’s reputation as a home away from home for those from ESEA appealed to us, and we are honoured to take visitors on the culinary journey from the streets of Soho to Jiangnan, delivering an authentic Eastern gastronomic experience.”