Chinese New Year 2017: Where to see in the year of the rooster
Now that the monkey business of 2016 is officially over, it’s time to ring in the year of the rooster. Leighanne Bent finds the four best places to celebrate Chinese New Year this month
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We’re approaching mid-January, which means the time to wave bon voyage to the year of the monkey and welcome in the zodiac’s 11th animal, the rooster, is almost here. From traditional lion dances to special three-course meals and themed cocktails, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in London.
Chinese New Year Feast and Lion Dance Troupe
Chinese Cricket Club’s New Year celebration might be happening one day ahead of schedule, but don’t let that put you off. Their £35 three-course feast is an absolute must with dishes like sesame jellyfish salad and pak choi with wild mushrooms starring on the menu. The venue’s executive chef, Ken Wang, put a real focus on the authentic characteristic of Sichuan pepper when bringing everything together; so, prepare your palate for some powerful flavours. Arrive here in plenty of time on the 27th – the theatrical lion dance starts at 7pm and it’s going to be one of the major highlights of the evening.
Chinese New Year at Ping Pong
Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days in China and Ping Pong in Covent Garden have the same precious party plans in mind. They will have a range of entertainment and activities stretching from 28 January to 12 February, but venture down here on the 28th for entertainment from an elegant fan dancer between 6.30pm – 8.30pm and talented magicians from 7pm to 9pm. Fill yourself with the venue’s dim sum specials and, while you’re at it, wash everything down with their specially-themed Fire Rooster cocktail. It’s made with Bacardi Fuego, blood orange liqueur, yuzu and karma tea all shaken with a homemade spicy-vanilla syrup.
Chinese New Year at Hutong
Chinese New Year with a view? You’ll find it at Hutong. Perched on the 33rd floor of the Shard, head here on the 28th January for picturesque views of London’s skyline and a specially put together four-course meal. Each course promises to bring plenty of flavour to the table and you can expect a range of dishes to tickle your palate; from raw seafood salad with sweet plum sauce to Shanghai wonton in chicken broth. In honour of tradition, a lion dance will feature on the night to help ward off evil spirits. Keeping in with China’s lucky number, the menu will set you back £88.
For more info on what’s on in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight
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